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CO-Pocket Carbon Monoxide Detector Manual

©2025 Radiant Technology. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Radiant CO-Pocket™ carbon monoxide detector.

CO-Pocket is a fast, reliable, rechargeable, pocket-sized, self-contained CO detector designed specifically for aviation use. It provides a clear digital CO readout, temperature, and humidity, along with multiple alarm modes to increase pilot situational awareness.

Key features include:

  • Electrochemical CO sensor with resistance to interference from alcohol and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In testing, the sensor shows negligible response to typical cockpit contaminants such as ethanol vapors and many solvents, while responding rapidly to carbon monoxide.

  • Rechargeable lithium battery with up to six months of standby life between charges under typical use.

  • USB-C charging port — a USB-A to USB-C charging cable is included.

  • Adjustable alarm thresholds —41 ppm, 75 ppm and 100 ppm.

  • Large, backlit LCD showing:

    • CO concentration (ppm)

    • Temperature (°F or °C)

    • Relative humidity (%)

    • Selected alarm setting

  • Triple alarm system:

    • Digital CO reading on the display

    • Bright red visual alarm (the case glows red)

    • Audible/tactile buzzer you can both hear and feel in a pocket (you will NOT be able to hear it in a noisy cockpit)

  • Compact and portable:

    • About the size of a small flight timer

    • Fits in a pocket, hangs from a lanyard, or can be mounted using a peg/keyhole slot.

2. Important Safety Information

Read this section carefully before using CO-Pocket.

2.1 Intended use

  • CO-Pocket is designed as a supplemental CO detector for aviation — for use in general aviation, experimental, ultralight, and Light Sport aircraft, where allowed by the aircraft manufacturer.

  • It is not a certified primary safety system and is not approved under any TSO or PMA. Do not use it in any application where its failure would endanger safe flight or human life.

2.2 NOT for home or residential use

  • CO-Pocket is never recommended for home, RV, or residential use.

  • It is not a smoke detector and does not detect fire, smoke, or low oxygen.

  • Home and building CO protection must be provided by UL-listed residential CO alarms installed according to local codes.

2.3 General safety warnings

  • Do not use if the unit appears damaged (cracked case, broken display, obvious impact damage, loose parts, or water ingress). Replace with a new unit.

  • Air must be able to reach the sensor. Do not completely enclose the unit in a sealed bag or wrap; do not block vents or openings.

  • Water ingress is prohibited. If the unit is splashed, immersed, or heavily exposed to moisture (rain, wash water, etc.), discontinue use and discard the unit.

  • Do not open the enclosure. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Opening the enclosure may damage the sensor and will void the warranty.

  • Avoid strong magnetic fields and high temperatures. Do not leave the unit on hot surfaces (e.g., glareshield in sun) beyond specified temperature limits.

2.4 FAA guidance on CO poisoning

For additional background on CO hazards in aviation, see the FAA’s safety material on carbon monoxide, including the brochure commonly titled “Carbon Monoxide: A Deadly Menace,” available from the FAA’s website.

Use CO-Pocket as a situational awareness tool together with good cockpit ventilation practices and your own judgment as pilot in command.

3. Package Contents

Each CO-Pocket box should contain:

  1. CO-Pocket™ Carbon Monoxide Detector

  2. Wrist lanyard

  3. USB-A to USB-C charging cable

    • Note: this is a charging cable only, not a data cable

  4. Information card with a link to this online manual

  5. Pin key for zeroing the unit

If any item is missing or damaged on arrival, contact Radiant support before using the product.

4. Functions and Display

CO-Pocket provides the following measurements:

  • CO concentration in parts per million (ppm)

  • Temperature in °F or °C (user-selectable)

  • Relative humidity in percent (%)

  • Alarm value (41 / 75 / 100 ppm) shown on the display

The LCD is updated frequently (sensor sampled about every two seconds), and a backlight can be turned on briefly for low-light viewing.

5. Physical Features & Controls

5.1 Front

  • LCD screen:

    • Large digits for CO value (ppm)

    • Smaller fields for temperature and humidity

    • Indicator for selected alarm threshold (41 / 75 / 100 ppm)

    • Battery status icon when applicable

5.2 Lanyard opening

  • Lanyard slot is located on the upper right side of the case.

  • Thread the included lanyard through the opening and loop it back on itself if you prefer to carry CO-Pocket on your wrist or hang it in the cockpit.

5.3 Recessed side switch (main button)

This is the primary user button, recessed to prevent accidental activation.

  • Long press (about 2 seconds)

    • Power ON/OFF

  • Single short press (while ON)

    • Turn backlight ON — the display backlight will turn on for about 20 seconds and then automatically turn off to conserve battery.

  • Double short press (while ON)

    • Enter Alarm Threshold Adjustment Mode:

      • In this mode, the alarm value (41 / 75 / 100 ppm) will blink on the display.

      • Single short press while in this mode cycles the alarm level:

        • 41 → 75 → 100 → back to 41 ppm.

      • Double short press again exits alarm adjustment mode and saves the selected threshold.

5.4 Pinhole button (calibration / units)

Located immediately below the recessed side switch is a small pinhole button.

Use a straightened paper clip or similar non-sharp tool to press it lightly:

  • Short press

    • Toggle temperature units between °F and °C.

  • Long press in clean air (several seconds)

    • Zero calibration in clean air (see Section 7.3).

    • Only perform when you are confident the surrounding air is free of CO (outdoors or well-ventilated air with no engine or heater exhaust nearby).

5.5 USB-C charging port

  • Located at the bottom edge.

  • Used only for charging the internal lithium battery.

  • Plug the supplied USB-A to USB-C cable into a USB power source (such as a phone charger, battery pack, or panel USB outlet).

  • This device does not support data connection or power-through monitoring.

5.6 Alarm indicators

  • Digital alarm: numeric CO value on the display.

  • Visual alarm: the unit’s case glows bright red when the alarm threshold is exceeded; this red strobe pattern is highly visible in peripheral vision.

  • Audible/tactile alarm: a buzzer with a pulsed tone pattern; when worn in a pocket, the vibration is easily perceptible. The audible alarm will not be heard in a noisy cockpit

6. Getting Started

6.1 Charging before first use

  1. Connect CO-Pocket to a USB power source using the included USB-A to USB-C cable.

  2. Allow the unit to charge until the internal battery indicator shows full (see display icon behavior; typical full charge time is a few hours depending on the charger).

  3. Once fully charged, disconnect the cable. The device now has enough energy for up to six months of standby use, depending on alarm activity and backlight usage. (Radiant Technology)

6.2 Powering ON and OFF

  • Power ON:

    • Press and hold the recessed side switch until the display turns on.

    • The unit will perform a brief self-check and then begin showing CO, temperature, and humidity.

  • Power OFF:

    • Press and hold the recessed side switch again until the display turns off.

6.3 Warm-up behavior

  • After power-up, allow the sensor a short time to stabilize (typically under a minute) before relying on the readings.

  • In clean air, CO should read near 0 ppm after warm-up; minor fluctuations of ±1–2 ppm are normal and within sensor resolution.

7. Normal Operation

7.1 Continuous monitoring

  • During normal operation, the sensor is sampled approximately every two seconds, and the display is updated accordingly.

  • The device is intended to run quietly in the background while you fly, sitting in a pocket, hanging from the lanyard, or mounted in a convenient visible location.

7.2 Interpreting CO readings

  • 0–10 ppm: typical of clean outdoor or well-ventilated air.

  • 10–40 ppm: elevated but below the FAA’s advisory alarm threshold; investigate possible sources if values are persistently above normal.

  • ≥ 41 ppm: at or above the FAA-recommended alert level; alarm behavior depends on your configured threshold (Section 8).

7.3 Zero calibration (clean air)

Perform zero calibration only when:

  • You are confident you are in clean air (for example, outdoors away from any vehicle or aircraft exhaust, or in a well-ventilated area with no combustion sources), and

  • The unit has warmed up for at least a minute.

To zero:

  1. Ensure CO-Pocket is powered ON.

  2. Insert a straightened paper clip into the pinhole button.

  3. Press and hold for several seconds until the device indicates that zeroing has been performed (visual indication may vary by version; typically the CO value will briefly reset and stabilize near 0 ppm).

  4. Release the pin. Do not perform zeroing if CO is actually present — this will falsely “mask” the hazard until the sensor drifts back toward true.

Radiant recommends checking the unit against a known CO source at least once per year (a professional calibration gas or a trusted CO test source) to verify that readings are reasonable.

8. Alarm Behavior and Pilot Actions

8.1 Alarm thresholds

CO-Pocket supports three user-selectable alarm thresholds:

  • 41 ppm (aligns with FAA guidance for advisory alerts in aircraft cabins).

  • 75 ppm

  • 100 ppm

When CO concentration meets or exceeds the selected threshold, the unit will:

  • Illuminate the red visual alarm (case glows red / red strobe).

  • Activate the audible/tactile buzzer.

  • Continue to display the current CO value in ppm.

8.2 Changing the alarm level

  1. With the unit ON, double-click the recessed side switch.

  2. The alarm value (41 / 75 / 100) will blink on the display.

  3. Single-click the recessed side switch to cycle through 41 → 75 → 100 ppm.

  4. When the desired level is shown, double-click again to exit and save.

Radiant recommends using 41 ppm unless your specific operating environment suggests a higher threshold and you fully understand the implications.

8.3 Pilot actions when alarm activates

If CO-Pocket alarms during flight:

  1. Increase ventilation immediately

    • Open fresh-air vents, windows (if allowed), or other airflow sources.

  2. Eliminate potential CO sources

    • Turn off cabin heaters or defrosters suspected of leaking exhaust.

  3. Consider landing as soon as practical

    • Do not ignore continued elevated CO readings or persistent symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion).

  4. Do not silence the alarm by changing the threshold alone.

    • Treat CO readings and symptoms seriously even if the alarm has temporarily quieted.

  5. After landing, have the aircraft inspected by qualified maintenance for exhaust, heater, and cabin-sealing issues before further flight.

CO-Pocket does not replace good judgment, maintenance, or other safety equipment; it is one more tool to help you catch problems early.

9. Additional Settings

9.1 Temperature units (°F / °C)

To toggle units:

  1. With the unit ON, briefly press the pinhole button.

  2. Temperature readout will switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

  3. The new selection remains in effect until changed again.

9.2 Backlight

  • Press the recessed side switch once while the unit is ON.

  • The backlight will turn on for about 20 seconds, then turn off automatically.

10. Care, Maintenance, and Sensor Life

  • Sensor lifetime is typically 5 years under normal conditions. After that, the sensor may gradually lose sensitivity or accuracy.

  • Once the sensor has aged or if the unit fails a CO bump test, replace the entire CO-Pocket unit. There are no user-replaceable sensors or batteries inside.

  • Annual check recommended:

    • At least once per year, compare CO-Pocket’s readings to a known CO source or a professional calibration reference.

  • Cleaning:

    • Wipe the exterior with a lightly dampened cloth; do not use solvents or strong cleaners.

    • Do not spray liquids directly onto the device.

  • Storage:

    • Store in a dry place, within the specified storage temperature range, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and corrosive vapors.

  • Transport:

    • Protect CO-Pocket from impact and crushing forces when packed with other equipment.

11. Technical Specifications

CO-Pocket Carbon Monoxide Detector – Key Specifications

  • CO measuring range (display): 0 – 2000 ppm

  • Alarm thresholds: 41, 75, 100 ppm (user-selectable)

  • Sampling interval: Approximately every 2 seconds

  • Sensor type: Electrochemical CO sensor with temperature compensation and high resistance to alcohol/VOC interference

  • Output drift: < 5% per year (typical)

  • Accuracy: ±5 ppm (typical when properly zeroed; overall field accuracy may be influenced by temperature, humidity, and pressure)

  • Resolution: 1 ppm

  • Sensor lifetime: Approximately 5 years

Environmental

  • Operating temperature: 0 °C to +50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)

  • Storage temperature: −10 °C to +60 °C (14 °F to 140 °F), non-condensing

  • Operating humidity: 0 – 95% RH, non-condensing; water ingress prohibited

  • Operating altitude: 0 – 10,000 ft cabin altitude (typical GA usage)

Electrical & Mechanical

  • Battery: Internal rechargeable lithium polymer cell (USB-C charging)

  • Standby life: Up to ~6 months per full charge (typical usage)

  • Dimensions: approx. 59 × 59 × 19 mm (≈ 2.3 × 2.3 × 0.75 in)

  • Weight: approx. 74 g (≈ 2.6 oz)

  • Display: Large LCD with CO, temperature, humidity, and alarm threshold

  • Indicators: Red visual glow (strobe) + audible/tactile buzzer + digital ppm display

Regulatory / Certification

  • Certification: Not TSO/PMA; for supplemental information only

  • Intended use: Experimental, ultralight, and general-aviation aircraft where allowed by the manufacturer; VFR-oriented use only

12. Warranty and Support

Please include:

  • Product name (CO-Pocket),

  • Approximate purchase date and location,

  • A brief description of the issue, and

  • Any photos or details that may help us understand the situation.

Because Radiant is a small company, support is primarily handled via email. We do our best to respond promptly; if you do not receive a reply within a couple of business days, please resend your message.

13. Final Notes

CO-Pocket is designed to give you early warning of a potentially invisible hazard in the cockpit. Used correctly and together with:

  • Proper aircraft maintenance,

  • Good ventilation practices, and

  • Sound pilot judgment,

it can add another layer of safety to your flying.

Thank you for choosing Radiant. Fly safe.

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