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RKI GX-6000

How to set up the RKI GX-6000 sensor

Below you'll see the step by step process for setting up the RKI GX-6000 as well as tips for troubleshooting and understanding model specific features. Check out guides on how to physically set up your Thiamis, and how to add a sensor in Environet.

Setup Instructions:

  1. Connect power to the Thiamis. There are two options:

    • Connect a 12V power supply to the 3-pole Euroblock connector

    • Connect a 5V power supply to either of the USB ports

  2. Connect the Continuous Operation Adapter to the GX-6000.

  3. Set the GX-6000 Real-Time Streaming mode.

  4. Connect the IrDA reader for Real-Time Data Streaming to the GX-6000, and connect the USB from the IrDA reader to the USB port on the Thiamis.

  5. Use Environet to pair the GM460 with the Thiamis: Adding and Configuring Sensors

More detailed instructions for each step are below.

Smart Sensor Installation

Check the sensors are installed in the positions and configure accordingly. The diagram below shows the smart sensor positions, located on the left side of the device.

For example if an NO2 sensor is the installed in smart sensor position 1 slot then configure it for the OP1 channel on your sensor settings on the edit page for your connected Thiamis. Note: the OP1 and OP2 channels will only be configurable when this sensor is a Thiamis, and will be visible on the Sensor Configuration section of the Thiamis Configuration page. To find out more about these settings, please visit the article Adding and Configuring Sensors.

There is a priority for which smart sensors should be installed in Smart Sensor 1 Position. The table below goes from 1 (highest priority) to 7 (lowest priority). Please consider this when installing Smart Sensors.

PRIORITY

SMART SENSOR

1 (High Priority)

10.6 eV low range PID

2

10.0 eV/benzene PID

3

11.7 eV PID

4

10.6 eV high range PID

5

ESS-03 Chlorine

6

ESS-03 Ammonia

7 (Low Priority)

IR and other ESS-03 sensors

Continuous Operation Adapter Supplement

The RKI continuous operation adapter for the GX-6000 allows the instrument to operate for extended periods. With the continuous operation adapter, the GX-6000 can draw power from an AC outlet instead of from alkaline batteries or a rechargeable battery pack.

The GX-6000 draws 0.15 mA max at 24 VDC.

Setting up the Continuous Operation Adapter

  1. Plug the AC power supply into a wall socket.

  2. Install the continuous operation adapter pack onto the GX-6000 if it is not already installed.

  3. Plug the jack from the AC power supply into the socket from the continuous operation adapter.

  4. Turn on the GX-6000 using the POWER/ENTER button.

Special Considerations

  • The GX-6000 is intended for intermittent daily use. Operating the instrument continuously will result in increased pump wear and decreased pump life. A pump used for continuous operation will typically only last 6 months. If the GX-6000 is used with the continuous operation adapter, pump failure will not be covered under manufacturer's warranty.

  • There are no TWA alarms for any channel.

  • Installation of the continuous operation adapter voids the intrinsic safety of the GX6000 making it unsuitable for use in a hazardous location. If you need to monitor a hazardous location, an alkaline pack (RKI part number 49-1620) or a rechargeable Li-ion pack (RKI part number 49-1619) must be used instead.

Real-Time Streaming Mode

Ensure real time data function mode is on when connecting to a Thiamis. With STREAMING MODE set to ON, the GX-6000 streams real-time data from the IrDA port. Contact RKI Instruments, Inc. to obtain document 71-0486 and to get more information about Streaming Mode. With STREAMING MODE set to OFF (factory setting), the GX-6000 does not stream real-time data from the IrDA port

NOTE: When the GX-6000 has its real-time streaming mode enabled, it will not log data onto its internal memory!

  1. From the main menu, place the cursor next to STREAMING MODE.

  2. Press and release POWER/ENTER. The Streaming Mode Screen appears.

  3. Use ▲ AIR or SHIFT ▼ (PANIC) to display the desired setting.

  4. Press and release POWER/ENTER to save the setting and return to the main menu​

Installing the IrDA reader for Real-Time Data Streaming

An infrared (IR) communications port is located on the front of the GX-6000, below the POWER/ ENTER button. The data transmitted through the port is in standard IrDA protocol. A USB cable connected to the USB port on a Thiamis can be used to transmit data in real-time to Environet.

NOTE: The images in this guide show the TSI GM460. The setup process is identical for the RKI GX-6000. The images also show an older Thiamis, but the setup is the same for modern Thiamis devices. The only difference is that all USB-A ports have been replaced with USB-C ports on the modern devices.

IrDA Installation Instructions

  1. Install the Velcro strap over the rubber boot.
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    ​

  2. Attach the adhesive-backed Velcro piece to the IrDA reader and place it on the front of the GX-6000.
    ​Note: Ensure the black “eye” of the reader aligns with the GX-6000’s IR port!
    ​


    ​

  3. Connect the provided USB cable to the Thiamis.
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  4. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the IrDA reader.
    ​


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  5. Refer to the GX-6000 manual for operation instructions and specifications.
    ​

  6. Reapply power to the instrument and turn on the GX-6000 using its POWER/ENTER button. (It does not power on automatically.)
    ​Note: Be sure that real-time streaming mode is enabled.
    ​

  7. Use Environet to pair the GX-6000 with the Thiamis: Adding and Configuring Sensors

Interference

The following material comes from the GX-6000 manual: appedix D-2, about interference between gases.

Although the GX-6000 can support up to two ESS-03 sensors, many combinations are impractical for various reasons including sensor cross sensitivity to other gases.

The table below indicates some of the gases that will cause an increased gas reading for the affected sensor. For example, if you are attempting to detect HCN but H₂ is also present, the instrument’s HCN reading will be higher than the environment’s actual HCN level.

Table 18: Postitive Interference

Sensor

Affected By

Cl₂

HCl
SO₂

HCN

H₂

SO₂

SO₂

H₂

The table below indicates some of the gases that will cause a negative response and a decreased reading for the affected sensor. For example, if you are attempting to detect SO₂ but NO₂ is also present, the instrument’s SO₂ reading will be lower than the environment’s actual SO₂ level.

Table 19: Negative Interference

Sensor

Affected By

Cl₂

H₂S
​NOTE: Cl₂ sensors exposed to H₂S will have their responses suppressed even after exposure. The suppression’s amount and duration depend on how much H₂S the sensor is exposed to and for how long. For example, exposure to 25 ppm of H₂S for 3 minutes can suppress the Cl₂ response by 50% for several hours.

HCN

NO₂

NH₃

HCl

NO₂

NO₂

CO
SO₂

PH₃

NO₂

SO₂

NO₂

Errors

If the GX-6000 is not reporting, check the Thiamis configuration page for any listed Errors. Errors can be found in Sensor Configuration section of the Thiamis Configuration Page, and will be highlighted in RED.

Timeout Error

A timeout occurs when the GX-6000 has not responded to the requests made by the Thiamis and has timed out. It will continue to attempt communication but you can run through the general Troubleshooting Sensors steps to address common problems.

Sensor Manufacturer Support Materials

For further guidance, and more model-specific information, please refer to the associated product manuals, provided by the manufacturers.

Product Page: RKI GX-6000

GX-6000 Quick Reference: Quick Reference Card

Manual: RKI GX-6000 Operator's Manual

Single Sensor Model: RKI GX-6000 Single Sensor PID Model - Operator's Manual

Continuous Adapter Guide: Continuous Operation Adapter Supplement

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