Introduction to the instruments

The LI-830 and LI-850 gas analyzers both measure CO2 in air at concentrations from 0 to 20,000 ppm. The instruments differ in that the LI-850 measures water vapor in air, but the LI-830 does not. As a consequence of the water vapor measurement, the LI-850 is able to measure CO2 concentrations with greater accuracy than the LI-830. Regardless of this difference, operating both instruments is essentially the same. This document provides basic operating instructions for the analyzers.

Online resources

In addition to the contents of your box, you may be interested in the following resources.

Application software

The software used to interact with the instrument is available for both Windows® and macOS® operating systems. It is used to configure the instrument, read measurements, and configure data logging to a computer. For Windows 7 and 8, the device drivers must be installed manually before you can connect with the instrument. Software is available from licor.com/830-850-support.

Integrator's guide

The Integrator's Guide describes how to control the instrument using a terminal program and read data in a command-line interface.

Instruction manual

A .pdf version of this document can be downloaded to your computer.

What's what

The LI-830 and LI-850 include a core set of components and each may include optional components. These are described below.

Gas analyzer

This is the gas analyzer in an enclosure. It may include an optional built-in pump and display.

  • Power indicator: Illuminates when the instrument is powered on.
  • Low Battery indicator: Illuminates if the power supply voltage drops below 10.5 volts. The instrument will continue to operate with a low battery, but expect a corresponding decline in performance.
  • Alarm indicators illuminate if an alarm threshold has been crossed. See Using alarms.
  • RS-232 Serial and USB connectors to connect with a computer or serial device.
  • Air Inlet and Air Outlets are shipped with covers in place. Keep the covers so you can put them back over the ports when the analyzer is not in use.
  • Power In: Compatible with 12 to 30 VDC power supplies.
  • The Terminal Strip has another power connector and outputs for alarms and digital-to-analog converters (DAC).

Accessories kit

Part Number 9980-065

The instrument includes a standard accessories kit, which has accessories and some replacement parts for your gas analyzer. The accessories kit includes the following components:

Description Quantity Part Number
Universal power supply; Input: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz; Output: 12 VDC, 2.5 amps 1 591-19495
Outlet adapter kit for universal power supply 1 591-13033
USB cable; Standard 1.8 m USB-A to USB-B1 1 392-06652
RS-232 null modem, cross-over cable kita 1 9975-016
14-pin terminal block; Includes label sticker (250-05340) 1 331-05273
Tube fitting nuts for air inlet and outlet 2 9861-036
Bev-a-line IV plastic tubing; 3.6 meter roll 1 222-01824
Air filters 2 9967-008
Quick-connect straight unions 2 300-03123
Cleaning kit 1 9980-066
3" Source and detector cleaning swabs 5 610-05314
5" Optical path cleaning swabs 5 610-05315
O-Rings (AS-018 Nitrile 70) 4 192-00226
Black polyurethane feet 4 234-02268

Air pump (optional)

An optional air pump is available for the gas analyzer. The pump (if applicable) is installed in the gas analyzer case. If you want to add a pump, you can order one later.

Display (optional)

An optional display is available. The display shows CO2 concentration, H2O concentration (LI-850 only), bench temperature, and pressure.