mSquad User’s Guide
5
1.
General Information
The mSquad System is a quickly-deployable set of mobile multi-gas meters that communicate
wirelessly to a Squad leader up to 0.8 km (0.5 miles) distant line of sight. The system is ideal for
hazmat response, firefighters, temporary venue protection, tank entry, plant turn-around, and
other high-risk jobs. An mSquad consists of one Head monitor (MP400H) and up to 7 Soldier
monitors (MP400S) that communicate with each other via built-in wireless modules at ISM band
(902-928 MHz, FCC Part 15 approved). Each 4- or 5-gas monitor has options for a full range of
sensors for toxic gases, oxygen (O
2
), combustibles (LEL), carbon dioxide (CO
2
) and PID for
volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition to high gas concentration alarms, all Squad
units receive any Man-Down alarms to notify them remotely of a worker in distress. All the
Squad monitors are Class I Division I certified to operate in hazardous zones. The entire
mSquad is mobile, running on batteries for up to 12 hours. Each mSquad comes preconfigured
for immediate deployment and the Head user can assign monitor names for ease of recognition.
The Head/Host MP400H monitor always samples by diffusion because the communications
antenna is attached to the pump inlet port, while MP400S Soldier units have a built-in sampling
pump for active gas sampling, and thus a somewhat faster response time.
Detailed operations and maintenance for the MP400S and MP400H as individual monitors are
described in the POLI User’s Guide. The present Guide highlights the features required to
connect multiple instruments to function as a system that communicates wirelessly for an entire
team. Users should familiarize themselves with the basic POLI User’s Guide before reading this
manual.
1.1 mSquad 4 and mSquad 8
mSquads are currently available in two options: mSquad 4 with one host/head (MP400H) and
three soldiers (MP400S), and mSquad 8 with one host/head and seven soldiers. Each system
comes in (a) carry case(s) holding four units and arrives fully configured at ready for use after
charging and calibration.
1.2 Main Features
•
Remote, wireless real-time readings and alarms including Man-down
•
Up to 8 remote 4- or 5-gas monitors
•
Up to 0.8 km (0.5 miles) distance to Squad Head
•
All mSquad units alarm if any one unit has an alarm condition
•
Mobile system operation
•
12-hour continuous operation on single Li-ion battery charge.
•
Micro-USB cable for battery charging and direct PC communication
•
Convenient 4-unit carry case with built-in 4-unit charger
•
Wide selection of sensor types
