Technical Leaflet T9: Racket Control BoD Approval: 2015

Introduction
This Technical Leaflet describes the tests used in a racket control center. While the tests are generally
designed to verify that every racket fulfills the requirements of the ITTF Laws of Table Tennis and the
ITTF Regulations for International Competitions, they also include additional tests as approved by the
Board of Directors.

The primary functions of the racket tester are to inspect and measure rackets, record results, and
communicate with other officials. A racket tester cannot validate or disqualify a racket; he or she can
only test the racket, and report the findings to the necessary umpire or referee.

Through the course of a competition, a racket tester will handle the rackets of many players. It is
important to handle rackets with care, understanding that each racket is a vital tool of a professional
player. Specifically, rubber surfaces should not be touched with bare fingers. If a racket must be
adjusted, such as trimming of edges or removal of tape, it is recommended that this be done by the
player.

A description of each test follows. Appendix A lists each test and its respective limit for quick reference.

For those players and officials who are interested in acquiring a deeper understanding, Appendix B
describes the principles which form the basis of the racket tests and limits.

1. Regularity of Blade and Racket Coverings

A visual inspection is the first thing that a racket tester should do when he receives a racket. A racket
should always be checked to see that it satisfies the basic requirements of a table tennis racket. These
include:

• Color – There must be one red side and one black side.
• Wooden Blade – The blade must be composed mostly of natural wood, though layers of other
fibrous reinforcement materials are permitted. The surface of the blade may have a thin layer of
lacquer, but not coated with paint or very thick lacquer over 0.1 mm thick.
• Surface Regularity – The racket covering must be flat, continuous, and have a regular
appearance such as in texture and color. The racket covering should extend up to the limits of
the blade, though the referee may provide guidance regarding the tolerance to be permitted.
• Damage – The referee should provide guidance to describe the amount of racket damage that
will be tolerated. In general, slight damage around the edge of a racket may be permitted
depending on the extent; but significant blade damage, or a crack, chip, or missing pimple in
the hitting area usually will have to be reported.
• Attachment of Topsheet, Sponge, and Blade – The racket covering must be completely
attached to the blade. Problems in this regard may be directly visible, but during inspection the
tester should be careful not to risk further detachment. The referee will make the final ruling.
• Treated Rubber – Racket coverings must not be treated, i.e. its physical or chemical
properties must not have been changed, whether deliberately or not. This is difficult to declare
with certainty, unless a reference rubber in the original state is available for comparison.
However, it can always be checked that the surface of the racket covering should be clean and
free of any additional substance or materials.
• Other Irregularities – There are many additional conditions which may cause a racket to be
considered irregular and not permitted for competition. There are also many irregularities which
would be considered acceptable. For example, a part of the blade near the handle might be
uncovered, or covered with different materials; this would normally be accepted if this area is
covered by the player’s hand. Or the back side of a penhold racket might be covered with paint,
plastic, treated rubber, etc. Again, this is normally permitted, provided that it is matt and the
color is properly black or bright red. When in doubt, the racket tester should note the
irregularity and inform the referee, who will make the final decision.

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2. Authorisation of Racket Coverings

Racket coverings (rubber) must be on the current List of Authorised Racket Coverings (LARC)
published by the ITTF. The rubber must have the supplier name, brand name, and the ITTF logo. In
addition, if the rubber exists only with an ITTF number on the LARC, then the ITTF number on the
rubber is also mandatory. Be aware that some racket coverings have two versions, one with and one
without a number, and in these cases the ITTF number on the rubber is not required.

The latest LARC is available on [Link] in the “Homepage à Equipment à Racket Coverings”
section. When using the PDF version of the LARC, be aware that there is a last page which includes
rubbers whose authorisation is due to expire. Check the expiration date on the last page; if the date
has passed, the last page should be discarded. However if the rubbers on the last page are valid, do
not forget to check the last page when verifying a racket covering’s authorisation.

When doing a lookup of the covering in the LARC, note that the list is not purely alphabetical. For each
supplier, all rubbers which have an ITTF number are first, followed by all rubbers without numbers.
Therefore, you will find a “Megabrand 001 Toprubber” far before a “Megabrand Superrubber”.

The branding area of a rubber can contain text in addition to what is listed on the LARC. For example,
rubber with the text “Butterfly Sriver S D13” is authorised as “Butterfly Sriver S”. However, care
should be taken to ensure that any additional text does not refer to a completely different rubber
which was authorised by itself in the past and removed from the list in the meantime. Such an
example would be the “DHS 651” (still authorised) and the “DHS 651-PF4” (withdrawn in January
2004). A LARC archive is helpful to resolve this matter. Also, a comparison with the original branding
area on the ITTF website can be used via the Internet connection in the Racket Control Center. In any
case the final decision is with the referee.

3. Flatness Test

3.1. Manual flatness device – Net gauge

A striking surface must be flat. A net gauge laid down with its straight edge on the rubber and
observed against the light should not show a gap between it and the rubber. In the call area, if an
umpire is satisfied with the flatness there is no need to perform a measurement. When measured, the
magnitude of curvature may not be more than 0.2 mm when the shape is convex, and 0.5 mm when
the shape is concave.

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The magnitude of curvature can be tested by using standardized steel blades. In the picture above, the
net gauge rests on 0.2mm blades. If the center of the net gauge touches the rubber surface, this
indicates that this side of the racket is convex.

Optionally, tape that is 0.2mm thick may be affixed to a net gauge for convenience, as shown below.
The thickness of the tape can be verified using calipers or the electronic flatness measurement device.
This permits a quick test for flatness using the method previously described.

3.2. Electronic flatness device

This device consists of a gauge set in the center of a supporting body which spans the racket. The
body is placed across the racket and the gauge’s contact point will touch the rubber. The gauge
displays the difference in height between the center and the edges.

For convex racket coverings (center thicker than edge), the gauge shows readings > 0.00mm; for
concave racket coverings (center thinner than edge) the gauge shows readings < 0.00mm.

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Test Procedure:
1. Turn on the gauge. Make sure it is set to display millimeters, not inches.
2. Rest the device on the flat calibration block, and reset the gauge to 0.00 if necessary.
3. Place the device across the rubber, being sure that the device is not resting on the raised
moulded branding area of the rubber. Read the gauge display.
4. Perform at least 2 diagonal measurements on each side of the racket; one as shown in the
picture above, and another in the perpendicular orientation.
5. Record the highest magnitude (worst) reading. Do not take an average. The measured flatness
must be ≥ -0.50mm and ≤ +0.20mm.

3.3. Electronic flatness device with adjustable feet

This is an optional step which can be taken if the flatness device has adjustable feet.

Test Procedure:
1. Place a straightedge (such as a net gauge) along the racket surface to see if there are visible
hills or valleys – localized areas which are distinctly not flat.
2. If there is such an area, adjust the feet of the device such that the contact point will touch the
highest magnitude point, while the feet span the point.
3. Reset the gauge to 0.00 on the calibration block.
4. Place the device on the rubber to measure the area which was identified.
5. Record the reading if it exceeds the specified limits. Note that this localized flatness reading
should not be added to a thickness reading.

In the example below, a cut-out area has been identified (left picture). The flatness device is adjusted
to measure the hill by placing the left foot into the cutout. Alternately, the valley could be measured by
shifting the device to the left, placing the gauge contact point in the valley.

4. Racket Covering Thickness Test

4.1. Electronic thickness device
This device consists of a gauge set at the end of a supporting body. The body is placed on the rubber
surface and the gauge’s contact point touches the bare zone of the blade between the handle and the
end of the rubbers as shown in the figure below.

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Test Procedure:
1. Turn on the gauge. Make sure it is set to display millimeters, not inches.
2. Rest the device on the flat calibration block, and reset the gauge to 0.00 if necessary.
3. Place the device across the rubber such that the gauge’s contact point rests on the blade, being
sure that the device is not resting on the raised moulded branding area of the rubber.
4. For each side of the racket, perform and record 4 measurements in the orientations below.

5. Calculate and record the average of the readings.

6. If this side of the racket is convex (positive measurement in the flatness test), the measured
flatness may need to be added to the thickness. Perform one of the following:
a. If this side is convex and the reverse side is flat or convex, add the flatness
measurement of this side to the thickness measurement.
b. If this side is convex and the reverse side is concave (negative measurement in the
flatness test), and the sum of the two flatness measurements is positive, add this sum to
the thickness measurement.
c. If this sum of the two flatness measurements is negative, add nothing.

Examples:
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4
Thickness measurement of red side 3.90 3.90 3.90 3.90
Flatness of red side -0.10 +0.10 +0.10 +0.10
Flatness of black side -0.05 +0.05 -0.05 -0.20
Final thickness result of red side 3.90 4.00 3.95 3.90

7. For rubber with sponge, the average thickness must be < 4.05mm. For rubber without sponge,
the average must be < 2.05mm.

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Precautions:
• If the wood near the handle is uneven, the gauge’s contact point should carefully be placed in a
spot which reflects the level of the blade.
Example 1: If a small piece of wood is missing, then the contact point must not be placed on
this spot, or the reading will be too thick.
Example 2: If there is excess glue or lacquer on all spots but one, then the contact point must
be placed on this spot, or the reading will be too low. If no such spots are available, ask the
player to scratch off some lacquer. If the player refuses, refer the matter to the referee.
• If all the wood near the handle contains a layer of lacquer which does not cover the entire
blade, and for any reason cannot be removed anywhere, then the estimated thickness of the
lacquer must be added to the electronic thickness result. As a guide, such layers should not
normally be thicker than 0.1mm. A loupe can be used to measure the lacquer’s thickness.

4.2. Optical thickness device - Loupe

A magnifying glass (loupe) can be used when there is no possibility to check the thickness of a specific
racket with an electronic device, regardless of whether such a device is actually available. It can also
be used if there are doubts that the electronic device is measuring the real thickness of a rubber.

Some cases in which a loupe would be used are:

• An electronic device is not available.
• The wood near the handle has a layer of lacquer and the player refuses to remove it.
• The wood near the handle carries an additional layer of cork.
• The wood near the handle has a specific form which does not allow the contact point of the
electronic device to rest on it at the same level as the blade.
• The rubber’s moulded branding area (rubber name, ITTF number etc.) has an extension which
does not allow the contact point to rest on the wood while the device rests on the flat rubber.
• In case of doubt that the electronic device can measure the actual thickness of the racket
covering, due to any irregularity or unusual racket construction. In these cases, measurement
by loupe should take precedence over the electronic device.

4.3. Manual thickness device – Net gauge

An initial thickness measurement can be made with a net gauge. A typical net gauge can be rested on
the surface of the rubber, with the 4mm protrusion aligned with the edge. Visual inspection will show
whether the rubber is thicker than the 4mm guide. Use the 2mm protrusion on the other side for
rubber without sponge. Care should be taken not to press the net gauge into the rubber.

Alternately, the net gauge can be used in a manner similar to the electronic thickness device, with the
net gauge in line with the handle. This method requires that the net gauge have a cutout with extra
clearance to allow for the raised branding area on the rubber.

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Rest the flat surface of the net gauge (left side in the pictures) on the rubber. If the 4mm protrusion
(right side) touches the blade as in the picture above, then the racket covering is less than 4mm.

If the 4mm protrusion does not touch the blade surface, as below, then the racket covering is thicker
than 4mm.

The 4mm and 2mm protrusions can be checked using the electronic thickness device.

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5. Test for Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been banned by the ITTF. The current limit is 3.0ppm, but it
may change if decided by the ITTF Executive Committee. VOCs are measured using the MiniRAE-Lite
device. Setup and calibration of the device is described in Appendix B.

Test Procedure:
1. Prior to measuring each side of a racket, read the background VOC level by turning the cap to
the open air. Record the background reading on the Racket Control Report Form 3.
2. Apply the cap to the middle of the rubber surface for 20 seconds, with gentle hand pressure to
enclose the cap but not compress the rubber. Write the reading on the same form. The
difference between the reading after 20 seconds and the background reading is the “real
reading”.

3. Repeat the same procedure with the other side of the racket. Before doing so, remove the cap
from the racket and allow the system to aerate until it reaches the previous background level.
4. In those competitions where a second RAE equipment is available, and when a racket is found
with a reading over the allowed limit, the second device shall be used to confirm the result of
the first measurement. If the second device also gives readings above the acceptable level then
it is clear that the racket has failed the test. However, if the second device gives readings below
the defined limit then the racket is deemed to be within acceptable limits.
5. To turn off the instrument, press and hold the MODE key for 3 seconds, and a 5 second
countdown to shut off begins. Once the countdown stops and the display shows “Unit off…”
release the MODE key, and the instrument is now switched off.

When using the MiniRAE-Lite, it should be taken into account that the tolerance of the reading is
±10%. So, a player should not receive any disciplinary action if his or her racket does not release
more than the limit stated by the ITTF Executive Committee plus a 10% allowance of this limit. E.g.:
if the limit is 3.0 ppm, the tolerance would be ±0.3 and the maximum reading that a racket covering
may release would be 3.3 ppm.


6. Optional Tests
The following tests are strictly optional and, in general, should only be used in cases of doubt which
was found by inspection. They should not be a part of the normal racket testing procedure.

6.1. Pimple Density

The pimple density of racket coverings is measured during the ITTF authorisation process, and
therefore measurement of pimple density normally is not needed during racket control. However in
some cases the density is modified by the user, by stretching or other means. If there is doubt that the
pimple density is within the specified limits, it can be quickly verified using a loupe.

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Measure the pimple spacing, defined as the diameter of an individual pimple plus the space to a
neighboring pimple, shown with the white boxes above. (In this example the pimple spacing is
approximately 3.0mm.)

The measured pimple spacing must be < 3.5mm. A spacing of 3.5mm or more indicates a pimple
density below the minimum limit.

6.2. Color
The color of racket coverings is measured during the ITTF authorisation process; however due to
variations in production, it is possible that particular batches of rubber will not meet the precise
requirements of Technical Leaflet T4.

At this time, the Equipment Committee recommends use of the following guidelines:
• If the color of the rubber is uneven, for example part of the hitting surface is faded – the racket
shall be submitted to the referee.
• If a red pimples-out rubber is used with no sponge, and dark wood shows through it causing the
overall appearance to be dark, or lettering printed on the blade shows through it causing it to
be uneven – the racket shall be submitted to the referee.
• In all other cases, if the red rubber does not quite appear “bright red” but meets all other
requirements – it is recommended that use of the racket be permitted, as long as the opponent
can clearly and easily distinguish the red side from the black side.

If a racket covering does not appear bright red, and it is believed to be caused by a production fault
from the rubber manufacturer, please send a message and photo to the ITTF Equipment Department
for further investigation.

6.3. Gloss
Gloss of racket coverings is measured during the ITTF authorisation process; however the gloss of a
particular sheet of rubber may exceed the specified limit due to variations in production, or due to use.

At this time, the Equipment Committee recommends that judgment of gloss be based on whether the
gloss would adversely affect an opponent. Gloss measurement in racket control is not recommended.

If a racket covering seems excessively glossy, and it is believed to be caused by a production fault
from the rubber manufacturer, please send a message and photo to the ITTF Equipment Department
for further investigation.

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Appendix A: Summary of Racket Tests

# Test Specification Remark / Perform this test at:

Example Match Call Racket
Table Area Control
1 Regularity of Tolerance from referee Extension of rubber, Yes Yes Yes
Blade and Racket scratches, missing
Coverings pimples, broken
wood, etc.
2 Authorisation of Must be on LARC Supplier name, No Yes Yes
Racket Coverings brand name, ITTF
logo.
3 Flatness Concave ≥ -0.50mm Worst of 2 No Yes Yes
Convex ≤ +0.20mm perpendicular
measurements. Do
not average.
4 Racket Covering With sponge: < 4.05mm Average of 4 No Yes Yes
Thickness Without sponge: < 2.05mm measurements; 2
parallel, 2 across.
5 Volatile Organic VOC level ≤ 3.3ppm Differential reading No No Yes
Compounds after 20 seconds.
6 Pimple Spacing Width of pimple + space < No No Optio-
3.5mm nal

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Appendix B: Principles of Racket Control

General remarks
During the past decades, with increasing industrial capabilities, the table tennis racket has become a
sophisticated piece of equipment. This may be beneficial for the players and spectators, however to
use equipment which has almost unlimited variations and possibilities requires certain minimum
standards. An example is the use of speed glue which, at a first glance, brought more power to the
game; but bore the risk of health issues. In addition, even when driven to perfection, the behavior of
equipment should not be unpredictable for the opponent.

This need for minimum standards necessitated the creation of Laws and Regulations regarding the
racket, and instituted the concept of racket control. The purpose of racket control is to contribute to
the fairness for which table tennis is known. Racket testing will not detect every possible deficiency by
total control; the concept is to keep deficiencies within a reasonable range that will ensure fair play.

A racket tester should not be guided by the ambition to detect fraud, but assist players in optimizing
their fair play. A breach of the Laws and Regulations for rackets definitely needs to be penalized, but
may nevertheless be unintentional, and unless the contrary is obvious, this is what should be assumed
in favor of the player who might simply try to optimize his equipment legally. This of course does not
preclude keeping an eye on the characteristics of rackets and their owners throughout a tournament.

Especially in professional play, the table is the players’ workplace. Racket testing should assist them
and, to do so, requires additional duties of them, but should not be an unnecessary burden.

Terms of Reference
The principal Laws and Regulations which guide racket testing are:
• 2.4 The Racket
• [Link], which describes the use of racket coverings
• 3.2.4 Racket Control

Flatness Test - principle and rationale

The flatness of a racket must be checked because of two reasons:
a) Flatness by itself is a requirement of Law 2.4.1
b) The thickness of the covering is measured at four points which are not in the center of the
racket. There are several ways to use non-flatness in order to achieve an illegal thickness at
other points of the covering. For example: Gluing a “bubble” in the center of a racket; having a
“hill” in the direction of the handle etc.

For these reasons, a difference between the level of the edge points and the level of the center of the
racket shall be detected and the result shall be used in two different ways:
For a), the result as it stands (worst of two values) will determine pass or fail for flatness.
For b), a concave covering has its maximum thickness at the edges. Therefore, this maximum is
already covered by the thickness test itself. Nothing needs to be added or subtracted. A convex
covering has its maximum thickness in the center. Therefore, the flatness result (= center
minus edge) has to be added to the thickness result (= edge). A covering just appearing convex
because the bent is blade shall only be regarded convex to the extent not caused by the blade.
This extent equals the difference of flatness on the convex side minus flatness on the concave
side, and only this figure, if still positive, shall be added to the thickness result.

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Thickness Test - principle and rationale

The thickness of the racket covering must be checked because it is a requirement of Law 2.4.3. An
unlimited thickness will give advantages to those who can afford the most extreme industrial
developments, so that the skill of a player may no longer be the main driver of a match result.

The thickness can normally be determined by evaluating the difference between the level of the
covering and the level of the wood. However, there are cases where this measurement cannot be
reliably performed. Then an optical measurement of the covering’s thickness at the edge of the blade is
in order.

It should be decided case by case which is the most accurate way to determine the thickness of a
covering. However, in different tests of the same racket in the same tournament, consistency of the
applied procedure should be ensured. A slight change of results in every test is normal, but a player
who encounters erratic results, such as 3.92 in a first test and 4.09 in a second one, will lose
confidence in the racket testing.

However, consistency shall not be used as an argument for ignoring an unexpected result. It is quite
possible that a racket with a thickness close to the limit will for example pass a test in the morning and
will fail in the afternoon. Conditions of a racket may change slightly during a day, and this is the
player’s responsibility if he or she has chosen to use a racket at the limit. Preferably, this should be
explained to a player already when the result is a “passed, but close”. But definitely it shall be
explained in cases of a failure.

The average of the thickness on sandwich rubbers must be less than 4.05 mm. This is often mistakenly
referred to a 1% tolerance, when in fact it has nothing to do with tolerances. The rationale is a
completely different one: Law 2.4.3 specifies a limit of 4.0 mm with one decimal place. To arrive at a
figure with one decimal place, simple mathematical rounding takes place. Values less than 4.05 are
truncated to 4.0, whereas 4.05 and above are rounded up to 4.1. For the same reason, the limit for
coverings without sponge is “less than 2.05 mm”.

Recall in addition, that “< 4.05” is not the same as “<= 4.04”. There are three possible results in
between, which will all be rounded down to 4.0 and thus are acceptable. For example, if the four
measurements are 4.04 / 4.05 / 4.05 / 4.05 mm, this gives an average of 4.0475 mm, which is okay.

Loupe tolerances
When a loupe is used, the relative accuracy of the loupe may be evaluated by measuring a racket
covering with the electronic thickness measurement device, and comparing the result with the
measurement taken with the loupe.

The referee may specify a tolerance to be applied when using a loupe. The tolerance of a loupe is
dependent on its magnifying power and the scale of the reticle divisions; for a typical loupe, a
tolerance of one-half scale unit or one scale unit can be expected, i.e. a loupe with a 0.1mm scale may
have a tolerance of 0.05mm or 0.10mm applied.

VOC Test - principle and rationale

The release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) must be tested because it is a requirement of
Regulation 3.2. The reason for this is that table tennis, like all other sports, should consider the health
of players, spectators and all others involved. To do so, first speed gluing and then boosting and any
other treatment of rubbers was declared illegal. The purpose of the VOC test is to ensure that at the
time of the match, when the equipment is present in the venue, there is no VOC exposure which may
be harmful or may give an unfair advantage to a player.

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It is ITTF’s strong conviction that the ban of VOCs is in favor of all players not only because of the
health issue; in addition, for example, using VOCs deliberately (such as in speed gluing) requires
application shortly before the match and therefore has only disturbed the reasonable match
preparations of players and their coaches.

When executing a VOC test, the background level B is subtracted from the “gross reading” A (final
display after 20 secs) in favor of the player, because the result is the lower bound of possible VOC
levels coming from the racket itself. If a racket has in fact zero VOC emissions, this is trivial because
the reading A will equal the reading B. If a racket has in fact VOC emissions of 3*B, three times the
background B, the reading A will be at most 4*B, so the result counting is at most 4*B – 1*B = 3*B.

It is in the nature of VOC emissions that the first seconds of the test will already show the direction of
the journey: If after 10 seconds the reading did not change at all, it is very likely that the same holds
after 20 seconds. In busy situations, consideration may be given to this fact.

On the other hand, precision is crucial in close cases. For example, a reading reaching the limit after
exactly 20 seconds is an acceptable result, no matter how fast it is increasing from the 21st second on.
Another example, if the racket tester is not sure whether he or she had a precise look at the timer,
there is no harm in just repeating the measurement while keeping a closer eye on the stop watch.

MiniRAE-Lite Setup
The MiniRAE-Lite is currently used by the ITTF and is a photoionization detector (PID) which uses
ultraviolet (UV) light to break down chemicals to positive and negative ions that can be easily
measured.

The instrument’s user interface consists of the display, LED’s, an alarm transducer, and four keys. The
keys are:
• Y/+
• MODE
• N/-

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• Flashlight On/Off

The display shows the following information:

For proper measurement on the surface of the coverings of the racket, the device is used together with
a special cap connected by two tubes to the MiniRAE Lite. These tubes shall be of PTFE Teflon. A filter
supplied by RAE shall is be used to reduce the effects of the humidity and dust. If there is a mark
“INLET” on the filters, that side of the filter should face away from the device. The filter shall be
changed every two events, in the case of competitions with duration of a maximum of 5 days. For
World Championships the filter shall be changed once in the middle of the competition. For Olympic
and Paralympic Games the filter shall be changed twice during the competition.

Device Setup:

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1. Connect the air outlet tube, which is with the device, to the threaded hole in the right side of
the instrument.
2. Connect the flexible tube to the top part of the device and then the filter to this tube.
3. Connect the flexible tubes to the Teflon tubes attached to the cap.
4. To turn on the instrument press and hold the MODE key.
5. When the display turns on, release the MODE key.

6. When the display shows “Ready … Start sampling?” press the Y/+ key to start the
measurement.
7. Zeroing calibration: Every day, before starting any measurement, a Zeroing calibration is
recommended.
• Go to a fresh air environment.
• Press and hold the MODE and N/- keys at the same time.
• A password will be required (normally “0000”). Use the Y/+ and N/- keys to change
numbers. Press Enter (MODE key).
• Select “Calibration” and “Zero calib”.
• When the display shows “Please apply zero gas…” press Y/+ key to start calibration and wait
for 30 seconds, and the calibration is finished.
8. Span calibration: before each competition the MiniRAE Lite shall be calibrated with a span gas.
For Olympic and Paralympic Games this calibration shall be done daily, after the Zeroing
calibration. This operation shall only be done by an experienced person. A bottle of 10 ppm of
Isobutylene shall be used as a reference gas for the span calibration.

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