GX-2009

Portable Gas Monitor

Operator’s Manual

Part Number: 71-0158RK

Revision: M
Released: 8/22/17

www.rkiinstruments.com
 WARNING

Read and understand this instruction manual

before operating instrument. Improper use of
the gas monitor could result in bodily harm
or death.

Periodic calibration and maintenance of the

gas monitor is essential for proper operation
and correct readings. Please calibrate and
maintain this instrument regularly!
Frequency of calibration depends upon the
type of use you have and the sensor types.
Typical calibration frequencies for most
applications are between 1 and 3 months, but
can be required more often or less often
based on your usage.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

Warranty
RKI Instruments, Inc. warrants the GX-2009 sold by us to be free from
defects in materials, workmanship, and performance for a period of two
years from the date of shipment from RKI Instruments, Inc. This includes
the instrument and the original sensors. Replacement parts are warranted
for 1 year from the date of their shipment from RKI Instruments, Inc except
for sensors which are warranted for 2 years. Any parts found defective
within their warranty period will be repaired or replaced, at our option, free
of charge. This warranty does not apply to those items which by their
nature are subject to deterioration or consumption in normal service, and
which must be cleaned, repaired, or replaced on a routine basis. Examples
of such items are:

Absorbent cartridges
Filter elements, disks, or sheets
Pump diaphragms and valves

Warranty is voided by abuse including mechanical damage, alteration,

rough handling, or repair procedures not in accordance with the instruction
manual. This warranty indicates the full extent of our liability, and we are
not responsible for removal or replacement costs, local repair costs,
transportation costs, or contingent expenses incurred without our prior
approval.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES
AND REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS
OR LIABILITIES ON THE PART OF RKI INSTRUMENTS, INC. INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL RKI INSTRUMENTS, INC. BE LIABLE
FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND
CONNECTED WITH THE USE OF ITS PRODUCTS OR FAILURE OF ITS PRODUCTS TO
FUNCTION OR OPERATE PROPERLY.

This warranty covers instruments and parts sold to users only by

authorized distributors, dealers, and representatives as appointed by RKI
Instruments, Inc.
We do not assume indemnification for any accident or damage caused by
the operation of this gas monitor and our warranty is limited to replacement
of parts or our complete goods.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Warranty

Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Alligator & Belt Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Sensor Retainer/Sensor Retainer Gasket/Sensor Cover Retainer . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Scrubber Filters/Sensor Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Control Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Printed Circuit Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Alarm LED Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Buzzer & Vibrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
NiMH Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Charging Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Start-up Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Performing a Fresh Air Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Turning Off the GX-2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Display Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Combustible Gas Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Aspirator Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Data Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
GX-2009 Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Calibration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using Calibration Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Setting the Date & Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Performing a Fresh Air Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Performing a Span Adjustment in AUTO CAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Performing a Span Adjustment in ONE CAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Performing a Bump Test in BUMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Discharging the Batteries With the REFRESH Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Table of Contents GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

User Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Using User Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Setting the Date & Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Performing a Fresh Air Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Performing a Span Adjustment in AUTO CAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Performing a Span Adjustment in ONE CAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Setting the Alarm Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Setting the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Recharging the GX-2009’s NiMH Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Replacing the GX-2009’s NiMH Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Checking the Combustible Gas Sensor’s Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Replacing the Scrubber Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Replacing the Sensor Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Replacing a Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

WARNING: Understand manual before operating. Substitution of

components may impair intrinsic safety. To prevent
ignition of a hazardous atmosphere, batteries must only
be changed or charged in an area known to be
nonhazardous. Not tested in oxygen enriched
atmospheres (above 21%).

NOTE: RKI Instruments, Inc. recommends that you refer to ISA-RP12.13,

Part II-1987 or an equivalent international recommended practice
for guidance in the use of combustible gas detection instruments.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Table of Contents

Introduction
Using an advanced detection system consisting of four gas sensors, the
GX-2009 personal four-gas monitor detects the presence of combustible
gas, oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
simultaneously. The GX-2009’s compact size and easy-to-use design
makes it ideally suited for a wide range of applications, including sewage
treatment plants, utility manholes, tunnels, hazardous waste sites, power
stations, petrochemical refineries, mines, paper mills, drilling rigs, and fire
fighting stations. The GX-2009 offers a full range of features, including:
• Simultaneous four-gas monitoring and display of combustible gases,
O2, CO, and H2S
• Backlit LCD (liquid crystal display) for complete and understandable
information at a glance
• Distinctive audible/vibrating alarms for dangerous gas conditions and
audible alarms for unit malfunction
• Microprocessor control for reliability, ease of use, and advanced
capabilities
• Resistance to RF (radio frequency) interference
• Datalogging including interval trend data and alarm trend data
• STEL/TWA and over range alarm display
• Peak hold readouts
• Built-in time function
• Lightweight and compact high impact plastic case
• Rotatable alligator clip for “hands-free” gas monitoring, belt clip optional
• CSA classified for Class I, Division I, Groups A, B, C, and D hazardous
atmospheres

WARNING: The GX-2009 detects oxygen deficiency and elevated

levels of oxygen, combustible gases, carbon monoxide,
and hydrogen sulfide, all of which can be dangerous or
life threatening. When using the GX-2009, you must
follow the instructions and warnings in this manual to
assure proper and safe operation of the unit and to
minimize the risk of personal injury. Be sure to maintain
and periodically calibrate the GX-2009 as described in
this manual.

NOTE: Only the combustible gas detector portion of this instrument has
been assessed for performance.

1 • Introduction GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

Specifications
Table 1: Model GX-2009 Specifications

Target Gas Combustibles, Oxygen (O2) Hydrogen Carbon

Methane (CH4) Sulfide Monoxide
calibration (H2S) (CO)
standard*
Range 0-100% LEL 0-40.0 vol% 0-100.0 ppm 0-500 ppm
(Increment) (1% LEL) (0.1 vol%) (0.5 ppm) (1 ppm)
Detection Diffusion
Method
Response T90 Within 30 Seconds
Time
Accuracy ± 5% of reading ± 0.5% O2 ± 5% of ± 5% of
or ± 2% LEL reading or reading or
(whichever is ± 2 ppm H2S ± 5 ppm CO
greater) (whichever is (whichever is
greater) greater)

Display Digital LCD

Gas Alarms Alarm 1: 10% Alarm 1: 19.5 Alarm 1: 5.0 Alarm 1: 25
(Factory LEL vol% ppm ppm
Settings) Alarm 2: 50% (Decreasing) Alarm 2: 30.0 Alarm 2: 50
LEL Alarm 2: 23.5 ppm ppm
Over: 100% vol% Over: 100.0 Over: 300 ppm
LEL Over: 40.0 ppm TWA: 25 ppm
vol% TWA: 1.0 ppm STEL: 200
STEL: 5.0 ppm ppm
Operating -20 to 50o C/Below 85% RH (Without Condensation)
Temperature
and Humidity
Safety/
Regulatory
C US
186718
CSA classified, “C/US”, as Intrinsically Safe. Exia. Class I, Groups A,
B, C, & D. Class I, Zone 0, Group IIC. Temperature Code T3C.
Power Supply NiMH Batteries (2.4 VDC Nominal), Direct Charging

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Specifications • 2

 Table 1: Model GX-2009 Specifications

Continuous Up to 20 Hours (Non Alarm Operation After Full Charge)

Operating
Hours
Charge Time 3 hours for a full charge
Case High-impact Plastic, Dust and Water Resistant to IP-67
Required AC or DC Charging Station, AC Charging Station Available For From
Accessories 1 to 5 Instruments
Other • IrDA/USB cable for downloading data to computer
Accessories • Product CD, includes GX-2009 Data Logger Management
Program and GX-2009 Setup Program
• SDM-2009 Automatic Calibration Station
• Hand Aspirated Sample Draw Adapter with Hose and Probe
• Wrist Strap (included with every unit)
Dimensions Dimensions: 2.7 H, 3.0 W, 1.0 D inches
and Weight Approx. 70 H, 75 W, 25 D mm
Weight: 4.6 oz.
*The GX-2009 is also available set up for general hydrocarbons and calibrated to a
combustible gas other than methane, such as isobutane. Consult RKI Instruments,
Inc. for further information.

NOTE: The bump test function in Calibration Mode is included in

instruments with firmware version 03955 or later installed. See
page 41 for a description of the bump test function. GX-2009
instruments shipped after May 2011 include the bump test
function. Instruments that have a serial number starting with
04516 or later shipped from the factory with the bump test function
available. Instruments that have a serial number starting with
04515 did not include the bump test function when shipped from
the factory. The factory setting for the bump test function is off.

3 • Specifications GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

Description
This section describes the GX-2009’s components and the charging
station. These components include the GX-2009’s case, alligator and belt
clips, sensor retainer, sensor retainer gasket, sensor cover retainer,
scrubber filters, sensor cover, sensors, LCD, control buttons, printed circuit
boards, alarm LED arrays, buzzer, vibrator, batteries, and charging station.

Top Buzzer
Sound Opening

IR Port
LCD
LED Arrays

Front Buzzer
Sound Opening

RKI GX-2009
Wrist Strap
POW ER
AIR MO DE

H2S CO %LEL O2

Control Buttons

Sensor Retainer
Sensor Cover Retainer

Sensor Cover, Over All

Sensors
Sensor Diffusion Port, 4X

Figure 1: GX-2009, Front & Bottom View

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Description • 4

 Battery Charging Contacts

Threaded Inserts

Figure 2: GX-2009 Rear View

Case
The GX-2009’s sturdy, high-impact plastic case is suitable for use in many
environmental conditions, indoors and out. The unit is dust proof and water
resistant. Rubber overmolded surfaces on much of the case help protect it
from impact damage and aid in holding the instrument in your hand.
A clear plastic window through which the LCD can be viewed is located on
the front of the case. Three brass charging contacts that are used when the
GX-2009 is placed in the charging station are on the back of the case. Four
sensor diffusion ports are located on the bottom of the case. The ports are
labelled as follows from left to right: H2S, CO, HC, and O2. Three frosted
windows, one on the left side, one of the right side, and one on top, cover
alarm LED arrays. There are two buzzer sound openings, one on the front
below the LCD and one on the top behind the top LED array. An IR
(infrared) communication port is located on the top left side which is used
to transfer information when the instrument is used with one of the
calibration or downloading accessories.
There are three threaded inserts on the back of the case. These are used
to mount the alligator clip or the optional belt clip.

5 • Description GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Alligator & Belt Clips
The GX-2009 is available with two types of clips, the standard alligator clip
and the optional belt clip. Both are illustrated in Figure 3.

Alligator Clip Belt Clip

Figure 3: Alligator and Belt Clips

The alligator clip can be used to attach the GX-2009 to clothing or a belt.
Teeth in the alligator clip’s jaws prevent the unit from slipping off. The
alligator clip can be rotated to change how the instrument is oriented when
worn. The belt clip is used to easily clip the GX-2009 on a belt.

Sensor Retainer/Sensor Retainer Gasket/

Sensor Cover Retainer
The sensor retainer holds the gas sensors in place and snaps onto the
bottom of the case. It has 4 diffusion ports, one for each sensor, and has
recessed areas in it for the charcoal filter, and the H2S removal filters. It
also has indexing features for the sensor retainer gasket. The sensor
retainer gasket seats onto the sensor retainer and seals the interface
between the sensor retainer, sensor cover, and sensor cover retainer. The
sensor cover retainer snaps onto the sensor retainer. Two screws secure
the sensor retainer and the sensor cover retainer to the case.

Scrubber Filters/Sensor Cover

Charcoal Filter Disk
The charcoal filter disk is located in the CO sensor diffusion port of the
sensor retainer. It is black, has a woven texture, and is impregnated with an
H2S absorbing material. It fits into a recessed area of that port. The CO

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Description • 6

 sensor will respond if exposed to H2S and certain hydrocarbon gasses.
The charcoal filter scrubs these gasses out of the gas sampled to avoid
false CO readings. The H2S absorbing material added to the charcoal filter
extends it’s H2S absorbing life. If false CO readings are noticed, especially
high readings in the presence of H2S, change the charcoal filter disk.

H2S Removal Filter Disks

One H2S removal filter disk is located in a recessed area of the
combustible gas sensor diffusion port in the sensor retainer. It prevents
H2S in the ambient air from reaching the unit’s combustible gas sensor.
Removing H2S that is present in the monitored air prolongs the life of the
sensor. The H2S filter disk is dark red in color and although it may darken
over time, its color is not indicative of remaining filter life. The H2S filter disk
can absorb H2S for 33 ppm hours and should be replaced after that much
exposure. With this many ppm hours of absorption, the H2S filter disk
should be replaced after 80 minutes of exposure to 25 ppm H2S. This
equates to replacing the H2S filter disk after 40 2-minute calibrations with a
cylinder containing 25 ppm H2S. If H2S exists in the monitoring
environment, the H2S filter disk will have to be replaced more frequently.

Sensor Cover
The sensor cover is white and protects the scrubber filters and sensors
from dust and water. It fits on the sensor retainer gasket over all the sensor
diffusion ports and is secured in place by the sensor cover retainer. If the
sensor cover becomes dirty, the response time and accuracy of the GX-
2009 will be affected. Replace the sensor cover if it appears dirty.

Sensors
The GX-2009 uses four sensors to monitor combustible gases, O2, CO,
and H2S simultaneously. The sensors are protected from the environment
by the sensor cover which allows ambient air to diffuse to the sensors. The
sensors use different detection principles, as described below.

Combustible Gas (LEL) Sensor

The combustible gas sensor detects combustible gas and vapors in the
LEL (lower explosive limit) range with a catalytic element. A sintered metal
flame arrestor covers the element and allows ambient air to diffuse into the
sensor. The reaction of gas with oxygen on the catalyst causes a change in
the resistance of the element which affects the current flowing through it.
The current is amplified by the GX-2009’s circuitry, converted to a
measurement of combustible gas concentration, and displayed on the
LCD.

7 • Description GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 CAUTION: Do not expose the combustible sensor to high concentrations
of combustible gas such as that from a butane lighter.
Exposure to high concentrations of combustible gas may
adversely affect the performance of the sensor.

Oxygen (O2) Sensor

The O2 sensor is a galvanic type sensor. A membrane covers the cell and
allows gas to diffuse into the cell at a rate proportional to the partial
pressure of oxygen. The oxygen reacts in the cell and produces a voltage
proportional to the concentration of oxygen. The voltage is measured by
the GX-2009’s circuitry, converted to a measurement of gas concentration,
and displayed on the LCD.

CO and H2S Sensors

The CO and H2S sensors are electrochemical sensors that consist of two
precious metal electrodes in an acid electrolyte. A gas permeable
membrane covers the sensor face and allows gas to diffuse into the
electrolyte. The gas reacts in the sensor and produces a current
proportional to the concentration of the target gas. The current is amplified
by the GX-2009’s circuitry, converted to a measurement of gas
concentration, and displayed on the LCD.

LCD
The LCD (liquid crystal display) is visible through the GX-2009’s front
window. Target gas concentrations, the time, battery condition, and alarm
indications are displayed on the LCD. When either of the control buttons
are pressed, the LCD backlight comes on for 30 seconds.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Description • 8

 Control Buttons
Two control buttons are located below the display on either side of the front
buzzer opening. The AIR button is on the left and the POWER MODE
button is on the right. The functions performed by the control buttons are
summarized in the following table:
Table 2: GX-2009 Control Buttons

Button Function

• Turns the unit on and off

• Turns the LCD back light on
• Scrolls through Display Mode
• Resets the alarm circuit (gas alarms)
POWER MODE • Enters Calibration Mode with the AIR button
• Enters User Setup Mode with the AIR button
• Selects a displayed item
• Saves adjusted parameters
• Selects displayed parameters
• Turns the LCD back light on.
• Performs a fresh air adjustment
• Enters Calibration Mode with the MODE POWER
AIR button.
• Enters User Setup Mode with the MODE POWER
button.
• Adjusts or changes displayed parameters

Printed Circuit Boards

The primary function of the GX-2009’s printed circuit boards is to amplify
the signal sent to them from the four gas sensors, convert the signal to a
measurement of gas concentration, display the gas concentration on the
LCD, store peak, STEL, and TWA readings, and activate the alarm circuit if
an alarm point has been reached. They monitor battery level, battery
failure, and sensor failure. They also control the GX-2009’s time function
and various operating modes.

NOTE: The printed circuit boards contain no user serviceable parts.

Alarm LED Arrays

Three red alarm LED (light emitting diode) arrays are visible through
frosted plastic lenses in the case. One is on the top, one on the left side,
one on the right side of the case. The alarm LED arrays alert you to gas,
low battery, and failure alarms.

9 • Description GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Buzzer & Vibrator
A solid-state electronic buzzer is mounted inside the GX-2009’s case. The
buzzer sounds for gas alarms, failure alarms, and as an indicator during
normal use of the GX-2009’s various operating modes.
A vibrating motor inside the GX-2009 case vibrates for gas alarms and as
an indicator during normal use of the GX-2009’s various operating modes.

NiMH Batteries
Two NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries, each with an integral holder,
supply 2.4 volts to power the GX-2009. The batteries will run the unit for up
to 20 hours when no alarms have been activated during that time period.
The batteries are designed to be charged while in the GX-2009 with the
GX-2009 Charging Station. The batteries should not be removed from the
GX-2009 unless they need to be replaced because they will no longer hold
a charge. The battery icon in the lower left corner of the LCD shows the
charge remaining in the batteries. See “Recharging the GX-2009’s NiMH
Batteries” on page 56 for instructions to recharge the batteries and
“Replacing the GX-2009’s NiMH Batteries” on page 60 for instructions to
replace the batteries.

Charging Station
The GX-2009’s NiMH batteries are charged with the GX-2009 Charging
Station. There are two types of charging stations available, the standard
AC powered charging station and the optional vehicle plug DC powered
charging station.

AC Powered Charging Station

The standard AC powered charging station is available in configurations
that charge from one to five instruments at a time. The single instrument
charging station consists of one instrument charging base and an AC
adapter. The AC adapter for the standard charging station plugs into a 115
VAC wall outlet and connects to the charging station with a jack on the end
of a five foot DC output cable. The AC adapter will also work for 100 VAC
or 220 VAC if an appropriate plug adapter is provided. The single
instrument AC charging station is shown in Figure 4.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Description • 10

 AC Adapter

Charging Base Adapter Jack

Adapter Jack Instrument

Retaining
Tabs

Charging
Contacts

Charge LED
Rear View Top View

Figure 4: GX-2009 Charging Station, Single Instrument Station

11 • Description GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Charging stations for more than one instrument include additional chargers
that are attached to each other. The same AC adapter can power up to a
maximum of 5 charging bases. The two instrument charging station is
shown in Figure 5, and the five instrument station is shown in Figure 6.

AC Adapter

Adapter Jack

Figure 5: GX-2009 Charging Station, Two Instrument Station

AC Adapter

Adapter Jack

Figure 6: GX-2009 Charging Station, Five Instrument Station

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Description • 12

 DC Powered Charging Station
An optional DC powered single instrument charging station is available with
a vehicle plug 12 VDC adapter. The DC adapter for the charging station
can only provide enough power to charge one instrument at a time, so the
DC powered charging station is only available as a single instrument
charging station. It uses the same charging base as the AC powered
charging station.

Vehicle Plug
DC Adapter
Charging Base Adapter Jack

Adapter Jack Instrument

Retaining
Tabs

Charging
Contacts

Charge LED
Rear View Top View

Figure 7: GX-2009 DC Powered Charging Station

13 • Description GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

Start Up
This section explains how to start up the GX-2009 and get it ready for
operation.

Start-up Procedure
1. Press and briefly hold down the POWER MODE button. The backlight
will turn on and all the display segments will turn on. Release the button
when you hear a beep.
2. The vibrator vibrates and the alarm lights flash momentarily.
3. If Cal. Limit Display is turned on, the screen that appears next
depends on how Cal. Limit Check is set. These parameters and the
Auto Zero Adjustment parameter mentioned in Step 9 below cannot
be set using the GX-2009’s instrument menus, but are set using the
GX-2009 Setup Program. See the GX-2009 Setup Program Operator’s
Manual for information regarding changing various instrument
parameters that are not available for adjustment in the instrument’s
operating modes.
• If the unit is due for calibration and Cal. Limit Check is set to
Confirm to use, then the following screen displays.

CAL

C--LIMIT
The alarm LED’s and buzzer will pulse several times. After this,
press and release the POWER MODE button. You will hear a beep
and startup sequence will continue.
• If the unit is due for calibration and Cal. Limit Check is set to Can’t
use, then the following screen displays.

FAIL

C--LIMIT
The alarm LED’s and buzzer will pulse several times. This screen
will then remain on the display until the unit is turned off. The GX-
2009 cannot be used until a complete calibration has been
performed either by selecting AUTO CAL or ONE CAL in the
Calibration Mode menu. See “Performing a Span Adjustment in
AUTO CAL” on page 32 or “Performing a Span Adjustment in ONE
CAL” on page 37 for calibration instructions.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Start Up • 14

 • If calibration is not due or Cal. Limit Check is set to None, then the
following screen appears for a few seconds indicating when the next
calibration is due.

08 - 7.27
15 d
NEXT CAL
NOTE: The following screen only appears if Bump Test Limit Display is
set to On using the User Setup Program. The standard factory
setting for this function is Off.

4. If Bump Test Limit Display is set to On using the User Setup Program,
the next screen will depend on how Bump Limit Check is set using the
User Setup Program.
• If the unit is due for bump testing and Bump Test Limit Check is set
to Confirm to use, then the following screen displays.

tESt

BUMP NOW
The alarm LED’s and buzzer will pulse several times. After this,
press and release the POWER MODE button. You will hear a beep
and startup sequence will continue.

WARNING:You must press the POWER MODE button to continue to

normal operation. If you do not press the POWER MODE
button, the buzzer will continue to beep and the LEDs will
continue to flash for 6 seconds every 5 seconds and the
unit will not enter normal operation.

• If the unit is due for bump testing and Bump Test Limit Check is set
to Can’t use, then the following screen displays.

FAIL

BUMP NOW
The alarm LED’s and buzzer will pulse several times. This screen
will then remain on the display until the unit is turned off. The GX-
2009 cannot be used until a bump test has been performed. See
“Performing a Bump Test in BUMP” on page 41 for bump test
procedures.

15 • Start Up GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 WARNING:You must perform a bump test in order to continue to
normal operation. If you do not perform a bump test, the
buzzer will continue to beep and the LEDs will continue to
flash for 6 seconds every 5 seconds and the unit will not
enter normal operation.

• If bump testing is not due or Bump Test Limit Check is set to None,
then the following screen appears for a few seconds indicating when
the next bump test is due.

08 - 7.27
15 d
NEXT BUMP
NOTE: If a successful calibration is performed, the next bump test date is
reset and starts over even though a bump test was not performed.

5. The Date/Time Screen appears for a few seconds.

08 - 7.27
3:51

This screen displays the current date and time.

6. The Battery Voltage/Alarm Pattern Screen appears for a few seconds.

bAtt.
2.4
AL -- H V
The screen displays the current battery voltage and the alarm pattern.
AL -- H indicates latching alarms and AL -- A indicates self-resetting
alarms. See “Alarm Logic/Resetting Alarms” on page 24 for a
description of latching and self-resetting alarms.
7. The display then indicates the following items for about a second each:
• Full scale values for all channels
• Warning setpoint (low gas alarm) for all channels
• Alarm setpoint (high gas alarm) for all channels
• STEL alarm setpoint for the CO and H2S channels
• TWA alarm setpoint for the CO and H2S channels

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Start Up • 16

 8. If the GX-2009 experiences a sensor failure during start up, a screen
indicating which sensor failed displays. In the example below, the CO
sensor has failed.

F A IL
CO ppm

SENSOR
If you wish to continue, press and release the POWER MODE button to
acknowledge the failure. The gas reading for the failed sensor will be
replaced by “- - -”. Replace the failed sensor as soon as possible.
9. If Auto Zero Adjustment is set to On, then the GX-2009 will perform
an automatic fresh air adjustment.

Auto

ZERO
If the fresh air adjustment is successful, the unit will proceed to Normal
Mode. If one or more of the sensors fails the fresh air adjustment, the
display will indicate which sensor or sensors failed. If a failure occurs,
press and release the POWER MODE button to proceed to Normal
Mode. The gas reading for the failed sensor or sensors will be replaced
by “- - -”. Replace any sensors that fail the automatic fresh air
adjustment as soon as possible.

WARNING: If the Auto Zero Adjustment feature is turned on, make

sure that you start-up the GX-2009 in a known fresh air
environment, an environment free of combustible or toxic
gasses and of normal oxygen content, 20.9%. If you do
not start-up the unit in a fresh air environment, the fresh
air adjustment will not be accurate.

10. The GX-2009 is now operating in Measuring Mode and monitoring for
gas. The Normal Operation Screen appears.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

0
CO ppm
20.9
H2S ppm

0 0.0
5:15
The concentrations of the target gasses are displayed along with the
time in the lower right corner and the battery charge level in the lower
left corner.

17 • Start Up GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Performing a Fresh Air Adjustment
Before using the GX-2009, set the fresh air reading. Performing this
adjustment ensures accurate gas readings in the monitoring environment
as long as the calibration is current.
1. Find a fresh-air environment. This is an environment free of toxic or
combustible gasses and of normal oxygen content (20.9%).
2. With the unit on and in the Normal Operation Screen, press and hold
the AIR button. The LCD displays the following screen prompting you to
keep pressing the AIR button.

Air CAL

HOLD AIR
3. After a few seconds the LCD displays the following screen prompting
you to release the AIR button.

Adj

RELEASE
4. The unit will take a few seconds to adjust the fresh air readings, then
return to the Normal Operation Screen.

Turning Off the GX-2009

1. Press and hold the POWER MODE button for about three seconds to
turn off the unit. The buzzer will sound and the LCD back light will turn
on.
2. Release the button when the LCD is blank. The unit is off.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Start Up • 18

Operation
This section describes the operation of the GX-2009 in Measuring Mode. It
explains how enter Display Mode to view the peak gas readings of the four
target gasses, the STEL and TWA readings for H2S and CO, and the full
scale detection range value for each target gas. It covers important issues
regarding combustible gas detection. It also covers alarm indications and
use of the aspirator adapter accessory.

Normal Operation
When the GX-2009 comes out of its startup sequence, see “Start Up” on
page 14, it enters Measuring Mode and is in normal operation if no alarm
indications are taking place. It is advisable to perform a fresh air
adjustment when the GX-2009 comes out of its startup sequence as
described in “Start Up”. If Auto Zero Adjustment is set to On, be sure to
follow the guidelines in Step 9 in “Start-up Procedure” on page 14.
In the Normal Operation Screen of Measuring Mode, the battery level, time,
and gas concentrations for each channel are displayed on the LCD. The
time is in the lower right corner and the battery level is in the lower left
corner. Combustible gas is displayed as a percentage of the lower
explosive limit (%LEL), oxygen is displayed as a volume percentage
(vol%), H2S and CO as parts per million (ppm). The combustible channel
gas name is CH4 if it is calibrated to methane (CH4) or HC if it is calibrated
to a another combustible gas. See “Combustible Gas Detection” on
page 21 for a discussion of the combustible channel gas name and
calibration.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

0
CO ppm
20.9
H2S ppm

0 0.0
5:15
Display Mode
You can access Display Mode while in Measuring Mode by using the
POWER MODE button. In Display Mode you can view and reset the peak
readings for each target gas, view the TWA and STEL values for CO and
H2S, and view the detection range full scale for each target gas.
STEL is an acronym for short-term exposure limit, and it is the average
reading of the target gas during the last 15 minutes. TWA is an acronym for
time-weighted average, and it is the average reading for the target gas
during the last eight (8) hours. If eight (8) hours has not elapsed since the
unit was turned on, the TWA is still calculated over eight hours, with the
missing time assigned a zero (0) value for the readings. Similarly, if the unit
has not been on for 15 minutes, the missing time is assigned a 0 value and
the STEL is calculated over 15 minutes. The peak readings, STEL values,

19 • Operation GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 and TWA values are cleared when the unit is turned off.
To enter Display Mode and view items or reset the peak readings, do the
following:
1. Make sure the GX-2009 is in the Measuring Mode Normal Operation
screen. The GX-2009 must be in the Normal Operation Screen for you
to access Display Mode.
2. Press and release the POWER MODE button to enter Display Mode.
The backlight will turn on and the PEAK Screen will appear.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

0
CO ppm
20.9
H2S ppm

0 0.0
PEAK
The peak readings since the GX-2009 was turned on are displayed for
combustible gas, CO, and H2S. The minimum reading is displayed for
oxygen.
3. If you do not want to clear the peak readings, continue to the next step.
If you want to clear the peak readings, press and hold the AIR button.
After a couple of seconds, the LCD will prompt you to hold the AIR
button with the following screen.

CLEAr

HOLD AIR
Hold the AIR button until the following screen appears, then release it.

CLEAr

RELEASE
The peak readings will be cleared and the unit will return to the PEAK
Screen.
4. Press and release the POWER MODE button again to proceed to the
STEL Screen. The STEL values for CO and H2S are displayed.
5. Press and release the POWER MODE button again to proceed to the
TWA Screen. The TWA values for CO and H2S are displayed.
6. Press and release the POWER MODE button again to proceed to the
Full Scale Screen. The detection range full scale value for each channel
is displayed.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Operation • 20

 7. Press and release the POWER MODE button again to return to
Measuring Mode.

NOTE: If you do not press a button for 20 seconds while in Display Mode,
the GX-2009 will return to Measuring Mode automatically and the
backlight will turn off 30 seconds since the last button was
pressed.

Combustible Gas Detection

There are three issues that must be considered when monitoring for
combustible gas.
• The combustible sensor will respond to any combustible gas. The
standard calibration gas for the GX-2009 combustible channel is
methane (CH4). If the instrument is calibrated to a different combustible
gas, such as hexane or propane, the gas name for the combustible
channel may be set to HC by using the GX-2009 Setup Program. See
the GX-2009 Setup Program Operator’s Manual for information on how
to set the combustible gas name.
The table below lists the conversion factors for several hydrocarbon
gasses if the GX-2009 is calibrated to methane. To use this table,
multiply the display reading on the combustible gas channel by the
factor in the appropriate row to obtain the actual gas concentration. For
example, if you are detecting pentane and the display reads 10% LEL
on the combustible channel, you actually have 10% LEL x 1.56 = 15.6%
LEL pentane present.

Table 3: LEL Hydrocarbon Conversions

LEL Conversion LEL Conversion Factor

Gas Factor (CH4 Cal.) Gas (CH4 Cal.)

Acetone 1.79 Iso Butane 1.47

Acetylene 1.92 MEK 2.27
Benzene 2.00 Methane 1.00
Ethane 1.09 Methanol 1.92
Ethanol 2.50 Pentane 1.56
Ethylene 1.06 Propane 1.35
Heptane 2.50 Propylene 1.32
Hexane 2.08 Toluene 3.13

21 • Operation GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Table 3: LEL Hydrocarbon Conversions

LEL Conversion LEL Conversion Factor

Gas Factor (CH4 Cal.) Gas (CH4 Cal.)

Hydrogen 1.25 Xylene 4.27

IPA 2.78

• The GX-2009 provides the combustible sensor with some protection

against exposure to high levels of combustible gas. It does this by
turning off the combustible sensor power temporarily when it
determines that an over scale (more than 100% LEL) concentration of
combustible gas is present that may damage the sensor. Nevertheless,
concentrations of combustible gas of more than 100% LEL can still
affect the zero level or calibration of the combustible sensor if the
concentration is high enough.

CAUTION: Do not expose the combustible sensor to high concentrations

of combustible gas such as that from a butane lighter.
Exposure to high concentrations of combustible gas may
adversely affect the performance of the sensor.

CAUTION: Any rapid increase in the combustible gas reading followed by

a declining or erratic reading may indicate a gas concentration
above the LEL which may be hazardous.

• Some gases such as silicone vapors, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and

sulphur compounds can contaminate the detection elements inside the
combustible sensor damaging the sensor and resulting in reduced
response to combustible gas. Make every effort to avoid these gases.
The H2S scrubber disks protect the combustible sensor from H2S, but
you should avoid other sulphur compounds.

Alarms
This section covers alarm indications. It also describes the two types of
alarm logic, how to reset the GX-2009 after an alarm has occurred, and
how to respond to an alarm condition.

NOTE: False alarms may be caused by radio frequency (RF) or

electromagnetic (EMI) interference. Keep the GX-2009 away from
RF and EMI sources such as radio transmitters or large motors.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Operation • 22

 Alarm Indications
The GX-2009 will sound an alarm, the LEDs will flash, and the unit will
vibrate when one of the target gas concentrations rises above the Warning
(low alarm) setpoint, or in the case of oxygen falls below the Warning
setpoint, for that gas.
The GX-2009 will also sound an alarm, the LEDs will flash, and the unit will
vibrate when the Alarm (high alarm) setpoint is reached for any of the
channels and when the STEL and TWA alarm points are reached for CO
and H2S.
When a trouble condition occurs, such as a sensor failure or low battery
charge, the alarm indication will depend on the alarm type.
Table 4 below summarizes the types of alarms produced by the GX-2009.

Table 4: Alarm Types and Indications

Alarm Type Visual Indications Other Indications

Warning (low alarm) • WARNING blinks to the • Buzzer sounds

Concentration of gas rises right of the battery level alternating between
above the Warning icon a low and high pitch
setpoint or falls below the • Reading for the gas in • Vibrator pulses
Warning setpoint for O2 alarm flashes
• Alarm LEDs flash
• Backlight turns on
Alarm (high alarm) • ALARM flashes to the • Buzzer sounds
Concentration of gas rises right of the battery level alternating between
above the Alarm setpoint icon faster than Warning a low and high pitch
indication faster than Warning
• Reading for the gas in indication
alarm flashes faster than • Vibrator pulses
Warning indication faster than Warning
• Alarm LEDs flash faster indication
than Warning indication
• Backlight turns on

TWA or STEL • TWA or STEL flashes to • Buzzer sounds

Concentration of CO or the right of the battery alternating between
H2S rises above the TWA level icon a low and high pitch
or STEL alarm point setting • The gas name in alarm at the same rate as
flashes Warning indication
• Alarm LEDs flash • Vibrator pulses at
• Backlight turns on same rate as
Warning indication

23 • Operation GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Table 4: Alarm Types and Indications

Alarm Type Visual Indications Other Indications

Over Range • OVER flashes to the • Buzzer sounds

Concentration of gas rises right of the battery level alternating between
above full scale icon at the same rate as a low and high pitch
Alarm indication at same rate as
• Gas reading replaced by Alarm indication
brackets flashing at the • Vibrator pulses at
same rate as Alarm same rate as Alarm
indication indication

• Alarm LEDs flash at the

same rate as Alarm
indication
• Backlight turns on
Low Battery Warning • Battery icon blinks None
Dead Battery Alarm • Gas readings replaced Buzzer pulses
by FAIL in the upper left
corner of LCD
• BATTERY is displayed
to the right of the battery
icon.
• Battery icon blinks
• LEDs flash
Sensor Failure • Name of failed sensor or Buzzer sounds a
sensors displayed. double pulsing tone
• FAIL is displayed (two pulses in quick
• LEDs flash succession)

Alarm Logic/Resetting Alarms

The gas alarm logic can be set to either latching or self resetting with the
GX-2009 Setup Program by setting the Alarm Pattern parameter. See the
GX-2009 Setup Program Operator’s Manual for information on how to set
the alarm logic. If Alarm Pattern is set to Latch, the gas alarms are
latching. If Alarm Pattern is set to Reset, the gas alarms are self-resetting.
The standard factory setting is Latch for latching alarms.
If the alarms are latching, then an alarm indication will continue even if the
gas reading causing the alarm decreases below the alarm setpoint
(increases above for oxygen Warning) and will continue until the alarm is
reset. To be able to reset the alarm, the gas reading that caused the alarm
must decrease below the alarm setpoint (increase above for oxygen
Warning) before that alarm can be reset. To reset latching alarms, press
and release the POWER MODE button after the gas reading falls below the

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Operation • 24

 alarm setpoint (or above for oxygen Warning).
If the alarms are self-resetting, then an alarm condition will automatically
reset when the gas reading that caused the alarm decreases below the
alarm setpoint (increases above for oxygen Warning).
If a STEL or TWA alarm has been activated, it cannot be reset. You must
turn off the unit to clear the alarm.

Responding to Alarms
This section describes response to gas, over range, battery, and sensor
failure alarms.
Responding to Gas Alarms
1. Determine which gas alarm has been activated.
2. Follow your established procedure for an increasing gas condition or a
decreasing oxygen condition.
3. If your unit is set for latching alarms, reset the alarm using the POWER
MODE button once the alarm condition has been cleared.
Responding to Over Range Alarms

WARNING: An over range condition may indicate an extreme

combustible gas, toxic gas, or oxygen content condition.
Take immediate action and confirm the gas levels in the
area with a different GX-2009 or with another gas
detecting device.

1. Determine which channel is indicating the alarm.

2. Follow your established procedure for an increasing gas condition.
3. Reset the alarm using the POWER MODE button once the alarm
condition has cleared.
4. Calibrate the GX-2009 as described in “Performing a Span Adjustment
in AUTO CAL” on page 32 or “Performing a Span Adjustment in ONE
CAL” on page 37.
5. If the over range condition continues, replace the sensor that has
triggered the over range alarm.
6. If the over range condition continues after you have replaced the
sensor, contact RKI Instruments, Inc. for further instructions.

25 • Operation GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Responding to Battery Alarms

WARNING: The GX-2009 is not operational as a gas monitoring

device during a dead battery alarm. Take the GX-2009 to a
non-hazardous area and recharge the battery as
described in “Recharging the GX-2009’s NiMH Batteries”
on page 56

The GX-2009 is fully functional during a low battery warning. However,

depending upon conditions, the GX-2009 has only two or three hours of
operating time left after the low battery warning has been triggered.
Recharge the battery pack as soon as possible as described in
“Recharging the GX-2009’s NiMH Batteries” on page 56.

NOTE: Alarms and the back light feature consume battery power and
reduce the amount of operating time remaining.

Responding to Sensor Failure Alarms

1. Determine which sensor has triggered the sensor failure alarm.
2. Try calibrating the sensor first as described in “Performing a Span
Adjustment in AUTO CAL” on page 32 or “Performing a Span
Adjustment in ONE CAL” on page 37 before replacing it.
3. If the sensor failure continues, replace the sensor as described in
“Replacing a Sensor” on page 64.
4. If the sensor failure condition continues after you have replaced the
sensor, contact RKI Instruments, Inc. for further instructions.

Aspirator Adapter
The aspirator adapter accessory is used when it is necessary to draw
sample from an area that cannot be entered or that must be checked for
safety before entry, such as a tank or confined space.

NOTE: The CSA combustible performance certification for the GX-2009

does not include the aspirator adapter.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Operation • 26

 Aspirator Bulb

O2
PO W ER
MOD E

O2

10 ft. Hose
F low
GX-2009

%LEL

%LEL

Sample Adapter
Plate
CO

CO
RKI

A IR

H2 S

H2S

Probe

Figure 8: GX-2009 Aspirator Adapter

1. Turn on the GX-2009 as directed in “Start Up” on page 14.

2. Attach the sample adapter plate to the sensor side of the instrument.
3. Screw the probe onto the threaded end of the 10 ft. hose.
4. Attached the 10 ft. hose and probe to the aspirator bulb.
5. Insert the end of the probe into the area to be sampled.
6. Squeeze and release the aspirator bulb 15 times.
Monitor the readings and note if any alarms occur. The readings will
peak shortly after the last squeeze and may decrease before all the
channels can be checked. To see the maximum readings for each
channel, display the peak readings for each channel in Display Mode
(see “Display Mode” on page 19).

27 • Operation GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 NOTE: The peak readings for each channel are saved until a higher peak
is recorded, the peak readings are reset, or the instrument is
turned off. If a gas is present but the level does not exceed the
previous peak level, the previous peak will be displayed on the
Peak Reading Screen.

Data Logging
The GX-2009 features the ability to log data to its internal memory and
download it to a computer via the infrared communications port on the top
left side. It logs gas readings during normal operation, alarm data,
calibration data, and bump test data.
To utilize the GX-2009’s downloading capability, you will need the GX-2009
Data Logger Management Program and a computer with an infrared port or
a USB port that runs one of the following operating systems: Windows 7,
Windows 8, or Windows 10. If your computer has an infrared port, then no
additional accessories are needed to download data from the GX-2009. If
your computer does not have an infrared port but does have a USB port, a
USB/IrDA adapter cable can be used to download data from the GX-2009
using the USB port. The GX-2009 Data Logger Management Program is
available at www.rkiinstruments.com/gx2009. The USB/IrDA adapter cable
is also available from RKI.
See the GX-2009 Data Logging Management Program Operator’s Manual
for a complete description of the GX-2009 Data Logging Management
Program and procedures for downloading data to a computer.

GX-2009 User Setup Program

There are some instrument operating parameters that are not accessible in
either Calibration Mode or User Setup Mode such as the calibration
frequency, auto zero function, and the alarm logic (latching or self
resetting). Many of these parameters either do not typically need to be
accessed once the GX-2009 is shipped from the factory or may only need
to be accessed once because of operator preferences. These parameters
can be accessed and updated if necessary using the GX-2009 User Setup
Program, a computer with the same requirements described above in
“Data Logging”, and a USB/IrDA cable if necessary. The GX-2009 User
Setup Program is available at www.rkiinstruments.com/gx2009. The USB/
IrDA adapter cable is also available from RKI.
See the GX-2009 User Setup Program Operator’s Manual for a complete
description of the GX-2009 User Setup Program and procedures for
accessing and updating instrument operating parameters.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Data Logging • 28

Calibration Mode
This section describes the GX-2009 in Calibration Mode. In Calibration
Mode, you can move through a menu of screens to do the following:
• Set the date and time
• Perform a fresh air adjustment (part of a calibration)
• Perform a span adjustment on all channels simultaneously (part of a
calibration)
• Perform a span adjustment on one channel at a time (part of a
calibration)
• Perform a bump test (if Bump Test Function is set to On using the
GX-2009 User Setup Program)
• Discharge the batteries with the REFRESH function

NOTE: You can set the GX-2009 to alert you during the startup sequence
when calibration or bump testing is due with the GX-2009 User
Setup Program. See the GX-2009 User Setup Program
Operator’s Manual for information on setting the Cal. Limit
Display and Bump Limit Display parameters.

CAUTION: BEFORE EACH DAY’S USAGE SENSITIVITY IN THE

% LEL RANGE MUST BE TESTED ON A KNOWN
CONCENTRATION OF THE COMBUSTIBLE TARGET GAS,
TYPICALLY METHANE, EQUIVALENT TO 25 - 50% OF FULL
SCALE CONCENTRATION (The %LEL full scale is
100% LEL). ACCURACY MUST BE WITHIN -0 to + 20% OF
ACTUAL. ACCURACY MAY BE CORRECTED BY
FOLLOWING THE CALIBRATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
COMBUSTIBLE CHANNEL BELOW.

If the combustible channel passes the above response test and does not
require calibration, the unit should still be calibrated periodically. The
optimum frequency of calibration depends heavily on how the GX-2009 is
used. For example, instruments used daily may need to be calibrated
weekly or monthly, while instruments that are used only a few times a year
may need to be calibrated before each use. Typical calibration frequencies
range from monthly to quarterly. Make sure to perform the combustible
channel response test as described above and make sure to develop a
calibration schedule tailored to your application that takes this test and
required calibration resulting from this test into account.

29 • Calibration Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Using Calibration Mode

WARNING: The GX-2009 is not in operation as a gas detector while in

Calibration Mode. Although it will respond to gas in parts
of AIR CAL, AUTO CAL, ONE CAL, and BUMP TEST, there
are no gas alarm indications.

1. Take the GX-2009 to a non-hazardous area and turn it off if it is on.

2. Press and hold the AIR button, then press and hold the POWER MODE
button. When you hear a beep release the buttons. The first menu item
in Calibration Mode displays, the DATE Screen.

DATE
3. Use the AIR button to move forward through Calibration Mode. When
you get to the last menu item, the START menu item, continuing will
take you back to the beginning of the menu.
4. When you arrive at the item you wish to enter, press and release the
POWER MODE button to enter that item.
5. When you need to adjust the numerical value of a parameter, increase it
or decrease it, use the AIR button to change the value. When adjusting
a numerical parameter value, it is possible to reverse the direction of
adjustment. To switch from increasing to decreasing a value or
decreasing to increasing a value, do the following:
• with the parameter flashing on the screen, press and hold the AIR
button
• immediately press the POWER MODE button and then release both
buttons
• the direction of adjustment when you press the AIR button is now
reversed

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Calibration Mode • 30

 6. When you are done using the menu items in Calibration Mode, use the
AIR button to scroll through the menu items to the START item.

START
7. At the START screen, press and release the POWER MODE button.
The GX-2009 will begin its start-up sequence.
The Calibration Mode menu items are described below in the order in
which they appear while moving through Calibration Mode.

Setting the Date and Time

Entering the DATE menu item allows you to set the date and time.

DATE
1. When the DATE Screen is displayed, press and release the POWER
MODE button. A screen appears with the year flashing in the upper left,
the month and day in the upper right, and the time in the lower right.

08 - 8. 7
16:06
DATE
2. Use the AIR button to display the desired year.
3. Press and release the POWER MODE button to save the setting. The
month setting flashes.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to enter the month, day, hour and minute setting.
When you save the minute setting, you return to the DATE Screen.

Performing a Fresh Air Adjustment

Entering the AIR CAL menu item allows you to perform a fresh air
adjustment.

AIR CAL
Perform a fresh air adjustment in Calibration Mode when you are
performing a calibration before proceeding either to the AUTO CAL or ONE

31 • Calibration Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 CAL menu item to perform a span adjustment. A fresh air adjustment
performed in Calibration Mode is the same as a fresh air adjustment in
Normal Mode. The AIR CAL menu item is available in Calibration Mode for
convenience when performing a complete calibration.

WARNING: Calibrate the GX-2009 in a non-hazardous environment.

1. Find a fresh air environment, an environment of normal oxygen content

(20.9%) that is free of toxic and combustible gasses.
2. When the AIR CAL screen is displayed, press and release the POWER
MODE button. A screen appears that displays the current gas readings
and prompts you to press the AIR button by displaying the “PUSH AIR”
message at the bottom of the screen.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

0
CO ppm
20.9
H2S ppm

0 0.0
PUSH AIR
3. Press and hold the AIR button. The LCD prompts you to continue to
hold the AIR button.

Air CAL

HOLD AIR
4. Release the AIR button when the following screen appears.

AdJ

RELEASE
5. The unit will take a few seconds to adjust the fresh air readings, then
indicate “END” to the right of the battery icon and return to the AIR CAL
Screen.

Performing a Span Adjustment in AUTO CAL

Entering the AUTO CAL menu item allows you to perform a span
adjustment on all channels simultaneously.

AUTO CAL
Perform a span adjustment as part of a calibration after performing a fresh
air adjustment. Performing a span adjustment requires the use of a

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Calibration Mode • 32

 calibration kit. The procedure below describes a span adjustment of all four
channels using a calibration kit that includes a 4-gas calibration cylinder, a
0.5 LPM (liters per minute) regulator, a calibration adapter plate, and non-
absorbent sample tubing. The standard 4-gas cylinder consists of 50% LEL
methane, 12% oxygen, 25 ppm H2S, 50 ppm CO, and a balance of
nitrogen. If the H2S channel on your GX-2009 is active, then use a 4-gas
cylinder. If the H2S channel on your GX-2009 is not active, you may use a
3-gas cylinder to adjust the span. The standard 3-gas cylinder consists of
50% LEL methane, 12% oxygen, 50 ppm CO, and a balance of nitrogen.
See “Parts List” on page 67 for available calibration kits and calibration kit
spare parts.

NOTE: If the combustible gas channel is calibrated to a gas other than

methane, such as isobutane, use an appropriate multigas cylinder
or use single calibration to calibrate the combustible channel.

WARNING: Calibrate the GX-2009 in a non-hazardous environment.

1. Before performing a span adjustment, perform a fresh air adjustment as

described in “Performing a Fresh Air Adjustment” on page 31.
2. At the AUTO CAL screen, press and release the POWER MODE
button. A screen appears that displays the calibration gas
concentrations that the GX-2009 expects you to use.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

50
CO ppm
12.0
H2S ppm

50 25.0
AUTO CAL
If the displayed concentrations match the calibration cylinder
concentrations, continue with Step 3.
If any of the displayed concentrations do not match the calibration
cylinder concentrations or if you want to turn off the AUTO CAL function
for a channel or channels, do the following:
• Press and hold the AIR button, then press and momentarily hold the
POWER MODE button.
• Release both buttons as soon as you hear the buzzer sound a beep.
The following screen will display.
CH4 %LEL

- - -

AUTO CAL
• You can scroll through all the channels by pressing and releasing

33 • Calibration Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 the AIR button.
• When the desired channel is displayed, press and release the
POWER MODE button to select the channel for a calibration gas
value update. In the example below, the combustible channel has
been selected and the current calibration gas value is 50 %LEL.
CH4 %LEL

50

AUTO CAL
• Use the AIR button to adjust the calibration gas value to the desired
value.
• If you want to turn the AUTO CAL function for the selected channel
off so that a span adjustment will not be performed on this channel,
set the calibration gas value to OFF by adjusting the reading down
from the lowest value or up from the highest value.
CH4 %LEL

OFF

AUTO CAL
• Press and release the POWER MODE button to accept the
displayed value. The previous screen will return.
CH4 %LEL

- - -

AUTO CAL
• Repeat the steps above for any other channels that require
calibration gas value updates.
• When you are done updating calibration gas values, use the AIR
button to scroll to the following screen.

ESCAPE
• Press and release the POWER MODE button to return to the screen
that displays the calibration gas values.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

50
CO ppm
12.0
H2S ppm

50 25.0
AUTO CAL

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Calibration Mode • 34

 3. Use the sample tubing to connect the calibration adapter plate to the
regulator. Attach the tubing to the adapter plate on the inlet side as
shown below in Figure 9.
To Fixed Flow
Regulator

Calibration Tubing u b
T
T
in g

Adapter Plate

%LEL
H2S

CO

O2
Flow

Figure 9: Calibration Kit Assembly

4. Confirm that the regulator on/off knob is turned all the way clockwise
(closed) and screw the calibration gas cylinder onto the regulator.
5. Push the adapter plate onto the GX-2009’s sensor face. Make sure the
adapter plate is oriented as shown in Figure 10 below with the sensor
names on the adapter plate matching up with the sensor names on the
instrument.

To Fixed Flow
Regulator

RKI GX-2009

POWER
AIR MODE

H 2S CO %LEL O2

Adapter Plate
%LEL
H2S

CO

O2

Flow

Figure 10: Installing the Adapter Plate, Auto Cal

35 • Calibration Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 6. Press and release the POWER MODE button. The LCD will display the
current gas readings and “AUTO CAL” will flash.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

0
CO ppm
20.9
H2S ppm

0 0.0
AUTO CAL
7. Turn the regulator on/off knob counterclockwise to open it. Calibration
gas will begin to flow.
8. Allow the gas to flow for two minutes.
9. Press and release the POWER button.
10. The GX-2009 will attempt to make a span adjustment on all channels.
11. If the span adjustment is successful, the LCD will show the following
screen before returning to the AUTO CAL screen.

PASS
12. If the span adjustment fails, the LCD will show the following screen
indicating which channel or channels failed, the alarm LEDs will flash,
and the buzzer will sound a double pulsing tone.
CH4 %LEL

FAIL
In this example, the CH4 channel failed the span adjustment. Press and
release the POWER MODE button to clear the failure indication and
return to the AUTO CAL screen.

AUTO CAL
See “Troubleshooting” on page 55 to investigate the cause of the failure
and replace the failed sensor or sensors if necessary.
13. Turn the regulator on/off knob clockwise to close it.
14. Remove the calibration adapter plate from the instrument.
15. Remove the regulator from the calibration gas cylinder.
16. Leave the regulator connected to the calibration adapter plate for
convenience.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Calibration Mode • 36

 17. Store the components of the calibration kit in a safe and convenient
place.

Performing a Span Adjustment in ONE CAL

Entering the ONE CAL menu item allows you to perform a span adjustment
on one channel at a time. This feature is useful for situations when you do
not need to calibrate all channels, such as when you are replacing a
sensor.

ONE CAL
Perform a span adjustment as part of a calibration after performing a fresh
air adjustment. Performing a span adjustment requires the use of a
calibration kit. The procedure below describes a span adjustment of one
channel using a calibration kit that includes a 4-gas calibration cylinder, a
0.5 LPM (liters per minute) regulator, a calibration adapter plate, and non-
absorbent sample tubing. The standard 4-gas cylinder consists of 50% LEL
methane, 12% oxygen, 25 ppm H2S, 50 ppm CO, and a balance of
nitrogen. If the H2S channel on your GX-2009 is active, then use a 4-gas
cylinder so that you can calibrate all channels when necessary. If the H2S
channel on your GX-2009 is not active, you may use a 3-gas cylinder. The
standard 3-gas cylinder consists of 50% LEL methane, 12% oxygen, 50
ppm CO, and a balance of nitrogen. In the example below, the CH4
channel’s span is adjusted. See “Parts List” on page 67 for available
calibration kits and calibration kit spare parts.
Calibration cylinders that contain only one target gas may also be used for
single calibration. For channels other than oxygen, RKI Instruments, Inc.
recommends that you use a cylinder that contains a concentration of 10-
50% of the full scale value of the target gas. For example, if you are
calibrating the combustible gas channel, your calibration cylinder should
have a combustible gas concentration between 10% LEL and 50% LEL.
For the oxygen channel, RKI Instruments, Inc. recommends using 100%
nitrogen to perform the adjustment but any concentration between 0%
oxygen (100% nitrogen) and 17% oxygen can be used to make the
adjustment.

NOTE: If your combustible gas channel is calibrated to a gas other than

methane, such as isobutane, use an appropriate gas cylinder to
perform the calibration.

WARNING: Calibrate the GX-2009 in a non-hazardous environment.

1. Before performing a span adjustment, perform a fresh air adjustment as

37 • Calibration Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 described in “Performing a Fresh Air Adjustment” on page 31.
2. At the ONE CAL screen, press and release the POWER MODE button.
A channel selection screen appears that displays the CH4 channel.
CH4 %LEL

- - -

ONE CAL
If the CH4 channel is the one you want to span adjust, skip to Step 4.
If you want to span adjust a different channel, continue with Step 3.
3. Scroll through the channels using the AIR button until the channel you
want to span adjust is displayed. The gas channels are displayed in the
following order along with an escape option: CH4, oxygen, H2S, CO,
ESCAPE.
If you want to abort the span adjustment, scroll through the channels
until you arrive at the screen that indicates “ESCAPE” to the right of the
battery icon, then press and release the POWER MODE button to
return to the ONE CAL screen.
4. Use the sample tubing to connect the calibration adapter plate to the
regulator. Attach the tubing to the adapter plate on the inlet side as
shown below in Figure 11.

To Fixed Flow
Regulator

Calibration Tubing u b
T
T
in g

Adapter Plate
%LEL
H2S

CO

O2

Flow

Figure 11: Calibration Kit Assembly

5. Confirm that the regulator on/off knob is turned all the way clockwise
(closed) and screw the calibration gas cylinder onto the regulator.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Calibration Mode • 38

 6. Push the adapter plate onto the GX-2009’s sensor face. Make sure the
adapter plate is oriented as shown in Figure 12 below with the sensor
names on the adapter plate matching up with the sensor names on the
instrument.

To Fixed Flow
Regulator

RKI GX-2009

POWER
AIR MODE

H 2S CO %LEL O2

Adapter Plate
%LEL
H2S

CO

O2

Flow

Figure 12: Installing the Adapter Plate, One Cal

7. Press and release the POWER MODE button, the current gas reading
for the selected channel is displayed.
CH4 %LEL

ONE CAL
8. Turn the regulator on/off knob counterclockwise to open it. Calibration
gas will begin to flow.
9. Allow the gas to flow for two minutes.
10. Adjust the display gas reading using the AIR button to match the
calibration cylinder’s target gas concentration. See Step 5 on page 30
for instructions to adjust a parameter using the AIR button.
11. Press and release the POWER MODE button.

39 • Calibration Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 12. The GX-2009 will make the span adjustment and will return to the
channel selection screen.
CH4 %LEL

- - -

ONE CAL
The channel that was just span adjusted will be displayed.
13. If you want to span adjust additional channels, repeat Step 3 through
Step 12 for each channel while gas is still flowing. Make the reading
adjustment right away since gas has been flowing for more than two
minutes. If you need to calibrate more than two channels, use the
AUTO CAL menu item to calibrate the GX-2009.
14. Turn the regulator on/off knob clockwise to close it.
15. When you are finished with span adjustments, scroll to the screen that
indicates “ESCAPE.”

ESCAPE
16. Press and release the POWER MODE button to return to the ONE CAL
Screen.

ONE CAL
17. Remove the calibration adapter plate from the instrument.
18. Remove the regulator from the calibration gas cylinder.
19. Leave the regulator connected to the calibration adapter plate for
convenience.
20. Store the components of the calibration kit in a safe and convenient
place.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Calibration Mode • 40

 Performing a Bump Test in BUMP

NOTE: Bump Test Function must be set to On using the GX-2009 User
Setup Program in order for BUMP to appear in Calibration Mode.
If Bump Test Function is set to Off, BUMP will not appear. See
the GX-2009 User Setup Program Operator’s Manual for
instructions. The factory setting for Bump Test Function is Off.

Entering the BUMP menu item allows you to perform a bump test on all
channels simultaneously to determine if the instrument is responding
properly to gas.

BUMP
Performing a bump test requires the use of a calibration kit. The procedure
below describes a bump test of all four channels using a calibration kit that
includes a 4-gas calibration cylinder, a 0.5 LPM (liters per minute)
regulator, a calibration adapter plate, and non-absorbent sample tubing.
The standard 4-gas cylinder consists of 50% LEL methane, 12% oxygen,
25 ppm H2S, 50 ppm CO, and a balance of nitrogen. If the H2S channel on
your GX-2009 is active, then use a 4-gas cylinder. If the H2S channel on
your GX-2009 is not active, you may use a 3-gas cylinder to perform the
bump test. The standard 3-gas cylinder consists of 50% LEL methane,
12% oxygen, 50 ppm CO, and a balance of nitrogen. See “Parts List” on
page 67 for available calibration kits and calibration kit spare parts.

NOTE: If your combustible gas channel is calibrated to a gas other than

methane, such as isobutane, use an appropriate gas cylinder to
perform the calibration.

WARNING: Bump test the GX-2009 in a non-hazardous environment.

1. Before performing a bump test, perform a fresh air adjustment as

described in “Performing a Fresh Air Adjustment” on page 31.
2. At the BUMP screen, press and release the POWER MODE button. A
screen appears that displays the gas concentrations that the GX-2009
expects you to use.

41 • Calibration Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 NOTE: The bump test gas concentrations are the same as the AUTO
CAL gas concentrations.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

CO ppm
50 12.0
H2S ppm

50 25.0
BUMP 30
If the values are not correct, you can change them by changing the
AUTO CAL gas values in Calibration Mode or User Setup Mode or by
using the Data Logger Management Program or the User Setup
Program. To exit this screen and return to the main menu, press and
release the AIR button.
3. Use the sample tubing to connect the calibration adapter plate to the
regulator. Attach the tubing to the adapter plate on the inlet side as
shown below in Figure 13.
To Fixed Flow
Regulator

Calibration Tubing u b
T
T
in g

Adapter Plate
%LEL
H2S

CO

O2

Flow

Figure 13: Calibration Kit Assembly

4. Confirm that the regulator on/off knob is turned all the way clockwise
(closed) and screw the calibration gas cylinder onto the regulator.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Calibration Mode • 42

 5. Push the adapter plate onto the GX-2009’s sensor face. Make sure the
adapter plate is oriented as shown in Figure 14 below with the sensor
names on the adapter plate matching up with the sensor names on the
instrument.

To Fixed Flow
Regulator

RKI GX-2009

POWER
AIR MODE

H 2S CO %LEL O2

Adapter Plate
%LEL
H2S

CO

O2

Flow

Figure 14: Installing the Adapter Plate

6. Press and release the POWER MODE button. The LCD will display the
current gas readings and the instrument will count down from 30.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

0
CO ppm
20.9
H2S ppm

0 0.0
BUMP 30
7. Turn the regulator on/off knob counterclockwise to open it. Calibration
gas will begin to flow. Do not delay opening the regulator.
If you wish to cancel the bump test or a calibration initiated because of a
failed bump test, press and hold the AIR button until you return to the
BUMP screen.
8. When the bump test countdown reaches 0, the unit will determine the
bump test results and proceed as described in either Step 9 or Step 10
depending on the setting of Calibration After Bump Test Failed. See
the User Setup Program Operator’s Manual for a complete description
of this parameter.

43 • Calibration Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 9. When Calibration After Bump Test Failed is set to OFF:
• The instrument will display which channels passed or failed the
bump test.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

P
CO ppm
F
H2S ppm

F F
BUMP
• To view the bump test gas readings press the AIR button.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

45
CO ppm
18.9
H2S ppm

10 1.0
BUMP
• To return to the BUMP screen in Calibration Mode, press POWER
MODE. You may also press POWER MODE to return to the BUMP
screen without first viewing the bump test gas readings.

BUMP
See “Troubleshooting” on page 55 to investigate the cause of the
failure and replace the failed sensor or sensors if necessary.
• Turn the regulator on/off knob clockwise to close it.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Calibration Mode • 44

 10. When Calibration After Bump Test Failed is set to ON:
If all channels pass the bump test,
• The following screen appears:
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

P
CO ppm
P
H2S ppm

P P
BUMP
• To view the bump test gas readings press the AIR button.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

45
CO ppm
11.9
H2S ppm

49 23.0
BUMP
• To return to the BUMP screen in Calibration Mode, press POWER
MODE. You may also press POWER MODE to return to the BUMP
screen without first viewing the bump test gas readings.

BUMP
• Turn the regulator on/off knob clockwise to close it.
If any channel fails the bump test,
• The instrument will beep and a calibration is immediately and
automatically started. Continue to apply the calibration gas.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

1
CO ppm
20.9
H2S ppm

4 11.0
CAL 60
• At the end of the calibration, the instrument displays the results from
both the bump test and the calibration.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

FP
CO ppm
FP
H2S ppm

PP PP
BUMP/CAL
• To view the bump test gas readings, press the AIR button.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

0
CO ppm
20.9
H2S ppm

48 24
BUMP/

45 • Calibration Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 • To view the calibration gas reading, press the AIR button again.
CH4 %LEL OXY vol%

52
CO ppm
20.9
H2S ppm

48 0.0
/CAL
• To return to the BUMP screen in Calibration Mode, press POWER
MODE at any time.

BUMP
• Turn the regulator on/off knob clockwise to close it.
11. Remove the calibration adapter plate from the instrument.
12. Remove the regulator from the calibration gas cylinder.
13. Leave the regulator connected to the calibration adapter plate for
convenience.
14. Store the components of the calibration kit in a safe and convenient
place.

Discharging the Batteries with the REFRESH Function

Entering the REFRESH menu item allows you to discharge the batteries.

REFRESH
If the GX-2009’s batteries are repeatedly only partially discharged before
being charged or only partially charged before being discharged, the
instrument’s runtime may be reduced. The NiMH batteries used in the GX-
2009 are resistant to this effect, but if you notice that the runtime is
decreasing, run the REFRESH function two or three times and see if the
runtime recovers. If the batteries are fully charged, the REFRESH function
will take about three hours to discharge the batteries. If the instrument’s
runtime does not recover, the batteries may need to be replaced.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Calibration Mode • 46

 1. When the REFRESH screen is displayed, press and release the
POWER MODE button. Two screens begin alternating prompting you to
answer whether or not you want to run the REFRESH function.

d IS c h G. d IS c h G.

YES/MODE NO /AIR

2. To run the REFRESH function, press and release the POWER MODE
button. The following screen will be displayed and the fill inside the
battery icon will begin to flash. The GX-2009 is now discharging the
batteries.

d IS c h G.

REFRESH
If you do not want to run the REFRESH function, press and release the
AIR button. The unit will return to the REFRESH screen.
3. If you want to abort the battery discharge at any time, press and release
the AIR button and the unit will return to the REFRESH screen.
4. When the unit is done discharging the batteries, the buzzer will sound a
double pulsing tone, the battery icon will flash, and the following screen
will appear.

TURN OFF
5. Press and hold the POWER MODE button until the unit turns off, then
release it. Recharge the GX-2009’s batteries. See “Recharging the GX-
2009’s NiMH Batteries” on page 56.

47 • Calibration Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

User Setup Mode
This section describes the GX-2009 in User Setup Mode. User setup mode
has the same menu items as Calibration Mode with the addition of the
ALARM--P menu item which allows you to set the alarm points and the
PASSWORD menu item which allows you to turn the password feature on
or off and set the password. The common menu items are included in User
Setup Mode as a convenience to avoid turning off the unit and entering
Calibration Mode if you are updating alarm points and also want to use one
of the other menu items. In User Setup Mode, you can move through a
menu of screens to do the following:
• Set the date and time (same as in Calibration Mode)
• Perform a fresh air adjustment (same as in Calibration Mode)
• Perform a span adjustment on all channels simultaneously (same as in
Calibration Mode)
• Perform a span adjustment on one channel at a time (same as in
Calibration Mode)
• Set the alarm points
• Discharge the batteries with the REFRESH function (same as in
Calibration Mode)
• Turn the password feature on or off and define the password

NOTE: You can set the GX-2009 to alert you during the startup sequence
when calibration or bump testing is due with the GX-2009 Setup
Program. See the GX-2009 Setup Program Operator’s Manual for
information on setting the Cal. Limit Display and Bump Limit
Display parameter.

The description of the menu items that are common to Calibration Mode
and User Setup Mode will refer you to the appropriate pages in the
Calibration Mode section.

Using User Setup Mode

WARNING: The GX-2009 is not in operation as a gas detector while in

User Setup Mode. Although it will respond to gas in parts
of AIR CAL, AUTO CAL, ONE CAL, and BUMP TEST, there
are no gas alarm indications.

1. Take the GX-2009 to a non-hazardous area and turn it off if it is on.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual User Setup Mode • 48

 2. Press and hold the AIR button, then press and hold the POWER MODE
button. You will hear a beep after one second. Continue to hold both the
AIR and the POWER MODE button.
3. After three seconds you will hear a second beep. Release both buttons
when you hear the second beep.
4. If the PASSWORD menu item is set to on, the following screen will
appear with the first digit flashing prompting you to enter the password.

0000

PASSWORD
• Use the AIR button to scroll through the numbers 0-9 until you arrive
at the desired value, then press and release the POWER MODE
button to accept the value.
• Repeat the above procedure for each digit.
• When you have set and accepted the last digit of the password, the
first menu item in User Setup Mode will appear, the DATE Screen.

DATE
• If you entered the incorrect password, an error screen will
appear.You must use the POWER MODE button to turn the unit off
and try again if you wish to enter User Setup Mode or turn on the
unit and proceed to Measuring Mode.
5. If the PASSWORD menu item is set to oFF, the first menu item in User
Setup Mode displays, the DATE Screen.

DATE
6. Use the AIR button to move forward through User Setup Mode. When
you get to the last menu item, the START menu item, continuing will
take you to the beginning of the menu.
7. When you arrive at the item you wish to enter, press and release the
POWER MODE button to enter that item.
8. When you need to adjust the numerical value of a parameter, increase it
or decrease it, use the AIR button to change the value. When adjusting
a numerical parameter value, it is possible to reverse the direction of

49 • User Setup Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 adjustment. To switch from increasing to decreasing a value or
decreasing to increasing a value, do the following:
• with the parameter flashing on the screen, press and hold the AIR
button
• immediately press the POWER MODE button and then release both
buttons
• the direction of adjustment when you press the AIR button is now
reversed
9. When you are done using the menu items in Calibration Mode, use the
AIR button to scroll through the menu items to the START item.

START
10. At the START screen, press and release the POWER MODE button.
The GX-2009 will begin its start-up sequence.
The User Setup Mode menu items are described below in the order in
which they appear while moving through User Setup Mode.

Setting the Date and Time

See “Setting the Date and Time” on page 31 in the Calibration Mode
section for instructions to set the date and time.

Performing a Fresh Air Adjustment

See “Performing a Fresh Air Adjustment” on page 31 in the Calibration
Mode section for instructions to perform a fresh air adjustment.

Performing a Span Adjustment in AUTO CAL

See “Performing a Span Adjustment in AUTO CAL” on page 32 in the
Calibration Mode section for instructions to perform a span adjustment in
AUTO CAL.

Performing a Span Adjustment in ONE CAL

See “Performing a Span Adjustment in ONE CAL” on page 37 in the
Calibration Mode section for instructions to perform a span adjustment in
ONE CAL.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual User Setup Mode • 50

 Setting the Alarm Points
Entering the ALARM--P menu item allows you to set the alarm points for
each channel.

ALARM--P
Table 5 below lists the factory set alarm points for each channel.

Table 5: Factory Set Alarm Points

Channel Warning Alarm STEL TWA

O2 19.5% 23.5% n/a n/a
Decreasing
10% LEL 50% LEL n/a n/a
Combustibles
CO 25 ppm 50 ppm 200 ppm 25 ppm
H2S 5 ppm 30 ppm 5 ppm 1 ppm

All of the alarms are increasing alarms, the alarm condition actuates when
the gas level increases above the alarm point, except for the O2 Warning
alarm. The O2 Warning alarm is a decreasing alarm. The O2 Warning
condition actuates when the oxygen level decreases below the alarm point.
For the combustibles channel, it is not possible to adjust either the Warning
or Alarm settings to be higher than 60 %LEL. In addition, the Warning
setting cannot be adjusted higher than the Alarm setting for all channels.
1. At the ALARM--P screen, press and release the POWER MODE button.
The following screen will display showing the combustible channel.
CH4 %LEL

- - -

ALARM--P
2. You can scroll through all the channels by pressing and releasing the
AIR button.

51 • User Setup Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 3. When the desired channel is displayed, press and release the POWER
MODE button to select the channel for an alarm point adjustment. In the
example below, the combustible channel has been selected and the
Warning alarm point is displayed flashing.
CH4 %LEL

10

WARNING
4. Use the AIR button to adjust the Warning setpoint to the desired value.
5. Press and release the POWER MODE button to save the new Warning
setpoint. A screen with the Alarm setpoint flashing is displayed.
CH4 %LEL

50

ALARM
6. Use the AIR button to adjust the Alarm setpoint to the desired value.
7. Press and release the POWER MODE button to save the new Alarm
setpoint. The display will return to the following screen.
CH4 %LEL

- - -

ALARM--P
NOTE: If you are setting the H2S or CO channel’s alarm points, you will
also see screens for setting the TWA and STEL alarms.

8. Repeat Step 2 through Step 7 for any other channels whose alarm
points you want to change.
9. When you are done, scroll to the following screen.

ESCAPE
10. Press and release the POWER MODE button to return to the
ALARM--P screen.

ALARM--P

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual User Setup Mode • 52

 Setting the Password
You can password protect entry into the User Setup Mode with the
password feature. Entering the PASSWORD menu item allows you to turn
this feature on or off and enter a password if you turn it on.

PASSWORD
The factory setting for the password feature is oFF.
1. At the PASSWORD screen, press and release the POWER MODE
button. A screen will appear that shows the current password feature
setting.

oFF

PASSWORD
2. Press and release the air button to change the displayed setting. When
the desired setting is displayed, press and release the POWER MODE
button to save the setting.
3. If the password feature was set to oFF, the unit will exit the
PASSWORD menu item and return to the PASSWORD screen.

PASSWORD
With the password feature set to oFF, you will be able to enter User
Setup Mode without entering a password.
4. If the password feature was set to on, the following screen will appear
with the first digit flashing prompting you to enter the password you
want to use.

0000

PASSWORD
5. Use the AIR button to scroll through the numbers 0 - 9.
6. When the desired number is displayed for the first digit, press and
release the POWER MODE button to save the number.
7. The next digit will begin flashing.

53 • User Setup Mode GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 8. Repeat Step 5 through Step 7 until you have set all four of the digits.
9. When you save the last digit, the unit will return to the PASSWORD
screen.

PASSWORD

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual User Setup Mode • 54

Maintenance
This section describes troubleshooting procedures for the GX-2009. It also
describes how to recharge the GX-2009’s batteries, check the combustible
sensor’s condition, replace the unit’s filters, sensor cover, and gas sensors.

WARNING: RKI Instruments, Inc. recommends that service,

calibration, and repair of RKI equipment be performed by
personnel properly trained for this work. Replacing
sensors and other parts with original equipment does not
affect the intrinsic safety of the instrument.

Troubleshooting
The troubleshooting table describes error messages, symptoms, probable
causes, and recommended action for problems you may encounter with
the GX-2009.

Table 6: Troubleshooting the GX-2009

Symptoms Probable Causes Recommended Action

• The LCD is • The unit may have been 1. To turn on the unit, press
blank. turned off. and hold the POWER
• The batteries may need MODE button until you
recharging. hear a beep.
2. If the unit does not turn on,
the batteries may need to
be recharged. Recharge
the batteries with the
charging station.
3. If the difficulties continue,
contact RKI Instruments,
Inc. for further instruction.
• The unit shows • The GX-2009 may need 1. Calibrate the unit.
abnormally high to be calibrated. 2. Replace the sensor for the
or low readings • The sensor for the affected channel(s).
but other gas affected channel(s) may 3. If the difficulties continue,
detection need replacement. contact RKI Instruments for
instruments do further instruction.
not.

55 • Maintenance GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Table 6: Troubleshooting the GX-2009

Symptoms Probable Causes Recommended Action

• “FAIL” displays • The AUTO CAL 1. Confirm that the AUTO
during span calibration gas values CAL calibration gas values
adjustment in may not match the match the calibration gas
AUTO CAL or cylinder gas cylinder.
unable to set the concentrations. (AUTO 2. Change H2S removal filter
response CAL only) disk and/or the charcoal
readings during • The H2S removal filter filter disk.
span adjustment disk over the 3. Check all calibration tubing
in ONE CAL. combustible sensor or for leaks or for any bad
the charcoal filter disk connections.
over the CO sensor are 4. Verify that the calibration
saturated. cylinder contains an
• The sample gas is not adequate supply of fresh
reaching the sensor test sample.
because of a bad 5. If the fail condition
connection continues, replace the
• The calibration cylinder sensor(s).
may be out of gas or is 6. If the difficulties continue,
outdated. contact RKI Instruments,
• The sensor for the Inc. for further instruction.
affected channel(s) may
need replacement.

Recharging the GX-2009’s NiMH Batteries

WARNING: To prevent ignition of a hazardous atmosphere, batteries

must only be changed or charged in an area known to be
nonhazardous.

CAUTION: Use with RKI NiMH battery set 49-1609RK. Charge only with
RKI AC charger p/n 49-2170RK-0X (where X = 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5)
or RKI DC charger 49-2171RK. Use of other rechargeable
batteries or chargers or charging of other rechargeable
batteries in the GX-2009 will void the warranty.

1. Verify that the GX-2009 is off.

2. Confirm that the adapter’s DC output cord is plugged into the charger. If
a multi-instrument charging station is being used, the same AC adapter
is used as for the single instrument charging station.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Maintenance • 56

 3. If using an AC powered charging station, plug the AC adapter into an
electrical outlet.

AC Power Supply

Power Supply Jack

To AC
Outlet
Charge LED

AC Powered Charging Station

Figure 15: Connecting the Charging Station’s AC Adapter

57 • Maintenance GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 If using a DC powered charging station, plug the 12 VDC vehicle plug
adapter into a vehicle’s 12 VDC power socket.

Power Supply Jack

DC Adapter

To Vehicle
12 VDC Charge LED
Power Socket

DC Powered Charging Station

Figure 16: Connecting the Charging Station’s DC Adapter

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Maintenance • 58

 4. Put the GX-2009 in the charging base. Tabs at the top and bottom of
the charging base retain the instrument.

Retaining Tabs

RKI GX-2009

POWER
AIR MODE

H2S CO %LEL O2

Figure 17: Putting the GX-2009 in the Charging Base

5. While the unit is being charged, the red charging LED on the top face of
the charger is on.
6. When the charging LED turns off, the GX-2009’s batteries are fully
charged. It takes approximately 3 hours to recharge a fully discharged
battery set.
7. To verify whether the batteries are fully recharged,
remove the unit from the charging base, then press the
POWER MODE button to start up the unit. If the battery
icon on the LCD is fully colored in, then the unit has been
completely recharged.

NOTE: A battery set will have a typical service life of 500 charging cycles.

When using the GX-2009, draining the batteries as much as possible

before recharging them will help maintain the maximum operating time. If
the batteries are regularly only partially drained before charging or partially
charged before using the instrument, the battery may experience a

59 • Maintenance GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 “memory effect” and the run time of the instrument may be decreased. If
you notice this effect with your instrument, use the REFRESH function
described in “Discharging the Batteries with the REFRESH Function” on
page 46 to discharge your batteries before recharging them.

Replacing the GX-2009’s NiMH Batteries

WARNING: Replace the batteries in a non-hazardous environment.

Replace the battery set when it no longer holds a charge.

1. Verify that the GX-2009 is off.
2. Use a small phillips head screwdriver to remove the four screws that
hold the two halves of the case together. They are accessible from the
back of the instrument.

Case Screw Case Screw

Figure 18: Removing the Case Screws

3. Grasp the instrument by the front case with your left hand.
4. Grasp the rear case near the top where it is deepest with your right
hand and gently pull the top of the rear case slightly away from the top
of the front case, rotating it about the bottom of the rear case.

Pull rear case away Top of rear case will

from front case at top. separate from front case.

Figure 19: Opening the Case

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Maintenance • 60

 5. As you pull the top of the rear case away from the front case, you will
feel a slight click as the bottom of the rear case separates from the
bottom of the front case. Pull the rear case away from the front case.
Keep the instrument flat and steady so that the batteries do not drop out
of the case.

Figure 20: Removing the Rear Case

6. The batteries will be visible in the front case on the main circuit board.
Once the front case is removed, they are no longer held in place and
can be easily removed.

NiMH Batteries Main Circuit Board

Figure 21: NiMH Batteries

7. Remove each battery by gently pulling it away from the circuit board.
Each battery has an integral holder that provides electrical connection
to the circuit board.

61 • Maintenance GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Holes match up
with tabs on
bottom of battery.
Holes match up
with tabs on
bottom of battery.

Figure 22: Front Case With Batteries Removed

8. Replace each battery with a new one. Note the polarity markings on the
circuit board and batteries when installing each battery. Tabs on the
bottom of each battery match up with holes in the circuit board.
9. Reinstall the rear case to the front case with the four case screws.

Checking the Combustible Gas Sensor’s Condition

If you suspect that the combustible sensor has been contaminated or may
be reaching the end of its operational life, do the following to confirm it is
still operating properly:
1. Perform a fresh air adjustment as described in “Performing a Fresh Air
Adjustment” on page 31.
2. Apply calibration gas as described in “Performing a Span Adjustment in
ONE CAL” on page 37.
3. Instead of setting the gas reading to match the calibration gas
concentration, adjust the gas reading as high as possible.
4. A new sensor can typically be adjust to more than twice the calibration
gas concentration. If you are not able to adjust the combustible gas
reading to be at least 10% higher than the calibration gas
concentration, then the sensor should be replaced as soon as possible.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Maintenance • 62

 Replacing the Scrubber Filters
The H2S filter disk is dark red in color and although it may darken over
time, its color is not indicative of remaining filter life. The H2S filter disk can
absorb H2S for 33 ppm hours and should be replaced after that much
exposure. With this many ppm hours of absorption, the H2S filter disk
should be replaced after 80 minutes of exposure to 25 ppm H2S. This
equates to replacing the H2S filter disk after 40 2-minute calibrations with a
cylinder containing 25 ppm H2S. If H2S exists in the monitoring
environment, the H2S filter disk will have to be replaced more frequently.

WARNING: Replace the scrubber filters in a non-hazardous

environment.

Sensor Cover
Retainer

Sensor Cover

Sensor Retainer
Gasket
RKI GX-2009

POWER
AIR MODE
H2S Removal
H2 S CO %LEL O2 Filter Disk

Charcoal
Filter Disk

Figure 23: Removing the Sensor Retainer and Replacing the Scrubber Filters

1. Verify that the GX-2009 is off.

2. Unscrew the two screws that secure the sensor retainer and sensor
cover retainer to the GX-2009 and remove them.
3. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, gently pry each side of the sensor
cover retainer away from the sensor retainer.
4. Remove the sensor cover and sensor retainer gasket to gain access to

63 • Maintenance GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 the scrubbers.
5. The charcoal filter disk is located in the CO sensor diffusion port. One
filter disk is used.
One H2S removal filter disk is located in the combustible gas diffusion
port.
6. When the appropriate scrubber filters have been replaced, reinstall the
sensor retainer gasket and sensor cover.
7. Reattach the sensor cover retainer in its original position. It should snap
into place onto the sensor retainer.
8. Replace the two screws that you removed in Step 2 above to secure the
sensor retainer and sensor cover retainer to the GX-2009.

Replacing the Sensor Cover

WARNING: Replace the sensor cover in a non-hazardous

environment.

1. Verify that the GX-2009 is off.

2. Unscrew the two screws that secure the sensor retainer and sensor
cover retainer to the GX-2009 and remove them.
3. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, gently pry each side of the sensor
cover retainer away from the sensor retainer.
4. Remove the sensor cover then insert the replacement cover.
5. Reattach the sensor cover retainer in its original position. It should snap
into place onto the sensor retainer.
6. Replace the two screws that you removed in Step 2 above to secure the
sensor retainer and sensor cover retainer to the GX-2009.

Replacing a Sensor

WARNING: Replace the sensors in a non-hazardous environment.

1. Verify that the GX-2009 is off.

2. Unscrew the two screws that secure the sensor retainer and the sensor
cover retainer to the GX-2009 and remove them.
3. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to pry each end the sensor retainer
from the case with the sensor cover retainer still attached.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Maintenance • 64

 02
POWER
MODE

O2
GX-2009

%LEL
%LEL
CO

CO
RKI

AIR

H2S

H2S
Figure 24: Removing the Sensor Retainer to Replace a Sensor

4. Remove the sensor from its socket.

5. Carefully insert the replacement sensor in the socket.

H2S CO HC O2
Line up slots in H2S
and CO sensors
with tabs in case.
H2S

CO

HC

02

Figure 25: Replacing the Sensors and Their Locations in the GX-2009

65 • Maintenance GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 CAUTION: When replacing a sensor, verify that the sensor is properly
aligned with its socket before inserting it into the socket. The
CO and H2S sensors have alignment slots which match up
with alignment tabs in the sockets. The combustible gas
sensor has two non-polarized contacts which must line up with
the contacts in the socket. Forcing a sensor into its socket may
damage the sensor or the socket.

6. Snap the sensor retainer back onto the case, then secure it to the GX-
2009 with the two screws. The sensor retainer’s tabs that snap onto the
case are keyed so you can only snap it to the case one way.
7. Calibrate the new sensor as described in “Performing a Span
Adjustment in AUTO CAL” on page 32 or “Performing a Span
Adjustment in ONE CAL” on page 37.

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Maintenance • 66

Parts List
Table 7 lists replacement parts and accessories for the GX-2009.

Table 7: Parts List

Part Number Description

06-1248RK-03 Calibration kit tubing, 3 foot length

07-6021RK Sensor retainer gasket
10-1098RK Screw with washers, for alligator or belt clip installation
10-1104RK Screw, M2 x 10 mm, for case or sensor retainer
13-0112RK Wrist strap
13-0116RK Alligator clip
13-0117RK Belt clip
21-1882RK Sensor retainer
21-1884RK Sensor cover retainer
33-0172RK Sensor cover, water proof
33-7102RK Charcoal filter disk, 5 pack, for CO diffusion port
33-7114RK Filter disk, H2S scrubber, 5 pack, for combustible diffusion port

45-2430RK Plug adapter for AC adapter, US to Euro, non grounded

47-5084RK USB/IrDA adapter module (without USB cable)
47-5084RK-01 USB/IrDA adapter assembly (with module and USB cable)
47-5085RK Cable, USB A to USB mini, 6 feet, for USB/IrDA adapter module
49-1609RK Set of 2 Ni-MH batteries
49-0115RK AC adapter for charging station
49-2020RK DC adapter for charging station
49-2170RK-01 Charging station with AC adapter for single instrument, 115 VAC
49-2170RK-02 Charging station with AC adapter for two instruments, 115 VAC
49-2170RK-03 Charging station with AC adapter for three instruments, 115
VAC
49-2170RK-04 Charging station with AC adapter for four instruments, 115 VAC
49-2170RK-05 Charging station with AC adapter for five instruments, 115 VAC

67 • Parts List GX-2009 Operator’s Manual

 Table 7: Parts List

Part Number Description

49-2171RK Charging station with 12 VDC vehicle plug adapter

71-0158RK GX-2009 Portable Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual
71-0162RK GX-2009 User Setup Program Operator’s Manual
71-8002RK GX-2009 Product CD, includes Data Management Program,
User Setup Program, and all operator’s manuals
81-GX01HSCO 58 liter four-gas cylinder, regulator, calibration plate, case &
tubing
81-GX01HSCO-LV 34 liter aluminum four-gas cylinder, regulator, calibration plate,
case & tubing
81-GX01CO 103 liter three-gas cylinder, regulator, calibration plate, case &
tubing
81-GX01CO-LV 34 liter steel three-gas cylinder, regulator, calibration plate, case
& tubing
81-0090RK-01 Three-gas calibration cylinder, 50% LEL CH4/12% O2/50 ppm
CO, 34 liter steel
81-0090RK-03 Three-gas calibration cylinder, 50% LEL CH4/12% O2/50 ppm
CO, 103 liter
81-0154RK-02 Four-gas calibration cylinder, 50% LEL CH4/12% O2/50 ppm
CO/25 ppm H2S, 58 liter

81-0154RK-04 Four-gas calibration cylinder, 50% LEL CH4/12% O2/50 ppm

CO/25 ppm H2S, 34 liter aluminum

81-1050RK Regulator, fixed flow, 0.5 LPM, with gauge and knob, for 17 liter
and 34 liter steel cylinders (cylinders with external threads)
81-1051RK Regulator, fixed flow, 0.5 LPM, with gauge and knob, for 34 liter
aluminum, 58 liter, and 103 liter cylinders (cylinders with internal
threads)
81-1107RK Calibration/sample cap, rubber
81-1160RK Hand aspirated sampler, w/10’ hose, probe
ES-1821 Carbon monoxide sensor
ES-1827i Hydrogen sulfide sensor
NC-6264A Combustibles sensor

GX-2009 Operator’s Manual Parts List • 68

 Table 7: Parts List

Part Number Description

OS-BM2 Oxygen sensor

69 • Parts List GX-2009 Operator’s Manual