CON 6/TDS 6 Meter Manual The LaMotte 6 Series
WARNING! This set contains chemicals that may be harmful if misused. Read cautions on individual containers carefully.
CONTENTS Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Display & Keypad Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Inserting & Removing Rubber Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Inserting the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Conductivity Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Appendix 1: Calibration Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Appendix 2: Calculating the TDS Conversion Factor . . . . . . . . 37 Appendix 3: Calculation Temperature Coefficients . . . . . . . . .
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the CON 6 Conductivity Meter or TDS 6 Total Dissolved Solids Meter. These economy microprocessor-based handheld meters deliver up to ±0.5% full-scale accuracy. It has a large custom LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for clear and easy reading. The CON 6 measures Conductivity (µS/mS) and Temperature (°C) while the TDS 6 measures Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Temperature (°C).
CON 6 mS Conductivity/ ° C Meter ON OFF HOLD ENTER CAL MODE 6
DISPLAY & KEYPAD FUNCTIONS Display The meter has a large custom LCD that consists of 4-digit segments and operation annunciators for uS/mS for the CON 6 meter, or ppm/ppt for the TDS 6 meter, and °C (Temperature). Other annunciators include “HO” (when the HOLD function is activated) and “LO” (low battery condition). See Figure below. 7 5 6 % HO LO °C m µS pptm 4 3 2 1 LCD and Customized Annunciators for CON 6/TDS 6 meters 1. Primary display 2.
Keypad The CON 6 /TDS 6 meter has 6 buttons on the splash-proof keypad; ON/OFF, HOLD/ENTER, CAL, MODE, and question buttons. Some buttons have several functions depending on the mode of operation. ON OFF CAL HOLD ENTER MODE Powers on and shuts off the meter. Goes directly into the measurement mode when the meter is turned on. Enters into the calibration mode for Conductivity/TDS and Temperature. To abort calibration or set-up mode without confirming any set value. HOLD: Freezes the measured reading.
PREPARATION Inserting & Removing Rubber Boot To insert the meter into the rubber boot, slide the top of the meter into the rubber boot before pushing the bottom edges of meter down to set it into position. Lift up the stand at the back of meter for bench top applications if necessary. To remove the meter from the rubber boot, first push the bottom edge of the meter out of the boot. Ensure that the electrode or temperature probe cables are not connected.
Conductivity Electrode Information The CON 6/TDS 6 hand-held meter is supplied with a conductivity/TDS electrode with a BNC connector. This conductivity/TDS electrode comes with Stainless Steel rings, a cell constant of K = 1.0, and a built-in temperature sensor for Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC). The specially designed Ultem-body housing has chemically resistant properties. It provides fast temperature response and reduces air entrapment, which makes it easy to obtain accurate, stable readings.
Connecting the Probe to the Meter 1. To connect the electrode to the meter, align the connector slots with the posts of the meter socket and rotate the connector clockwise until it locks. 2. To remove, rotate the connector in a counter-clockwise direction until it unlocks, and slide the connector off the socket. 3. Insert the mini phono jack on the temperature sensor into the socket on the meter as shown below. 4.
Turning the Meter On When the meter is turned on, it will go through a series of displays that show the set-up parameters. For CON 6 ON OFF °C m µS µS HO LO MAX MIN pH % °C ° F m µS pptmV % Measurement Mode For TDS 6 °C ON OFF pptm % HO LO MAX MIN pH % °C° F m µS pptmV ppm Measurement Mode Press ON/OFF button to turn on the meter. 1. First screen shows [Con 6] (or [tdS 6]) to identify the meter. 2. Second screen shows [C 1.0] which is the conductivity cell constant, k. Cell constants of 0.
4. Fourth screen shows [t 2.1%] which is the Temperature Coefficient. The meter can be customized with different Temperature Coefficient values from 0.0 to 3.0 %/°C in the Advance Set-up mode. Default value is 2.1 %/°C. 5. All LCD segments will light up for 2 seconds, and then advance into the measurement mode. 6. The meter is ready to measure conductivity or TDS.
CALIBRATION Important Information on Meter Calibration The meter has five measuring ranges. The meter can be calibrated at one po int in each of the five measuring ranges. If measurements are being taken in more than one range, each of the ranges were measurements are being made must be calibrated. The following table lists the corresponding conductivity and TDS ranges. Each range should be calibrated with a solution that falls between the values in the “recommended calibration solution range” column.
Preparing the Meter for Calibration Before starting calibration, be sure the meter is in the correct measurement mode. For best results, select a standard value close to the value of the sample that is being measured. Alternatively use a calibration solution value that is approximately 2/3 the full-scale value of the measurement range that is being used. For example, in the 0 to 2000 µS conductivity range, use a 1413 µS solution for calibration.
Selection of Automatic or Manual Calibration This meter is capable of performing either automatic (CON 6 only) or manual calibration. In the automatic calibration mode, the meter (CON 6 only) automatically detects and verifies the appropriate known calibration standards solutions being calibrated before accepting these particular calibration standards as one of the calibration values in a specific measurement range. This automatic calibration mode makes the manual calibration procedure unnecessary.
Automatic Calibration (Conductivity) In the Automatic Calibration mode, the meter is capable of accepting a single-point calibration or up to 4 points for multi-point calibration with the maximum of 1 point per specific measurement range. For the automatic calibration standard values refer to Table 1. 1. If necessary, press MODE button to select the Measurement Mode conductivity mode. 2.
2. If the temperature (t °C) of the conductivity calibration solution is below 0 °C or above 50 °C (0°C < t °C > 50 °C), an error message “Err 2” will be displayed when performing the auto calibration, and meter will return to measurement mode. 3. All new calibration data will over-ride existing stored calibration data for each measuring range calibrated. 4. It is important to use fresh conductivity calibration standards. 5.
Temperature Calibration The conductivity electrode has a built-in temperature sensor for ATC. The temperature sensor is factory calibrated to the meter. Calibrate the sensor only if it is suspected that temperature errors that may have occurred over a long period of time or if the probe is a replacement probe. 1. Make sure that the phono jack (for temperature measurement) is properly connected to the meter. 2.
MEASUREMENT The CON 6/TDS 6 meter is capable of taking measurements with automatic temperature compensation or manual temperature compensation. With Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) For ATC, make sure the phono jack of the probe is securely connected to the meter. The conductivity/TDS reading displayed will be compensated for according to the normalization temperature (20 °C or 25 °C) selected. See Normalization Temperature.
Taking Measurements 1. Rinse the probe with deionized or distilled water before use to remove any impurities adhering to the probe body. Shake or air dry. To avoid contamination or dilution of the sample, rinse the probe with a small volume of the sample liquid. 2. Press ON to turn the meter on. 3. Dip the probe into the sample. 4. Allow time for the reading to stabilize. Note the reading on the display.
Auto-ranging Manual ranging: 0 - 20.00 uS/cm µS mS Manual ranging: 0 - 200.0 mS/cm Manual ranging: 0 - 200.0 uS/cm µS µS mS µS Manual ranging: 0 - 20.00 mS/cm Manual ranging: 0 - 2000 uS/cm NOTE: If the value of the solution being measured is higher than the range selected [Or] will appear on the primary display. Press RANGE until the correct range is selected. The meter resets to the Auto-ranging function once it is turned off.
ADVANCED SET-UP FUNCTIONS Advanced Set-up Overview The advanced set-up mode customizes the meter preferences and defaults. To enter the advanced set-up mode: 1. Make sure that the meter is turned off. 2. Press ON and MODE buttons simultaneously, holding both buttons for 2 seconds. First release ON button first before releasing the MODE button. 3. [StUP] indicator will appear momentarily and [CELC] will appear next. 4. Overviews of the CON 6 and TDS 6 Set-up Menu are as follows. Enter Set-Up Page.
Select Single Point Calibration. Choice of “Yes” or “No”. Default value is “Yes”. User reset to factory defaults. Choice of “Yes” or “No”. Default value is “no”. Overview of Advanced Set-Up Meter Off ON OFF MODE Press ON/OFF and MODE buttons simultaneously for 2 seconds, release ON/OFF button first then release MODE key button a second later. A "StUP" indicator will appear for 1.
Meter Off ON OFF MODE Press ON/OFF and MODE buttons keys simultaneously for 2 seconds, release Release ON/OFF button first then release MODE button a second later. A "StUP" indicator will appear for 1.5 seconds before showing the first menu. % °C Overview of TDS 6 Set-Up Menu Select Cell Constant It is possible to select a cell constant of K = 1.0, 10, or 0.1. Use a cell of K = 1.0 for midrange measurements Use a cell of K = 10 for high range measurements (above 20 mS or 10 ppt). Use a cell of K = 0.
Press ENTER to confirm selection; or Press CAL to escape without confirming selection Automatic Calibration (for CON 6) The automatic calibration allows the meter to be quickly calibrated to any of the four widely used conductivity calibration standards. For a list of calibration standards refer to Table 1. In the manual calibration mode, customized conductivity calibration standard can be used to calibrate this meter. 1. Enter Advanced Set-up. 2. Press or button until [ACAL] appears on the LCD.
Press ENTER to confirm selection; or Press CAL to escape without confirming selection Temperature Coefficient The temperature coefficient is the amount of change in conductivity per degree of temperature; it is expressed in percent per °C. Entering the exact temperature coefficient of the solution being measured will accurately compensate the temperature for almost any solution. The temperature coefficient can be set between 0.0 and 3.0 % per °C. The meter default is 2.1% per °C. 6. Enter Advanced Set-up.
Press ENTER to confirm selection; or Press CAL to escape without confirming selection Single-Point Calibration A single-point calibration refers to calibrating at one conductivity value that will be used for all 5 conductivity ranges. By selecting [no] to single-point calibration, a calibration for each conductivity range can be performed. 1. Enter Advanced Set-up. 2. Press or button until [S.P.CA] appears on the LCD. Press ENTER button. 3. Press or button to select either [Yes] or no]. 4.
PROBE CARE AND MAINTENANCE Keep the conductivity probe clean. Rinse the probe twice before using. Gently swirl the probe in the solution while taking readings. Do not immerse the probe in oily solutions. For best accuracy, soak a dry probe for at least 5 to 10 minutes or longer before calibration. The conductivity probe included with the meter features a removable probe guard to make cleaning easy. To remove probe guard: 1. Grip the yellow probe guard and twist clockwise. The locking notch will release. 2.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Problem Cause Solution Power on but no display a) Batteries not in place a) Check that batteries are in place and making good contact. b) Batteries not in correct polarity (+ and – position) c) Weak batteries Unstable readings a) Air bubbles in probe b) Dirty probe c) Probe not deep enough in sample d) External noise pickup or induction caused by nearby electric motor e) Broken probe Slow response a) Dirty / Oily probe 30 b) Reinsert batteries with correct polarity.
ERROR MESSAGES LCD Display Indicates Cause Solution “LO” indicator appears. Low battery level Err 1 Conductivity calibration error Need new batteries or battery connection is bad. Calibration point is outside the ±40% window in the auto-calibration. Err 2 Temperature calibration error Auto calibration is performed outside the temperature range (0 – 50 °C). Err 3 Conductivity calibration error Calibration point is within 10% of the measurement range in the manual calibration mode.
If an error message appears, turning off the meter and turning it on again may eliminate the error message. Refer to diagram on right. If error persists, or the meter shows incorrect values, return the meter. For a complete diagram of the display see page 3. SPECIFICATIONS Conductivity Range Resolution Accuracy TDS Range DESCRIPTIONS 0 to 20.00, 200.0, 2000 µS/cm; 0 to 20.00, 200.0 mS/cm 0.01, 0.1, 1 µS/cm: 0.01, 0.1 ,S/cm ±1% F.S. Temperature Range 0 to 10.00, 10.0 to 100.0, 100 to 1000 ppm; 1.
SPECIFICATIONS Temperature Coefficient Normalization Temperature DESCRIPTIONS 0.0 to 3.0% / °C CON 6 X TDS 6 20.0 °C and 25.0 °C (selectable) X X Conductivity to TDS Conversion factor Number of calibration points Auto- & Manual-ranging HOLD Function 0.4 to 1.
ACCESSORIES Replacement Meter and Meter accessories Item CON 6, portable conductivity meter complete with conductivity probe of k=1.0 and case Code 5-0039-01 TDS 6, portable TDS meter complete with conductivity probe of k=1.0 and case 5-0037-01 Electrode, stainless steel 3 ring, Ultem body with ATC, BNC plug (for CON 6), cell constant = 1.0, x110 mm, 1m cable length 5-0106 Protective Rubber Boot 5-0040 Calibration Solutions 84mS, 25 mL 6312-G 1413mS, 100 mL 6354-J 12.
CONDUCTIVITY THEORY Conductivity is defined as the ability of a solution to conduct an electrical current, or the reciprocal of the solution’s ability to resist the current. The current is conducted by electrically charged particles called ions, which are present in almost all solutions. Different solutions have different kinds and amounts of ions. Distilled water has very few ions, and therefore a low conductivity, while seawater has a large number of ions, and a high conductivity.
Conductivity measurements are very dependent on temperature. The ability of the ions to move through the solution, and conduct the current, is related to the temperature of the solution. As the temperature of the solution rises, the ions move more quickly through the solution, increasing the conductivity. As the temperature decreases the ions move more slowly and the conductivity decreases.
APPENDIX 2: CALCULATING The TDS CONVERSION FACTOR The meter can be calibrated using TDS calibration standard solutions. The TDS value of the solution at a standard temperature, such as 25 °C, is required. To determine the conductivity-to-TDS conversion factor use the following formula: Factor = Actual TDS ÷ Actual Conductivity @ 25 °C Definitions: •Actual TDS: Value from the solution bottle label or as calculated when prepared with high purity water and precisely weighed salts.
2. Wait for 5 minutes. Note T1 and CT1 (conductivity at T1). 3. Condition the sample solution and probe to a temperature (T2) that is about 5 °C to 10 °C different from T1, and note the conductivity reading CT2. NOTE: Record the results for future reference. Ideally T1 and T2 should bracket the measurement temperature, and should not differ by more than 5 °C. 4. Calculate the temperature coefficient of the solution according to the formula shown above. 5.
Packaging and Delivery Experienced personnel at LaMotte Company assure adequate protection against normal hazards encountered during shipping. After the product leaves the manufacturer, the transporter assures all responsibility for its safe delivery.
LaMOTTE COMPANY Helping People Solve Analytical Challenges® PO Box 329 • Chestertown • Maryland • 21620 • USA 800-344-3100 • 410-778-3100 • Fax 410-778-6394 Visit us on the web at www.lamotte.
