GEM-2000 Easy Steps - GEM Mode

Using the GEM-2000 in GEM Mode along with DataField CS 3.1 Software

Printable Version

Steps to Start DataField

Connect your Instrument with the RS-232 Cable.
Click on the desktop icon labeled "DF3.0 (Offline)" or "DataField CS".
You are prompted: Would you like to connect to the DataField 3.0 Service?. Click on No.
You are prompted: Please select an Instrument type. Click on one of:
- GEM/GA2000
- Auto-Detect
- Manual, then in the expanded message box click on GEM/GA2000 and select the Com port (usually Com port one) your GEM™2000 is attached to.
Turn the GEM™2000 on
Wait for self-test to complete
Place in reading screen.
Click on OK button to establish connection to the instrument.
You see the message GEM2000 found on Com port 1.
You see the message Creating Layouts
Once DataField 3.0 has established connection with the GEM™2000, the Main Screen will appear with seven categories (buttons) on the left side of the screen. The seven categories are:
- ID Functions
- Readings
- Comments
- Site Questions
- Clear Memory
- Instrument Settings
- Resource Links

Steps to Create IDs

Click on the first button “ID Functions”
Click on Add ID Button
Enter ID (8 characters, letters or numbers only)
Enter pump running time. This is the number of seconds the pump will run when drawing a gas sample. The recommended time is 120 seconds.
Enter additional information if desired. This is usually used to help the field technician locate and identify the wellhead in the field. A maximum of 64 characters is supported.
Select flow device.
- If selecting AccuFlo, make sure you choose the correct size.
- If selecting Pitot Tube, enter pipe size.
- If selecting Orifice Plate, enter pipe size and orifice size.
- Select User Input for probes, sample ports and other flow devices.
You can enter up to three questions for the field technician. The questions will appear on the GEM™2000 when the ID is used for a LFG reading. Question types are:
- Alphanumeric. We suggest yes or no questions.
- Numeric
  - Enter question (use question mark after question)
  - Select Format (how many digits/characters your answer will need – use upper case X (example XX.X))
  - Units (units of measure (example %, scfm or feet))
- Comments. Comments must be entered and sent to the instrument from the comments Screen, before they can be viewed or used here
  - NOTE: You may want to now read "Steps to Create Comments" and send these to the instrument before you continue with entering IDs. Remember that you have anywhere between 1 and 8 comments (up to 7 comments and 1 extended comment).
Click Save after completing all needed information [this will enter the ID and return you to ID List (Main) Screen].
Click on Add ID and repeat this process for each ID you wish to enter for download to your GEM™.

Options you have in the ID Screen are described below

Edit ID
- Select the ID row [Highlight]
- Click on Edit ID button. This will take you to the same screen as add IDs
- Make changes
- Click Save. This will return you to the ID list (Main) screen.
Save To File
- Click button. This will open a new window
- Choose the folder
- Enter the name you wish to save the file with, then click OK. This file will be saved as a ".txt" file.
  - If you wish to save a second file be sure there is not an address in the file name at the top of the page since it will keep saving to that file name and overwrite the original file.
Load From File
- Click button. This will open a new window with your saved files.
- Click on file you want to use (be sure it is a ".txt" file
- Click on open. This will send the file to the ID screen.
  - Note: File must be created in 3.0 and not altered from the original saved file to load correctly
Load From Instrument
- Click button. This will download IDs that are stored in the GEM™ to ID screen. This is used generally for editing IDs
- You might see the message If you continue all information will be lost. Do you wish to save?
  - If you click No, the IDs will be downloaded from your GEM™.
  - If you click Yes, the window that appeared when you clicked Save to File will appear and you may save the ID lists
Delete ID
- Highlight row you wish to delete
- Click Delete ID button
- You will see the message Are you sure you want to delete?
  - Click Yes to remove the ID in the highlighted row.
  - Click No to dismiss the message box without deleting the ID.
Resequence
- Click button
- The ID list you created, will appear on the left side of two columns. They will be in the order that you created the list in. To place them in a different order:
  - Highlight the ID you want first
  - Click button labeled RIGHT. This will move that ID to the top of the right hand column
  - Continue until you have the ID in the order you will be taking readings
  - Click OK. This will place the IDs in their new order on the ID list (main) screen.
Send To Instrument
- Make sure instrument is in the readings screen
- Click Send to Instrument button
- This will send IDs to the GEM™2000 for field readings.
  - Note: Be sure that you are not sending IDs that are already in the instrument as you may create double entries. If these IDs were downloaded from the GEM™ to edit, it is best to CLEAR IDs from memory before sending to Instrument.
- You may see the message Are you sure you would like to add IDs?
- Click Yes
- You should see the message IDs uploaded successfully
- Click OK.

Steps to Take Readings with the GEM™2000

Turn Instrument On (By pressing on the Red Button).
Important information you will find on the GEM™’s start up screen
- Version of software
- Language
- Date & Date format
- Instrument Serial Number
- Warning message (example) Service Due
- Date Service was due
- On the right side your battery & memory status (each square =20%)
After the instrument has finished its initial self test process and auto purge, it will open Main Reading Screen
- If it doesn’t, press any key and the Main Reading Screen will open
Press 3 Next ID (the list you down loaded from 3.0 will appear)
To choose the ID for which you wish to take readings, use the Arrow keys Up (2) or Down (8) and to select ID press Enter (Key with just an Arrow)
Press (1) Exit will return you to the main readings screen.
Options on Select ID Screen are
- (3) View ID Details [This will display information you entered in {info:(64 chars)} as you created the ID in 3.0 ID functions Category]
- (5) Select no ID.
Each of these options upon pressing that key will take you to clean air purge screen. Options are:
- Start purge - this will take you to the main readings screen
- Abort purge will stop the instrument pump.
To take reading, make sure proper hoses are connected and press the Pump/Backspace Key (The green key with an arrow and fan blade at the bottom of the Key Pad).
Press 5 Measure Flow
- With both hoses connected you will see the static pressure and the differential pressure
- To ensure correct pressure readings you should zero Transducers.
Press Enter to Zero Transducers (Remember to disconnect all hoses)
Then reconnect hoses to see the current pressure readings
Be sure pressure is stabilized before you Press One to continue
- When pressing one to continue, the current ST and DP will be stored
If you are not using the GEM™ temperature probe, you will be asked to enter Temperature. Press Enter
If a temperature probe is plugged into the GEM™ this screen will not appear as it has already recorded the temperature in the reading screen.
If ID is set up as User Input you will be asked to enter “Current flow & Adjusted flow”. Do so, then press Enter when completed.
The final screen will give you the summary of your reading showing current and adjusted readings.
Press Enter to Store Reading
If you configured questions for this ID in particular you will be prompted with up to three customized questions or comments). If a wrong entry is made you can remove it by using the Pump/Backspace Key (The green key with arrow at the bottom of the Key Pad). After questions are completed or comments are chosen you will receive the message Reading Stored.
Now press (3) to continue to the next ID.

Steps to use GEM™ menu

From the main reading screen pressing (1) Menu will give you the following options

Zero Transducers
Update Site Data (Data You Entered in Site Questions (4) Category
View Data (Scroll through Readings you have stored)
Print Data (Use 3.0 for printing not this option)
Adjust Contrast (this Automatically done by instrument)
Field Calibration (Takes you to Screen for completion of your instrument calibration) You will find the Easy Steps for Calibration on following pages)
Mode of Operation - Press Enter to select
- GEM mode ==> Gas Extraction Monitor
- GA mode ==> Landfill Gas Analyzer
Exit Menu

Use arrow keys (2-4-6-8) to scroll, when selection is highlighted Press Enter (arrow key) to select

Steps to Download Readings

Once you have finished taking readings, follow the instructions at the top to connect your GEM™ to your computer and start DataField
Click on "Readings" icon on the left.
Click on Load from Instrument button
- Note: This can take a few minutes depending on how many readings you have stored.
If the download was successful, DataField 3.0 will prompt you with the following message: Readings Transferred Successfully
Click Ok.
Delete Invalid Readings
- Highlight the row you wish to delete
- Click the Delete Readings button
- You will see the message: Are you sure you want to delete?
- Click Yes - this will remove the reading in the highlighted row.
After verifying your readings, click on Technician and Weather Stamping
- The Instrument ID will already be entered.
- Enter the Technician initials
- Click Stamp All
- You see the message: All Data Stamped
- Enter applicable information (all entries must be numbers except Technician initials)
- Click Stamp button at the bottom
- You'll see the message: All Data Stamped
- Click Close
Click on Save File button if you wish to save the file for future use.
- Will open a new window (standard File Save box)
- The raw data file will be saved as a ".dsf" file. That is, when you download readings, all the readings will be saved once into a file whose name is "something.dsf", where you choose what "something" is.
- The first time you run DataField, you will be prompted to designate the folder in which ".dsf" files will be put.
- We suggest the path be C:\PROGRAM FILES\CES\DF.
- Choosing a folder in Windows is sometimes called choosing the "path". The "path" or "pathname" of a file is the full name that tells you which folder the file is in, and which folder that is in, and so on. A path looks like this: C:\OutermostFolder\FolderInsideOutermostFolder\FolderInsideThatOne\Filename.dsf
- If you ever have to load readings from a file, the ".dsf" file is the one you load
- For your report sheet:
  - Choose the headings you wish to use on the field selector page
  - Move headings to the right hand side in the order you want to appear
  - Once on the right, they may be moved up or down in order by highlighting and using the up and down arrows on the left
  - After all headings have been selected and order has been completed click browse button
  - As with the ID function, this will open a new window (Standard File Save window)
  - choose the location and folder enter the name you wish to save the file with
  - The file will be named "WhateverYouChoose.csv", and can be opened in Excel or other spreadsheet program
  - Click Save File button.
  - The program will prompt you with the file saved OK but you have only saved the location.
  - You will be returned to the field selector page at the bottom of the page click on the save file button
  - The program will prompt you with the file saved click OK
  - The csv and dsf file are now both saved

Note: If you load from file and you must be sure and load the dsf original file. Although available the send to Instrument are not generally use in this category [they execute the same as in ID Category]

Steps to Create and Send Comments to Instrument

Click on Comments icon on left.
Comments Screen will open with one blank white entry box (row)
Start typing your Comments
- You can double click in the row to give you a curser if you need to backspace (delete) a letter or word.
- Note. You have up to 64 characters per comment
After completing your comment, press enter on your PC keyboard. This will give you a new row for your next comment.
On your last comment press enter and have a blank white row below. This will assure that your last comment is entered.
Once you have finished configuring your Comments, Click on Send to Instrument button
You will be prompted with the following message: This will overwrite current comments in the instrument. Continue? Click Yes.
You'll see the message: Comments transferred successfully. Click Ok
- Clicking No produces the message: “Operation Cancelled by user”
To Save your comments. Click on "Save File" Button. This will give you the same window as described in Saving IDs

Steps to Create and Send Site Questions to Instrument

Click on Site Questions
You will have a total of five site questions to create. Options are.:
- Alphanumeric - Type in the question. We suggest questions with YES and NO answers.
- Numeric - Type a question. Put in the Answer format by typing (upper case) X (each X representing the number of characters or digits that will be in your answer). Finally enter the units of measurement (for example Fahrenheit or %).
- Comments Remember you have a total of eight comments (up to 7 comments and 1 extended comment, or anywhere between 1 and 8 comments).
First click on the Question (1 2 3 etc.) then choose the Question Type
Click the small button (circle to the left). It will become dark and the rows for entry of information will appear or your list of comments to choose from.
By clicking in the box by the comment it will enter a check mark indicating it is chosen.
Once you have finished configuring your questions, click on "Send to Instrument" Button
You will then see a review screen and be prompted: Do you want to proceed?
Review the questions, and if they are correct click Yes
You will be prompted with the following message: This will overwrite current questions in the instrument. Continue?
Click Yes.
You'll see the message: Site Questions transferred successfully
Click Ok.
Once you have Uploaded your Site Questions, they may be reviewed or answered by Pressing 1 for Menu on your Instrument and selecting option 2.Update Site Data.
Use your Up(2) or Down(8) keys to scroll to the "Update Site Data" then press Enter in your instrument
Enter the information asked in your Site Questions Prior to taking readings The site answers will attach to each reading taken.
Once you have completed the Site Questions you will see the message “Questions Stored” the instrument has automatically stored your information and will return you to the instrument Main Screen.

Steps to Clear Memory

Once you have downloaded and saved your files you may want to clear the memory

Click on Clear Memory (Fifth Button). You will see the following categories:
- Clear IDs
- Clear Readings
- Clear Comments
- Clear Site Questions
- Clear all the Memory in the Instrument
Click the small circle on the left of the option to select it (it will turn dark).
Click on the button below marked Clear Selected Memory Now. This will clear what you have chosen from the GEM™2000.
You will be prompted with the message Are you sure you would like to clear?
Click Yes
You will receive the message Successfully Cleared.
To verify the chosen item has been deleted from the GEM, try loading that item from the instrument. For example, you chose “Clear IDs”. To test this, go to the ID functions screen and click on Load from Instrument button. You should see the message No IDs were found in the instruments current mode of operation.

Instrument Settings

Click Instrument Settings (Sixth Button)
The Options you will have are listed below (Select any of these options by clicking on the button Each will open a new screen)
- Instrument Status - Current status of your instrument & Serial Number
- Alarm Levels
  - You may set alarm levels for CH₄, CO₂ or O₂; max & min
    - Click the box on left side of entry area (white space). It will enter a check mark
    - Then enter the number for that %
    - After entries are completed, click on Update Alarm Levels. this will send the values to the instrument.
    - You will receive the message Alarms Successfully Updated
    - Click Ok.
  - When any field reading taken goes above the max or below the min the GEM%trade; will make a beeping sound to let the technician know to check the reading being taken
- Data Logging
  - Data Logging consists of connecting your instrument to a sampling port with a set time length for a sample collection and a time length for the instrument to wait between samples.
  - This option can be used in the GA and GEM Mode of the instrument. As discussed (in taking readings) changing the mode of operation is in the menu screen of the GEM 2000. Once the mode is changed press 1 for a second menu and select data logging for your instrument.
  - In the data-logging screen in 3.0 you may give the logging event an ID. Click in the box and type the name, if no ID is entered the event will be labeled AUTO LOG.
  - Enter the interval between readings (this will be in minutes)
  - Click in the box and enter the number
  - Enter the pump running time (this will be in seconds)(this is the time length you want the instrument to gather a sample)
  - After you enter the name and times, click on Update Logging Data. You will receive the message “Data logging Successfully Updated"
- Instrument Options
  - Automatically Purge the Instrument (when instrument is turned off) the default is 30 seconds.
  - Display %lower explosive limit on Reading Screen (LEL 5%) (UEL15%)
  - Low flow warning (set in milliliters per minute)(setting the time period before the pump shuts off due to low flow conditions) default is 50
  - Purge Time (Setting the time period for the pump to purge the instrument with clean air between samples) default is 30seconds.
  - After entering any changes Click update instruments Options. Message: “Instrument Option Successfully Updated”, Click OK
  - We recommend these options always be turned on.
- Time
  - Click button to retrieve the computer’s time and date
    - The computer's time and date will appear at the top of the screen
    - Manual setting may be done by using the buttons beside the numbers
  - Click Update Instrument Time
  - You will receive the message "Time Successfully Updated"
- Units of Measure
  - This screen is protected by entry of a password. This password may be obtained from CES-LANDTEC.
  - This Screen allows the units of measure to be changed. It is recommended that these not changed.
  - If the Units are updated, all readings in the instrument will be erased.

Resources and Links

You will be connected to the CES Landtec web site