GHL KH Director User manual

KH Director®
Instruction Manual
Valid from Firmware-Version 1.00
As of 2018-02-19

Instruction Manual KH Director®
EN 2018-02-19 2
Table of Contents
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR GHL PRODUCT ..........................................................................................................................5
1SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 SAFETY OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PERSONS.........................................................................................................6
1.2 INTENDED USE.......................................................................................................................................................6
2GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL .............................................................................................................................................7
2.2 FEATURES .............................................................................................................................................................7
2.3 SCOPE OF DELIVERY ................................................................................................................................................8
2.4 IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS......................................................................................................................8
3CONNECTIONS OF THE KH DIRECTOR................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 GENERAL ..............................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 CONNECTION OVERVIEW .........................................................................................................................................9
3.2.1 pH Sensor Connection................................................................................................................................9
3.2.2 PAB-Ports.................................................................................................................................................10
3.2.3 AUX Port ..................................................................................................................................................10
3.2.4 Vent Connector........................................................................................................................................10
3.2.5 Power Supply ...........................................................................................................................................10
4ACTIVATION .................................................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 CONFIGURATION OPTIONS .....................................................................................................................................11
4.1.1 Operation with GHL Doser 2.1 Stand Alone.............................................................................................12
4.1.2 Operation with ProfiLux Aquarium Controller and GHL Doser Maxi Stand Alone ...................................12
4.2 CONNECTION OF PAB-DEVICES...............................................................................................................................13
4.2.1 What is the PAB.......................................................................................................................................13
4.3 INSTALLING GHL CONTROL CENTER.........................................................................................................................13
4.3.1 Requirements ..........................................................................................................................................13
4.3.2 General ....................................................................................................................................................14
4.4 STATUS INDICATORS OF THE KH DIRECTOR................................................................................................................14
4.4.1 System-Status- LED on the housing cover ...............................................................................................14
4.4.2 PAB Status LEDs on the Back Panel .........................................................................................................15
4.5 INSTALLING THE KH DIRECTOR................................................................................................................................15
4.6 HOW IT WORKS....................................................................................................................................................17
4.7 SELECTION AND ASSIGNMENT OF THE PUMPS ............................................................................................................18
4.8 ACTIVATION OF THE PUMPS....................................................................................................................................19
4.9 MOUNTING THE TUBES .........................................................................................................................................21
4.9.1 How to install the Ventilation tube..........................................................................................................24
4.10 CONNECTING THE PH-ELECTRODE ...........................................................................................................................25
4.11 CALIBRATING THE PH-ELECTRODE............................................................................................................................25
4.12 MOUNTING THE PH-ELECTRODE .............................................................................................................................29
5CARRYING OUT THE KH VALUE MEASUREMENT .............................................................................................. 30
5.1 SELECT SAMPLE VOLUME .......................................................................................................................................30
5.2 ENTER SAMPLE TUBE VOLUME.................................................................................................................................30
5.3 KH VALUE MEASUREMENT .....................................................................................................................................31
5.3.1 Preparation..............................................................................................................................................31
5.3.2 Manual KH value measurement ..............................................................................................................32
5.3.3 Daily automated measurement...............................................................................................................33
5.4 ALARM...............................................................................................................................................................33
6KH VALUE CONTROL ........................................................................................................................................ 34

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6.1 CONTROL VIA DOSING PUMPS .................................................................................................................................34
6.1.1 Add-On control mode ..............................................................................................................................34
6.1.2 Adaptive control mode ............................................................................................................................36
6.2 CONTROL VIA REACTOR:CALCIUM REACTOR MODE .....................................................................................................37
7MEASUREMENT ACCURACY............................................................................................................................. 39
7.1 WHAT DOES THE MEASURING TOLERANCE MEAN IN PRACTICE?......................................................................................39
7.2 COMPARISON WITH OTHER KH MEASUREMENTS ........................................................................................................40
7.3 CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................................................40
8MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................................................ 40
9WARRANTY/LIABILITY ..................................................................................................................................... 40
10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION............................................................................................................................ 41
10.1 HELP AND INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................................41
10.2 FIRMWARE-UPDATE .............................................................................................................................................41
11 TECHNICAL DATA............................................................................................................................................. 42

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Congratulations on your Purchase
Thank you for purchasing our product and allowing us to help support your path to
successful fishkeeping!
With a KH Director you now own a highly professional piece of equipment that is more than
capable of assisting you in your daily monitoring and maintenance routines.
Please not that the KH Director does not have an internal controller and therefore requires
for operation a ProfiLux 3 Aquarium controller with latest firmware (6.32 or newer), a ProfiLux
4 (7.10 or newer),a GHL Doser 2 (2.1) Stand Alone or GHL Doser Maxi Stand Alone both with
firmware 1.27 or higher.
We are confident that our product will help make your hobby more efficient, safe, and
ultimately help you spend more time enjoying your aquarium or terrarium.
Enjoy Your Passion!
GHL Takes Care of the Rest

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Get the Most out of your GHL Product
GHL products are well-equipped with simple and intuitive features. In order to get the most
out of our products, we recommend you read this Instruction Manual and the Instruction
Manual of the respective Controller (ProfiLux, GHL Doser 2/2.1 Stand Alone or GHL Doser Maxi
Stand Alone) together. Doing so will provide you with the most profound details for using our
product. These and other helpful documents can be downloaded from our website’s
download area (Support->Downloads). Visit our homepage at www.aquariumcomputer.com,
our Support Forum or meet us on Facebook to become a GHL-Product expert and fully utilize
the full range of functions offered from your device!
1Safety Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully before operating the KH Director.
GHL products are built with maximum security and safety in mind. However, product safety
for this device can only be guaranteed if you follow these guidelines.
Anyone who uses this device must become familiar with the following safety instructions and
the operation of the device.
Failure to follow these instructions will void any warranty claims.
Be sure to read over the safety instructions provided by this ProfiLux manual; including the
respective manuals of other equipment manufacturers.
In this manual, the following symbols are used:
TIP
General note, tip or advice.
WARNING
Important note for operation, to avoid damage to the equipment, and for
your safety.

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1.1 Safety of Children and Vulnerable Persons
WARNING
This equipment must not be used:
•By small children and vulnerable persons with limited physical,
sensory or mental capabilities.
•By people who are unfamiliar with the functions of this product.
1.2 Intended Use
The KH Director is intended exclusively for use in the domestic area. KH Director may only be
operated with GHL accessories.
The KH Director may only be used to determine the KH value of aquarium water or pond
water.
Make sure to place the device away from splashing water, moisture or other liquids.
WARNING
Moisture indicators are placed inside the unit and will change color when
exposed to excessive moisture.
Removing these indicators will void all warranty claims.
DANGER
Warning that non-compliance can result in injury or damage to the device.
DANGER
•Make sure that the power cord is plugged into a grounded outlet;
otherwise you could get an electric shock or cause a fire.
•Protect the power cable from damage (For example, twisting,
kinking, clamping). Please also pay attention to the joints and
connections to the device.
•Disconnect the power plug by pulling the plug, not the cable.

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For your own safety, please look at the hazard prevention and safety instructions in the
chapters that follow.
2General
2.1 About this Manual
These instructions apply to the KH Director.
2.2 Features
•1 x pH Electrode port, BNC-socket
•2 x ProfiLux Aquatic Bus (PAB Western sockets)
•1 x AUX port
•4 x Tube connectors (Water sample, Reagent, Waste water, Vent connector)
•1 x Connection for power supply (24V DC hollow socket)
•Never attempt to disassemble, repair or alter the equipment by
yourself.
•Do not insert sharp objects into the electrical contacts and ports.
DANGER
•If the unit falls into the aquarium or has been exposed to moisture
or humidity, first turn off the power to the device via the fuse or
circuit breaker, then pull the power cord.
•Never touch the power plug with wet hands.
•If the device has become wet or dirty, thoroughly clean and dry it
with a dry cloth.
DANGER
•The device may not be operated if it has been damaged in any way
(e.g. damaged power cord or plug, liquids or objects have gotten
into the interior, device has been exposed to excessive moisture,
the normal operation is disturbed, or the device has been dropped.)

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2.3 Scope of Delivery
Please check the contents of this box. The following items should be included:
•KH Director
•Power supply splitter-cable
•KHD pH-Electrode
•Calibration fluids pH 4 and pH 7
•KHD Reagent
•Silikone tube
•Insert
PAB connection cables are not included with the KH Director-only. The KHD-Sets do however,
include a PAB-Cable for connecting the KHD to the included Doser.
Please check to make sure all items are in perfect condition. In case of damage, immediately
contact the dealer from whom you purchased the KH Director.
WARNING
A damaged KH Director or components may not be put into operation
under any circumstances.
2.4 Important Operating Instructions
WARNING
To ensure safe operation, the following guidelines must be followed.
Disregarding these safety guidelines, will result in voiding your warranty. In
which case, the manufacturer rejects any responsibility or liability for
damage!
3Connections of the KH Director
3.1 General
Applies to all connections:

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3.2 Connection Overview
The KH Director includes the following connection ports and displays:
3.2.1 pH Sensor Connection
The white BNC socket is where the supplied pH-Electrode is connected.
WARNING
•Connect only original accessories from GHL.
•Do not use excessive force when plugging-in connectors. If a plug
contact does not fit, it is imperative to check that you have chosen
the correct socket.
DANGER
•Incorrect connection (For example inserting a USB connector into a
PAB connector) can lead to damaging the KH Director.
•A repair caused by this, is not covered under warranty and will
therefore incur repair charges.

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TIP
•Many sensors are very susceptible to interference due to their low-
level signals. To provide the most accurate measurements, please
have enough distance between the sensors/cables and sources of
interference. These can include: Electronic ballasts, power lines,
pumps, consumer electronics, etc. False readings can be avoided by
following these precautions.
3.2.2 PAB-Ports
The black RJ45 Western sockets are where PAB devices can be connected. For more
information, please refer to the "Connection to PAB" section of the Instruction Manual for the
GHL Doser 2.1.
3.2.3 AUX Port
This mini DIN socket can be used to connect devices with AUX plugs.
3.2.4 Vent Connector
Ventilation and emergency overflow.
3.2.5 Power Supply
24 VDC hollow socket. The KH Director does not have its own power supply. The device needs
to be connected to the power supply of the GHL Doser 2.1 via the power supply splitter-cable.
To install, first connect each Y-ends of the splitter cable to the DC-connector of the KH
Director (24 VDC, polarity: Inside +, outside -) and GHL Doser 2.1. Connect then the other end
of the splitter to the main power supply of the Doser.
Please note that the KH Director and the GHL Doser are operated with 24 V, ProfiLux on the
other hand runs with 12 V. It is therefore not possible to tap the supply voltage for the KH
Director from the ProfiLux.
Never connect 12 V consumers to 24 V power supplies (or vice versa), this will inevitably lead
to malfunction or destruction!

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Use only the supplied original cables and power supplies for supplying power to the KH
Director device.
4Activation
4.1 Configuration Options
To operate the device, an additional control unit (ProfiLux from model 3, GHL Doser Stand
Alone from model 2 or a GHL Maxi Doser Stand Alone) is required
DANGER
•To establish the power supply, the supplied Power supply splitter-
cable may only be connected to the KH Director and to the GHL Doser
2.1 (24 V consumer) and its power supply unit.
•Under no circumstances connect 12 V consumers (e.g. ProfiLux) to
24 V power supply units (or vice versa), this will inevitably lead to
malfunction or destruction!
•A repair caused by this is not a guarantee and is therefore subject
to a charge.

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4.1.1 Operation with GHL Doser 2.1 Stand Alone
The KH Director® is connected to the GHL Doser 2.1 Stand Alone via the ProfiLux Aquatic Bus
(PAB).
With this option, the GHL Doser has
full control over the measurement
process and behavior of the KH
Director. The GHL Doser will control
both its dosing pumps and the valves
in the KH Director. This will allow the
Doser to evaluate the measurement
results and calculate the KH value.
4.1.2 Operation with ProfiLux Aquarium Controller and GHL Doser Maxi
Stand Alone
The KH Director® is connected to the ProfiLux 3 (3.1, 4) or a GHL Doser Maxi Stand Alone
and a GHL Doser 2 (2.1) Slave via the ProfiLux Aquatic Bus (PAB).
With this option, the ProfiLux or the GHL
Doser Maxi Stand Alone has full control
over the measuring process and behavior
of both the GHL Doser and KH Director.
The ProfiLux or the GHL Doser Maxi Stand
Alone will control the dosing pumps in the
Slave Doser and the valves in the KH
Director. This will allow the controller to
evaluate the measurement results and
calculate the KH value.

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4.2 Connection of PAB-Devices
As a PAB device, the KH Director is connected via the PAB connection to the controller
(ProfiLux, GHL Doser 2.1 Stand-Alone or GHL Doser Maxi Stand Alone).
4.2.1 What is the PAB
PAB is an interference free CAN-Bus-System which allows for extremely secure data transfer
between all PAB devices such as for example KH Director and GHL Doser 2.1. The range can be
up to 100 m (300 FT).
The required PAB cables are available in different lengths and are not included and must be
purchased. The KHD-Sets do include a PAB cable for connecting the KHD to the included
Doser.
TIP
•Be sure to obtain suitable PAB cables in the appropriate lengths to
meet your needs.
•PAB-cables are available online at GHL Store (EU) and GHL USA Shop
(US)in different lengths from 0.5 m up to 50 m.
To enable the operation of the KH Director, the device needs to be assigned to the respective
controller. For thorough information on how to assign PAB devices please refer to the
corresponding Instruction manuals. They can be downloaded here:
https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/downloads/
4.3 Installing GHL Control Center
Full device settings and functions are accessible via the software GHL Control Center (GCC),
which is available for download free of charge in the download area (support-> downloads)
of our homepage www.aquariumcomputer.com.
4.3.1 Requirements
You must use the appropriate GHL Control Center software version which supports the
firmware of the respective controller, GHL Doser 2.1 and KH Director.
GCC supports the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows Vista® and Windows 7®,
Windows 8®, Windows 10®.
A connection to the used controller can be established via the following PC interfaces:

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•USB
•WLAN/LAN
4.3.2 General
Please follow the instructions given in the Instruction Manual of your chosen controller
(ProfiLux or GHL Doser) under the items Operating the device via the software GCC and Assign
further PAB Devices.
Assign the KH Director to the respective controller.
4.4 Status Indicators of the KH Director
The KH Director includes two status indicator lights which are located on the housing cover and
the back of the device. These lights provide system status information at a glance.
4.4.1 System-Status- LED on the housing cover
The various colors can show you at a glance, the condition of your aquarium.
The color and blink codes shown depend on the particular Firmware.
For the meaning of the blink codes, please refer to the Support-> FAQ section of our
homepage www.aquariumcomputer.com.
DANGER
•Never leave your aquarium or terrarium unsupervised for an
extended amount of time.
•The maximum amount of time without personal view depends on
how long your aquarium, terrarium, or pond can survive without
significant damage, even when errors occur.
•Always remember that technology can fail and therefore
malfunctions can never be ruled out!
Power failures, incorrect settings, damage (For example, by water or
overvoltage) or simply an unexpected operating situation can lead
to fatal damage.
•The manufacturer declines any liability for (consequential) damage
or loss arising in connection with the use of the GHL Doser 2.1, as far
as permitted by law

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4.4.2 PAB Status LEDs on the Back Panel
Located on the back panel of the KH Director are another two LEDs
that provide information about PAB connection status and PAB
communication status..
The upper yellow LED indicates proper communication within the PAB connection. The lower
green LED provides information about the status of the PAB communication.
Status
Meaning
Yellow LED flashes
KH Director receives PAB commands
Green LED is ON
KH Director is ready for operation
Green LED flashes quickly
KH Director is started, firmware update
Green LED flashes every second,
yellow LED is OFF
KH Director has not received PAB commands from
ProfiLux, GHL Doser SA or GHL Doser Maxi SA for more
than 30 seconds
Both LEDs are OFF
KH Director has no supply voltage
4.5 Installing the KH Director
The device must be protected from water at all times!
Mount the KH Director in a water-protected area. When selecting the mounting material,
make sure that you have adequate sizing and stability. Make sure that the unit cannot fall
into the water during assembly or normal use.
If the device is placed inside an aquarium cabinet, make sure that it is placed in an area free
from splashing water; moisture or liquids that can penetrate.

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The KH Director as well as its accessories are destroyed by excess moisture or excess
atmospheric humidity - Please observe the technical data and notes below!
To ensure maximum safety and operation, the following regulations must be followed!
Failure to follow the safety guidelines will result in VOIDING your warranty. The manufacturer
rejects any responsibility or liability for damages resulting from misuse!
Powered equipment and water can become a dangerous combination if precautions are not
taken. It is therefore essential to supply power to all mains-operated devices which are
operated in the aquarium or in the vicinity of the device via a residual current circuit breaker!
In order to avoid any danger, all mains-operated devices must be disconnected from the
mains; all plugs must be disconnected! When working in the basin, it can never be ruled out
that a heating element, a pump, or a luminaire is defective.
Please also note the following notes:
TIP
•Please ensure good access to the connections of the device
•Please consider the maximum cable lengths of the connected PAB
cables, sensors etc. when selecting the installation site
•Additional sensor cable extensions (BNC2 cables) and PAB cables are
available in different lengths to fit your needs. They are available
online in our GHL Store (For US customers, GHL USA Store).
WARNING
•To ensure proper operation, the connection cables should never be
kinked, crimped, or positioned in an unsuitable way.
DANGER
•The KH Director must be installed horizontally.
•The maximum deviation from the horizontal must not exceed
+/- 3 °.
•Only when installed correctly an adequate measurement can be
carried out.
•The KH Director may NEVER be used without a built-in pH
electrode!

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4.6 How it works
The 2 inlets and 1 outlet of the KH Director connect to 3 dosing pumps on the Doser 2 (2.1).
These 3 pumps are then responsible for accurately transferring fluid to and from the KH
Director.
The KH Director is first supplied with a sample of the aquarium water, the sample tube is
automatically deaerated.
Subsequently, with the slow addition of a reagent liquid and measurement of the pH value,
the KH value is precisely determined.
After the KHD has calculated the KH value, the sample water is pumped out once again and
then dispensed into a separate container for later disposal.
Finally, the content of the sample tube is pumped back into the aquarium, thus ensuring that
always "fresh" aquarium water is measured and the reading is up to date.

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The illustration above shows a schematic representation of the principle of operation. Please
note the following when installing the devices:
4.7 Selection and Assignment of the Pumps
In the GCC under Regulation, select the category KH Director, activate the KH measurement.
Save the changes.
For the measurement, three pumps of the GHL Doser 2.1 are required. As default, pumps 1-3
are preselected for the functions Water sample, Reagent and Waste water.
WARNING
•KH Director and Doser must be positioned away and protected from
splashing water and excess humidity!
•Splashing water/saltwater and or condensing humidity (e.g.
occurring nearby the sump) will destroy the devices –this voids all
warranty claims!
DANGER
•If you have made or changed settings for your device via the GCC,
you must always save them using the "Save changes" button.

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The pump assignment can be changed. If you already have several Dosers in your system,
then care must be taken when numbering the pumps that one number is not assigned more
than once.
4.8 Activation of the Pumps
1. Set the pump speeds required for the KH measurement:
Dose overview -> Dosing pump 1 (or the pump that is designated in your system for the
KH measurement) -> Pump settings -> Maximum Speed.
Pumps Water Sample and Waste water here numbers 1 + 3:-> Speed = 3 (fast).
Pump Reagent here number 2: -> Speed = 0 (slow)
WARNING
Note the conveying direction:
Pump 1 and 2 convey to KH Director. Pump 3 conveys from KH Director.

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2. Calibrate the selected pumps
3. Activate the fill level
For safety reasons, KH measurements are only started if it is ensured that there is at least 50
ml of reagent liquid for the measurement in the dosing container.
Enter the container capacity. For the pump that delivers the reagent fluid (here 2), the
example shown here is 500 ml. You can also enter a minimum below which an alarm should
be triggered.
-> Save the changes.
The Doser calculates the fill level indicator according to the specified capacity of 500 ml and
the filling level. If you choose a larger fluid container (for example, 1000 ml) at a later time,
then you need to save that again, so that this capacity change can be taken into account in
the level indicator.
The container is emptied by dosing, therefore choose Container is emptied. For the pump
Waste water (here 3) choose accordingly Container is filled.
DANGER
•Please carry out the calibration carefully.
•The pump calibration has a direct influence on the precision of the
measurement and control.
•The more precisely you perform the calibration, the more accurate
the KH measurement can be.