PROGRAMMABLE ATMOSPHERIC SAMPLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A sampling system controller includes a control unit for interfacing with a collection chamber module having a plurality of sampling chambers. The control unit controls the times at which the sampling chambers acquire samples of a fluid flow and control flow rates into the sampling chambers. The timing of the sampling chambers and the flow rates may be programmed by a user and downloaded into the control unit through an interface. The control unit measures the flow rate of the fluid flow to be sampled and controls the flow rate through each sampling chambers in order to achieve a desired and known rate through the sampling chambers. The flow rates through the fluid flow and through the sampling chambers are recorded on a data module. The control unit may be equipped with a portable weather station for monitoring weather conditions and with a global positioning system for determining a geographic position of the sampling chambers. The weather and location information may be recorded on the data module. The flow rates through the sampling chambers are controlled by a flow assembly that is easily removed and replaced. The flow assembly has a set of jumpers which specify the flow range of the assembly and which is read by the control unit. A hand-held service module is used to program the sampling system. The service module has a keypad for receiving inputs from a user and has a switch for toggling between an RS232 output or an RS485 output.