bluelab Guardian Monitor User manual

1
English
Instruction Manual
Version 1 / 120809_bl
©Copyright 2009, all rights reserved, Bluelab Corporation Limited

Bluelab Guardian Monitor
Bluelab Corporation Limited 2Version1:180809_bl
Congratulations for purchasing the Bluelab Guardian™Monitor
The Guardian Monitor is a continuous indicator of the current levels of EC, pH and temperature, enabling you
to optimise these parameters as your crop progresses through each growing phase.
Features:
Measures 0.0–14.0 pH, 0–5.0 EC, 0–50 CF, 0–2500 TDS, 0–3500 ppm, 0-50 °C , 32-122 °F
Large easy to read displays
‘Plant Safe’ green LED display
Selectable units for conductivity and temperature
Simple push button pH calibration
No calibration required for conductivity or temperature
Visual alarm for both high and low settings
Settings retained when power lost (non volatile memory)
Automatic Temperature Compensation
International power supply
Adjustable display brightness
Water resistant design
2 year guarantee (6 months for pH probe)
What is Plant Safe? Green LED’s are safe for continued growth during a plant’s fruiting stage when hours of
darkness are required.

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Table of contents
Page
What’s in the box?
4
IMPORTANT - pH Probe Care
5
Step 1 –Mounting the Monitor
6
Step 2 –Install correct plug adaptor
6
Step 3 –Connect power adaptor and pH probe
6
Step 4 –Power up
6
Step 5 –Select the desired conductivity unit
7
Step 6 –Select the desired temperature unit
7
Step 7 –Select the desired display brightness level of LED displays
7
Step 8 –pH calibration
8 & 9
pH Calibration LEDs
9
Step 9 –Placement of probes
10
Step 10 –Set alarm
10, 11 & 12
Maintenance –Conductivity / temperature probe cleaning
12 & 13
Cleaning the pH probe
13
Troubleshooting Guide
14
Technical Specifications
15

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What’s in the box?
Please verify the box contents from the information below.
1.
Bluelab Guardian Monitor
8.
European plug adaptor
2.
Bluelab pH Probe with wetting cap
9.
UK plug adaptor
3.
Conductivity / temperature probe
10.
4 x mounting fasteners
4.
pH probe holder with suction cup
11.
2 x cable ties
5.
5V DC Power Supply
12.
pH 4.0 & pH 7.0 single use calibration
solution sachets
6.
North American plug adaptor
7.
NZ / Australian plug adaptor
13.
Instructions and Guarantees
PLEASE FOLLOW THE MANUAL STEP BY STEP BEFORE FIRST USE BEGINS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

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IMPORTANT - pH Probe Care
The pH Probe is the only part of the Guardian Monitor that should ever require replacing. pH Probes
DO NOT last forever. They age through normal use and will eventually fail. The life time of a pH probe
depends on the environment it is used in and the way that it is treated. To ensure you receive a long life
from your pH probe, please ensure you follow the guide below.
pH probes contain glass and are therefore FRAGILE. With good care, they will give a long service life.
DO NOT allow the probe tip to dry. IF IT DRIES IT DIES!
DO NOT bend the probe; this will break its internal glass stem.
DO NOT knock the probe; this will break its internal glass stem or external glass bulb.
DO NOT plunge a cold pH probe into a hot liquid - sudden temperature changes can crack the glass and
permanently damage the probe.
DO NOT immerse in oils, proteins or suspended solids that will leave a coating on the glass bulb.
DO NOT ‘kink’ or bend the lead sharply.
DO NOT attempt to lengthen the lead on the probe.
DO NOT wet the BNC connector at the end of the lead.
Preparing the pH probe for use
Remove the wetting cap by gently sliding/twisting the cap off without bending the pH probe. Store the
wetting cap in a safe place.
When storing the pH Probe;
The probe tip must be kept moist. To prepare the probe for storage, place a very small amount clean water
(never distilled or deionised water) or pH 4.0 solution into the wetting cap, then place wetting cap over the
probe tip. If for some reason the probe tip has been allowed to dry out, then the probe must be ‘hydrated’
for 24 hours in fresh clean water or pH 4.0 solution. Following this; carry out a calibration to check
operation, as the probe may have already suffered permanent damage.
pH probe holder
suction cup
Glass stem
inside plastic
barrel
Glass bulb
Wetting cap
BNC
connector

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STEP 1 –Mounting the Monitor
If wall mounting;
Select a suitable location that is less than 2 meters
from your tank, and less than 1.5 meters from an
electrical mains outlet.
NOTE: Avoid placing the monitor where it can be
damaged by direct sunlight, water or nutrient salts.
Option 1
1. Install both top and bottom centre fasteners
to the wall. (172mm / 6.¾” apart)
2. Slide the monitor onto the fasteners.
Option 2
1. Fix the four fasteners through each mounting
hole in each corner of the case.
If mounting on a support or bar;
1. Select a suitable location that is less than 2
meters from your tank, and less than 1.5
meters from an electrical mains outlet.
NOTE: Avoid placing the Monitor where it can be
damaged by nutrient salts.
2. Fix each of the cable ties provided through the
small mounting holes in the top of the case
and wrap around the support/bar and secure.
STEP 2 - Install correct plug adaptor
1. Select the appropriate mains plug adaptor for
your country.
2. Connect the plug adaptor to the power supply.
STEP 3 –Connect power adaptor and
pH Probe
1. Connect power adaptor into base of monitor
where ‘Power Input’ is labelled, and plug
adaptor into mains power supply.
2. Connect the pH Probe to the monitor.
STEP 4 –Power up
1. Switch on power adaptor at the mains.
2. When power is applied the Guardian will
complete a display test sequence.
Option 1;
Mounting keyholes
top and bottom
Cable ties fixed through small mounting holes
around a support or bar
Option 2;
Mounting holes
top and bottom

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STEP 5 - Select the desired conductivity unit
Conductivity readings can be displayed in EC, CF,
TDS or ppm700. The selected unit is indicated by
one of the 3 LEDs next to the Conductivity window.
When the EC/CF LED is on, the monitor is displaying
conductivity in units of EC or CF. If there is a decimal
point present in the conductivity display, the units
are EC. If there is no decimal point the units are CF.
To change the units to be displayed;
1. Press and hold the conductivity ‘units’ button
and after 3 seconds it will change to the next
unit indicated by the glowing LED.
2. Release.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 until the desired unit is
selected.
STEP 6 - Select the desired temperature
unit
Temperature readings can be displayed in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F). The
selected unit is indicated by one of the two LEDs
next to the Temperature window.
To change the unit to be displayed;
1. Press and hold the temperature ‘units’ button
and after 3 seconds it will change to the next
unit indicated by the glowing LED.
2. Release.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 until the desired unit is
selected.
STEP 7 - Select the desired brightness level
of the LED displays
These can be adjusted to best suit the light levels of
the environment. There are eight (8) levels of
‘brightness’ that can be selected.
To change the brightness;
1. Press and hold the brightness button and at
the same time press either the up or down
buttons to change the brightness. Brightness
levels are shown in the pH window. 1=least
bright, 8=brightest

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STEP 8 - pH Calibration
pH calibration is required before first use to ensure
that the first reading is accurate. pH probes require
repeated calibration. Calibration is advised when;
Typically more than 30 readings have taken
place
The reading is different to that expected
The pH probe is replaced with a new one
It has been a month since the last successful
calibration
The monitor is reset to factory default
When calibrating the pH probe after first use, the
probe may require cleaning. See probe cleaning on
page 13.
For best pH calibration;
Ensure probe is clean and rinse with clean
water/distilled water to reduce contamination
of the pH calibration solutions
Only fresh uncontaminated solutions should
be used
Conductivity/temperature probe should also
be placed in the same solution as the pH
probe while calibration is taking place. This is
so the monitor can measure the temperature
of the calibration solution. Wait until the
conductivity / temperature probe is at the
same temperature as the calibration solution
Calibrate the pH at the same temperature as
the solution to be measured
If you expect to measure a pH below 7.0, the
monitor is calibrated using pH 7.0 and pH 4.0
calibration solutions. If you expect to measure
a pH above 7.0, pH 7.0 and pH 10.0 solutions
are used
ALWAYS Calibrate the pH Probe with
pH 7.0 then pH 4.0 or pH 10.0
NOTE: The conductivity/temperature probe does
not need to be calibrated, but must be cleaned to
remove any build up of nutrient salts.

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To calibrate the pH probe follow these steps;
1. In three separate containers prepare a small
amount of fresh water, pH 7.0 solution and
either pH 4.0 or pH 10.0 solution.
2. Rinse the pH probe in fresh water and place
the probe tip into the pH 7.0 buffer solution
and wait for the reading in the pH window to
stabilise. Press and hold the pH cal button for
a few seconds until PH CAL appears in the
windows, then release the pH cal button. The
‘7’ LED will glow green. All three windows will
return to monitoring mode with all current
values being displayed. If ERR is displayed see
the troubleshooting guide on page 15.
3. Rinse the pH Probe in fresh water by gently
stirring.
Place the probe tip into the pH 4.0 or pH 10.0
solution and wait for the reading in the pH
window to stabilise. Press and hold the pH cal
button for a few seconds until PH CAL appears
in the windows, then release the pH cal
button. The 4/10 LED will glow green. All
three windows will return to monitoring mode
with all current values being displayed. If ERR
is displayed see the troubleshooting guide on
page 15.
pH Calibration LEDs
The LEDs next to the pH window will let you know
the status of calibration. See the table at right.
NOTE: The pH probe and hence calibration will
eventually fail due to;
Contamination and age of pH Probe
pH Probe used to measure solutions at
temperatures above 50 C (122 °F) or below
0 C (32 °F)
pH probe exposed to aggressive chemicals
Internal damage to the pH probe from rough
treatment
Damage to the cable of the pH probe from
rough treatment
Probe repeatedly drying out
Moisture getting inside the BNC connector on
the pH probe cable
Using factory default calibration
values. Both LEDs off
pH 7 calibrated OK. Using factory
default for pH 4/10
pH 7 & pH 4 or pH 10 calibrated
OK.
30 days passed since last full
calibration - calibration due.
o7
o4/10
7
o4/10
7
4/10
7
4/10
7
o4/10
If 7 is flashing and 4/10 is off,
calibration is also required as
4/10 was never calibrated

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STEP 9 - Placement of probes
Both the pH and conductivity/temperature probes
require submersion in the liquid for measurement.
1. Fit the (optional) pH probe holder to the stem
of the pH probe using a gentle twisting
motion.
2. Place the pH Probe into the reservoir and push
the suction cup onto the side of the reservoir
but far enough down so the probe tip is in the
solution. The holder prevents damage to the
pH probe from banging onto the side of the
reservoir with movement of the solution.
3. Place the conductivity probe into the
reservoir.
NOTE: Do not pour concentrated nutrient solution
or pH adjuster directly onto probes when in the
reservoir.
STEP 10 –Set Alarms (optional)
The alarm function warns you when the solution
deviates from the desired levels you have chosen
for each measurement. When an alarm condition is
present, the display of the affected measurement
will flash. If the measurement changes back to
within the limits you have chosen, the flashing will
stop.
There are two ways to set the alarm, ‘quick-set’ or
‘Detailed’.
Alarm ‘Quick-set’
This allows you to quickly set the ‘alarm HIGH’ and
‘alarm LOW’ values for all of the three
measurements. The table below shows the values
that are pre-set when ‘quick-set’ is used.
NOTE: Before you set the alarms, ensure the
solution in the tank/reservoir is adjusted to the
desired/actual levels for all three parameters and
that these are displayed in each of the windows.
Alarm Low
Alarm High
Conductivity
actual value –
2 CF / 0.2 EC
100 TDS
140 ppm
actual value +
2 CF / 0.2 EC
100 TDS
140 ppm
Temperature
actual value –
3 °C / 5 °F
actual value +
3 °C / 5 °F
pH
actual value –
0.5 pH
actual value +
0.5 pH

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To activate the ‘quick-set’ alarm;
1. Press and hold the alarm button until AL H is
displayed in all three windows.
2. Release the alarm button.
3. Press the brightness button once.
4. All three windows will display Auto for 1
second and then SAVE will be displayed in the
conductivity window. The alarms are now auto
set and the alarm mode will be turned on. The
alarm LED will glow.
Turn alarm ON/OFF
Press the alarm button to change between alarm
ON and alarm OFF. When the alarm is ON the alarm
LED will glow.
NOTE: If you press and hold the alarm button you
will enter the alarm setting mode.
Detailed Alarm Set
To set the detailed ‘alarm HIGH’ and ‘alarm LOW’
values;
1. Press and hold the alarm button until AL H is
displayed in all three windows.
2. Release the button and the current ‘alarm
HIGH’ values are displayed in each window.
3. To set conductivity alarm high value, press the
conductivity unit button then the up and
down buttons to change its value.
4. To set temperature alarm high value, press
the temperature unit button then the up and
down buttons to change its value.
5. To set pH alarm high value, press the pH unit
button then the up and down buttons to
change its value.
6. Press the alarm button to now select the low
alarm values.
7. Set the low alarm values the same way as you
did the high alarms.
8. Press the alarm button. SAVE is briefly
displayed in the conductivity window and the
Monitor will return to its normal monitoring
mode.

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NOTES:
To review current alarm settings without
changing the values, repeatedly press the
alarm button to step through the high & low
alarms.
If you want to exit the alarm settings mode
without keeping any changes you have made
DO NOT press any keys. The Monitor will
‘timeout’ and return to its normal monitoring
mode without saving any changes after 1
minute.
The software will prevent you from setting low
alarm values higher than the high alarm
values.
MAINTENANCE
Conductivity / temperature probe cleaning
1. Remove shroud by holding the body and
pulling away the shroud.
2. Using an unscented liquid scourer such as Jif
or Soft Scrub place one or two drops onto the
probe face and using a finger or Bluelab
chamois, rub firmly and vigorously to clean the
probe face.
3. Check that water forms an even film across
the surface of the probe. If beading of water is
present, clean again. Beading indicates the
presence of oil on the probe surface.
4. Refit the shroud and test in 27.7CF/2.77EC
solution as set out below.
TO TEST
Please use the following standard solutions when
testing. Bluelab solutions are recommended.
CF
EC
TDS
(EC x 500)
Ppm
(EC x 700)
27.7
2.77
1385 ppm
1940 ppm
1. Place a small amount of the correct standard
solution into a clean container.
2. Place the conductivity/temperature probe into
the solution; ensuring that it is adequately
submerged.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5.
6. To test
Clean,
smooth film
Contaminated,
uneven film
Oily, beading
visible

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3. Wait until the conductivity reading stabilises.
The conductivity reading should be within
1 CF, 0.1 EC, 50 TDS or 70 ppm of the values in
the table above.
If the reading is lower than 2.77 EC;
1. Ensure that the 2.77 EC standard solution is
fresh and uncontaminated and of a qualified
brand; if you are unsure, use new solution.
NEVER add water to solutions.
2. Wait 1 –2 minutes for the probe to reach the
solution temperature. In extreme
temperatures 5 –10 minutes may be
necessary.
NOTE: Probes that read low generally only require
cleaning.
3. If the reading remains higher than 2.9 EC after
testing all of the above, check solution has not
evaporated during storage.
Cleaning the pH Probe
To ensure accurate pH readings Bluelab recommend
that the pH Probe is rinsed in clean fresh water
before replacing the wetting cap and that it is
cleaned when required by following the instructions
below;
1. Rinse pH probe tip under fresh water.
2. Fill a small container with clean water and add
a small amount of mild detergent
(dishwashing liquid).
3. Gently stir the pH probe tip in the mixture.
Ensure that you do not ’knock’ the probe on
the side of the container as this may cause
damage to the probe. Rinse well under fresh
running water to remove all traces of the
detergent mixture.
4. ONLY if the probe tip requires removal of
heavy contamination, gently brush around the
glassware with a few drops of mild detergent
(dishwashing liquid) and a soft toothbrush.
DO NOT pull out or touch the wick.
5. Rinse well under fresh running water to
remove all traces of the detergent mixture.
6. Recalibrate the pH probe. See the pH
calibration section on page 8 or place wetting
cap back onto probe tip.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.

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Troubleshooting Guide
Trouble
Possible reason
Possible solution
Nutrient reading
low
Contaminated probe
Clean probe (see page 13)
Temperature of probe and
solution different
Wait 5-10 minutes for conductivity /
temperature probe to reach solution
temperature
Temperature
reading inaccurate
Temperature of probe different
to solution temperature
Wait 5-10 minutes for probe to reach solution
temperature
pH reading
inaccurate
Contaminated probe
Clean pH probe (see page 13). Replace probe
if in doubt
Wait longer for reading to stabilize before
calibrating
Using factory default calibration
Calibrate pH probe –see page 8
Calibration old
Calibrate pH probe –see page 8
Display shows ERR
during calibration
An attempt was made to
calibrate with pH 4.0 or pH 10.0
calibration solution more than
one hour after calibration with
the pH7.0 solution
Calibrate to pH 7.0 again then do pH 4.0 / pH
10.0 calibration within one hour
Old or contaminated solutions
used for calibration
Use fresh calibration solutions
Dirty or contaminated probe
Clean probe –see page 13
pH Probe tip been allowed to dry
Hydrate pH probe –see page 5
Probe damaged or old
Replace pH Probe
No Display
Mains not switched on
Switch mains power on
Power adaptor not plugged into
the monitor
Plug power adaptor into the base of the
monitor labeled Power Inlet
A display shows or
ur
_ _ _ _
Over range value
Under range value
EC and pH cannot be determined
as temperature range is over /
under
(see technical specification range
page 14)
Check all equipment for faults.
Check probes for signs of damage.
Test pH probe in calibration solutions and
conductivity / temperature probe in a known
conductivity standard solution to eliminate
these as a cause of this problem.
Check solution tank / reservoir for problems.

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Technical Specifications
pH
Conductivity
Temperature
Range
0.0 –14.0 pH
0.0 –5.0 EC
0 –50 CF
0 –2500 TDS
(EC x 500)
0 –3500 ppm
(EC x 700)
0 –50 °C
32 –122 °F
Resolution
0.1 pH
0.1 EC
1 CF
50 TDS
70 ppm
1 °C
1 °F
Accuracy
(at 25°C / 77°F)
±0.1 pH
±0.1 EC
±1 CF
±50 TDS
±70 ppm
±1 °C
±2 °F
Temperature
Compensation
Yes - (if conductivity
probe is in same solution
as pH probe)
Yes
Not applicable
Operating
Environment
0 -50 °C / 32 –122 °F
Power Source
Input: 100 –240 Vac 50-60Hz, 5 VA, Output: 5Vdc 1Amp
4 interchangeable plug types (USA, Euro, UK, NZ/AUS)
Calibration
Two point (pH 7.0 &
pH 4.0 or pH 10.0)
Not required
(factory calibrated)
Not required
(factory calibrated)
Other Features
Silent visual alarm, adjustable display brightness
water resistant, non-volatile memory, over and under range indicators
Contact Details
Bluelab Corporation Limited, 43 Burrows St, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand
Ph [phone] Fax [phone] Email [e-mail]
Limitation of Liability:
Under no circumstances shall Bluelab Corporation Limited be liable for any claims, losses, costs and
damages of any nature whatsoever (including any consequential loss) that result from the use of, or in
inability to use these instructions and / or equipment.

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