Autogrow pH Mini User manual

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 1
pH Mini Controller
Installation and User Guide
Simple. Robust. Reliable.
•Measures pH
•Doses either acid (lower) or alkali (raise)
•Displays pH, Dose Count Total (DCT) and Dose Count per hour (DC/h)
•Direct drive dosing pumps (keeps costs down)

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 2
Contents
Introduction
3
Menu Structure and Settings
4
Installation
6
Maintenance
8
Fault Finding
10
Warranty and Replacements
11
Important notice:
When using automatic dosing equipment, all chemicals must be in a form diluted state,
especially acids and alkalis.
Acids and alkalis should be diluted to a maximum strength of 2% or less.

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 3
Introduction
The pH Mini Controller is from a family of monitors and dosers that have been
proven over many years. This controller has built upon this pedigree of simplicity
and innovative features.
Features
The pH Mini Controller may be used as a simple pH monitor. The addition of
peristaltic pumps turns it into a complete control system capable of both raising
or lowering pH.
Failsafe Dosing
Dosing may be inhibited if any of the following is detected:
•pH outside limits detected
•Dose count per hour exceeded (DC/h)
These are useful if a leak should develop or the pump fails and should prevent
continuous dosing.
Alarms
The alarms can be enabled to operate on the controller when the pH or DC/h
deviates outside the user setpoint.
Outputs
The 24VDC outputs allows direct drive of 24VDC peristaltic pumps. Always ensure
that the current capability of the power adapter is greater than the current draw
of the pumps. The pumps that we supply take a peak current of 1.2A. The
controller is normally supplied with a 2.5A power supply.

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 4
Menu Structure and Settings
The menu structure of the pH Mini Controller is split into 2 sections - Readings
and Settings. Toggling between the two menus is achieved by pressing the Menu
button. Once in the Readings or Settings Menu, navigation is achieved through
the Up and Down arrow keys. Settings may be changed by holding down the Edit
button and then pressing the Up or Down arrow keys. The new setting is
automatically saved when the edit button is released. Some Readings can be
zeroed; to do this hold down the Edit button and then press the Down arrow.
Readings
Display pH
Display Dose Count Total (DCT)
Display Dose Count per Hour (DC/h)
Display System Status
Settings
S1
Set Point
The desired pH Level
S2
Dose Time (secs)
The time in seconds that the peristaltic pump
will run to add acid (lower) or alkali (raise)
S3
Dose Interval
The time in minutes between doses to
allow for mixing to occur
S4
pH Lower/Raise
This switches the controller to dose either acid
(lower) or alkali (raise)
S5
Force Dose
This forces a dose to occur straight away
S6
Alarm Deviation
If the measured pH deviates from the setpoint
by more than this value, the alarm will
sound (if enabled)
S7
Alarm Dose Count
If the Dose Count per hour reaches this
value then the alarm is sounded and the
dosing is inhibited (if enabled)
S8
Alarm ON/OFF
This enables/disables the alarm functions
S9
Cal pH7
Calibrate using 7.0pH buffer
S10
Cal pH4
Calibrate using 4.0pH buffer

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 5
Dose Time and Dose Interval Timing
Dose times and interval are set by trial and error. The smaller the reservoir, the
smaller the dose times need to be. The strength or concentration of your stock
solutions will also affect the dose time setting. The stronger the stock solution,
the shorter the time the pump runs. If you are using a small reservoir tank you
must ensure that your stock solutions are very dilute.
Ideally, you would set the dose time to change the pH reading by 0.1pH per dose.
The dose interval is set to allow time for a dose to fully mix in before the
controller makes the decision as to whether another dose is required. Normally
set to 1 minute for a small tank and up to 10 minutes for very large systems.
Every system is unique and will have its own requirements. If you would like help
to determine the best dose times and intervals, please contact
[e-mail].

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 6
Installation
Mount the mini controller within 5 meters of the sample pot. It should be
mounted in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. The sample pot is typically
mounted just above the reservoir tank. This ensures the flow through the sample
pot is unlikely to stop completely if there is a partial loss of pressure in the system
(e.g. pump filter partly blocked).
Peristaltic Pumps
You can direct drive 24VDC peristaltic pumps from the controller, maximum
current 2.5A.
Typical Installation using Peristaltic Pumps

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 7
Wiring Diagram
pH Mini Controller
(viewed from front)
Note: that all the connections marked 24V Common are connected internally and
you may connect the return wire from any pump to any of these commons. The
24V live wire is normally marked by a white stripe or white printing along its
length.

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 8
Maintenance
Cleaning the pH Probe
The pH electrode is supplied with a protective cap or cover over its active end.
Its purpose is to keep the glass bulb moist during storage and transit. This cover
must be removed before use.
The glass bulb at the end of the pH electrode should be shiny and clear. If
necessary, clean the glass bulb at the tip of the sensor with a very soft “child’s”
toothbrush or a special cleaning tool with a little liquid dish washing soap. The
bulb is very delicate –TAKE CARE.
Note: the glass bulb on the end of the pH probe cannot go dry, it will ruin the
probe. If you are not currently using the probe, please store in calibration
solution or distilled water.
Calibrating pH
Every week you should check the pH calibration. To do this, place the probe in the
pH7 buffer solution and allow to stand for 5 minutes. The reading should be 7.0
+/- 0.1pH. If not, navigate to the pH7 calibration screen, hold in the edit key and
use the up/down arrows to correct the displayed reading. When the edit button
is released the new calibration will be saved.
Next, rinse the probe in fresh water and shake off excess water. Now place in the
pH4 buffer solution and allow to stand for 5 minutes. The reading should be 4.0
+/- 0.1pH. If not, navigate to the pH4 calibration screen to correct.
pH probes typically last for between 6 months and two years. As soon as the
probe shows signs of drifting or slow response it should be replaced. Do not wait
for it to completely fail!
Important Note:
The pH7 calibration MUST be carried out before the pH4 calibration

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 9
Peristaltic Pump Maintenance
These require very little maintenance. It is important to lubricate the inner
peristaltic tubing every 3-4 months. Simply pinch the sides of the pump head
to remove it from the motor. Put 2-3 drops of lubricant on the tube at each
roller point. This lubricant can be purchased via your distributor.
General Maintenance
Frequently inspect your system for leaks, repair as soon as possible. Water
dripping onto power supplies or pumps could cause them to fail. Ensure the
controller, pump unit and power supply are kept clean and shielded from all water
splashes and vapours.

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 10
Fault Finding
•Unit is completely dead –i.e. no display, no power light, no outputs. Check
the power pack is functioning, (by measuring with a voltmeter if possible),
is plugged in, switched on and properly connected to the controller. If unit
still fails to function, the probability is the internal 4A fuse (20mm x 5mm
miniature glass fuse) may have blown. Most likely cause is that wires
connecting to the pumps have touched together and shorted out. To fix this
it is important to clear the fault first. Inspect all wiring and ensure all wires
are well insulated right to the point where they enter the terminal block.
Then replace the fuse with a genuine 4A fuse. DO NOT ATTACH WIRE OR
ALUMINIUM FOIL ACROSS IT.
•Cannot calibrate pH. - Ensure your calibration solution is new and has been
stored at room temperature. NEVER reuse calibration solution. If the
calibration solution is fine, you will need to replace the pH probe. Any pH
probe with a standard BNC connector will do.
•pH fails to dose - Ensure that the controller is set for raise or lower to match
the solution used. i.e. if you are using acid (pH down), set the controller to
pH lower and ensure the pump is connected to the pH lower output.
•pH overdoses - Check that the controller is set for pH raise or lower as
described in 4 above. Also, check that the dose time is not excessive. Each
dose should change the pH by about 0.1pH
Specification
•2 outputs for pH raise and pH lower
•Output voltage same as supplied voltage 12V to 24V AC or DC, normally 24V DC supplied (Please
contact Autogrow before using an AC power supply)
•pH resolution and accuracy –0.1 pH
•pH measurement range 2pH to 12pH
•Operating temperature range 0-45oC, 32-110oF (and not in direct sunlight)
•Dosing fail safe shut-off if pH below 4.5pH or above 8.0pH

Ver 5.0 pH Mini Controller Installation Guide (September 2020) Copyright©2020 Autogrow Systems Limited 11
In the box:
HKIT-PH-001-01
HKIT-PH-002-01
1 x pH Mini controller
1 x pH Mini controller
1 x 24V DC 2.5A power supply with universal plug
1 x 24V DC 2.5A power supply with universal plug
1 x pH Probe
1 x pH Probe
1 x Mounting hardware
1 x Mounting hardware
1 x Instruction manual
1 x Instruction manual
1 x Mini Peristaltic Pump 350ml/min
Warranty and Replacements
If you have equipment purchased from Autogrow and it has developed a fault, please complete this form so that
our support staff can diagnose the problem.
•Visit this page for Terms and Conditions https://autogrow.com/terms-conditions
•Visit this page for the RMA Form https://autogrow.com/support-and-rma-form
•Contact the distributor you bought the product from.
•Contact supp[email protected]
www.autogrow.com
[email protected]
North America ([phone]
Global ([phone]