> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aethlabs.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/introduction.md). # 1. Introduction Overview of the microAethalometer™ MA600 rack-mount aethalometer, its features, and physical layout. The microAethalometer MA600 is a five-wavelength Black Carbon monitor for continuous stationary monitoring. It draws an aerosol sample through a filter tape and measures the optical attenuation of the collected particles at five wavelengths to quantify Black Carbon in real time, with DualSpot® loading compensation. The MA600 packages the proven MA Series measurement core in a 3U 19-inch rack-mount chassis for permanent indoor installation in laboratories, regulatory monitoring stations, and industrial environments. ## 1.1 Instrument Overview The MA600 shares the MA Series measurement core and packages it for permanent indoor installation: a 3U rack-mount chassis, a BLDC pump with an extended flow range, RS-232 and USB serial interfaces for integration with data acquisition and SCADA systems, and an optional built-in sample dryer for humid environments. | Feature | MA600 | | ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------- | | Form factor | 3U 19-inch rack-mount chassis (indoor) | | Measurement | Five-wavelength (IR, Red, Green, Blue, UV), DualSpot® | | Filter tape capacity | 85 locations (MAFT-L85) | | Power | External 12V DC (no internal battery) | | Pump | BLDC, flow range 100–250 ml/min | | microAeth® Manager Application | USB mini-B | | Serial interface (RS-232) | DB-9 connector | | WiFi / GPS | None | | Aerosol ports | 1/4 inch push-to-connect (inlet and outlet) | | Built-in Nafion dryer | Optional, factory-installed (active, external purge pump) | | Primary use | Continuous unattended regulatory monitoring | ### Key Features * **Five-wavelength measurement** — IR (880 nm), Red (625 nm), Green (528 nm), Blue (470 nm), UV (375 nm) for Black Carbon quantification and source apportionment. * **DualSpot® loading compensation** — real-time correction for filter loading artifacts. * **3U rack-mount form factor** — fits standard 19-inch equipment racks for permanent installation. * **BLDC pump** — brushless DC pump with an extended flow range (100–250 ml/min) for long-term deployment reliability. * **RS-232 serial** — DB-9 connector for integration with data acquisition systems and SCADA. * **USB serial** — communication with microAeth Manager Softwar via a front-panel USB mini-B port. * **85-location filter tape** — MAFT-L85 cartridge for extended unattended operation. * **External power** — 12V DC via M8 sealed circular connector for continuous operation. * **Optional built-in Nafion dryer** — factory-installed sample dryer with an external purge circuit for humid environments. ## 1.2 Physical Overview The numbered callouts below key to the labeled instrument diagram: ![microAethalometer MA600 instrument diagram — top, front, back, left, right, and bottom views with numbered callouts 1–14](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2bfeec8075b6f1e6d0b207df509d812f422bf86a%2Fma600-instrument-diagram.png?alt=media) 1. Mounting holes (4X) for 19 inch 3U rackmount 2. Needle valve for purge-air flow adjustment (with optional built-in Nafion dryer only) 3. User interface buttons (3X) 4. User interface screen 5. Filter tape cartridge door 6. Flat head screw (1X) in filter tape cartridge door 7. USB mini-B port 8. 12V DC IN M8 connector 9. Serial RS-232 data DB9 connector 10. Serial number label 11. Sample Outlet 1/4 inch outer diameter (OD) push-to-connect connector 12. Sample Inlet 1/4 inch OD push-to-connect connector 13. Dryer Air In (Attach Filter) 1/4 inch OD push-to-connect connector (with optional built-in Nafion dryer only) 14. Dryer Vacuum Out (To Pump) 1/4 inch OD push-to-connect connector (with optional built-in Nafion dryer only) ### Front Panel ![MA600 front panel — 3U rack-mount form factor showing the LCD display, three control buttons, AethLabs branding, and the USB mini-B port](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2FIkgUTfWsImgJ7FgN1UQ8%2FMA600%20front.jpg?alt=media\&token=89d0c85d-e4df-4bf7-8151-d63217e9b797) LCD screen, three navigation buttons (left, right, center), filter tape cartridge door, and USB mini-B port. On dryer-equipped units, the front panel also carries the dryer needle valve for setting purge flow. ### Rear Panel ![MA600 rear panel — showing the RS-232 DB-9 SERIAL connector, the 12V DC IN power connector, the 1/4 inch sample inlet and outlet ports, and the dryer air-in and vacuum-out ports (dryer-equipped units only)](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-403b0a9963116f85c9788ff84b30391b5e78d73b%2Fma600-rear-panel.jpg?alt=media) Sealed M8 circular connector labeled **12V DC IN** for external power; RS-232 **SERIAL** DB-9 connector; 1/4 inch push-to-connect aerosol sample inlet and outlet ports. On dryer-equipped units, the rear panel also carries the **DRYER AIR IN** and **VACUUM OUT** ports for the external purge circuit. ### Mounting Standard 19-inch rack ears for 3U installation (see [Chapter 4: Installation](/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/installation.md)). ## 1.3 Serial Number The model and serial number of the microAethalometer MA600 is located on the back panel of the instrument. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you contact AethLabs for service. **Model:** microAethalometer MA600 **Serial Number:** MA600-\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
## 1.4 About This Manual This manual covers the microAethalometer **MA600**, a five-wavelength Black Carbon monitor built on the proven MA Series optical engine and packaged in a 3U 19-inch rack-mount chassis for continuous stationary monitoring in laboratories, regulatory stations, and industrial environments. This manual covers firmware v1.14.29 and microAeth Manager v1.8. Features may differ in earlier firmware versions. For a condensed setup reference, see the [MA600 Quick Start Guide](/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/quick-start-guide.md).