Overview of the LI-870

The LI-870 is a CO2/H2O Gas Analyzer that is designed for use with the Smart Chamber and LI-8250 Multiplexer in soil gas flux systems. This document provides basic operating instructions for the LI-870. Refer to the Smart Chamber and LI-8250 manuals for additional information.

What's what

If you have just taken delivery of your LI-870, check your packing list to ensure the following items have been included.

LI-870 CO2/H2O Analyzer

Part number 870‑01

The LI-870 is a portable gas analyzer designed for use with the Smart Chamber or LI-8250 Multiplexer for soil CO2 flux measurements.

The LI-870 measures CO2 in air at concentrations from 0 to 20,000 ppm using non-dispersive infrared gas analysis technology. This technology is well-established in other LI-COR products, including the widely-published LI-8100A Automated Soil CO2 Flux System, LI-830 and LI-850 CO2 and CO2/H2O Gas Analyzers, and LI-COR eddy covariance analyzers. Water vapor measurements are used in corrections to report CO2 concentrations with high accuracy. Power to the LI-870 is supplied from the Smart Chamber or LI-8250 Multiplexer. The LI-870, in turn, provides CO2 data to the Smart Chamber or LI-8250 Multiplexer for storage and processing.

LI-870 cable and tube assembly

Part number 9982‑010

A 1.2 meter cable and tubing assembly is included with the LI-870 to connect the LI-870 with the Smart Chamber or LI-8250 Multiplexer. This assembly includes:

  • Sealed USB-A to USB-B cable (part number 392-17654).
  • Sealed 2.5 × 5 mm IP68 power cable (part number 9982-008).
  • Two lengths 1.2 meter 1/4" Bev-A-Line® tubing (part number 222-01824) with quick-connect fittings (part numbers 300-07124 (male) and 300-07125 (female)).

The assembly components are zip tied in plastic conduit.

Shoulder strap

Part number 604-18146

The shoulder strap is to carry the LI-870.

Split ring assembly

Part number 9882-019

The LI-870 ships with a split ring and standoff assembled for attaching the shoulder strap. The rings are attached near the clasps of the case. Each assembly consists of a machined standoff (part number 9882-019), screw (part number 122-07715), split ring (part number 610-10353), and two washers (part number 167-00154).

Spares kit

Part number 9982‑020

A spares kit is shipped with the LI-870 and contains the following.

Description Quantity Part Number
1/4" Bev-A-Line® IV Plastic Tubing (12 meters) 1 8150-2501
1/4" Quick-connect Straight Union 2 300-03123
Quick Connect Plug 0.165 with Hose Barb (Male) 1 300-07124
Quick Connect Plug 0.165 with Hose Barb (Female) 1 300-07125
Optical Bench Cleaning Kit 1 9980-066
USB-A to USB-B, Unsealed, 2 meter 1 392-06652

External power supply (optional)

Part number 870-772

To power the LI-870 with an external power source, the power supply is for indoor use only. It includes a universal blade kit (part number 591-13033) for different outlet types. Compatible with input power of 110 to 240 VDC, 50 or 60 Hz power. Outputs 12 VDC at 30 W via a 2.5 mm connector.

Software

The LI-870 can be calibrated using the LI-830/LI-850 user interface software, which is available from the LI-COR support site at licor.com/830-850-support. Select software, and find the installer appropriate for your operating system. This software is available for both Windows® and macOS® operating systems and is used to calibrate your LI-870 and view live data.