LaMotte Tracer PockeTester User manual

Pool Professional's Meter!
TracerTM Salt/EC/TDS
PockeTester
Code 1749
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

TRACERTM
SAL/EC/TDS POCKETESTER • CODE 1749
Introduction .....................................................................................4
Specifications..................................................................................4
Contents ..........................................................................................5
Parts & Accessories........................................................................5
Meter Description
Front Panel Description ............................................................... 6
TRACER Display .......................................................................... 6
Basic Operation
Powering the TRACER................................................................ 7
Automatic Calibration ................................................................. 7
TDS Compensation Ratio ........................................................... 7
To Change the TDS Conversion Ratio ....................................... 7
Changing Temperature Units...................................................... 8
Data Hold .................................................................................... 8
Auto-Power Off............................................................................ 8
Low Battery Indicator.................................................................. 8
Testing
Getting Started............................................................................. 9
Changing the Measurement Function......................................... 9
Measurement .............................................................................. 10
Measuring the TDS of Soil.......................................................... 10
Storing Readings ........................................................................ 11
Recalling Stored Readings......................................................... 11
Clearing the Memory .................................................................. 12
Calibration ......................................................................................12
Operational Matrix..........................................................................14
Maintenance
Storage........................................................................................ 16
Battery Replacement .................................................................. 16
Electrode Care ............................................................................ 16
Replacing the Electrode ........................................................... 16
Electrode Cleaning Recommendations ..................................... 17
Troubleshooting .............................................................................18
Warranty..........................................................................................19
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

4
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the SAL/EC/TDS (Conductivity/Total
Dissolved Solids/Salinity) TRACER PockeTester. The TRACER offers
direct reading
of salinity, conductivity, and TDS with one electrode. Careful use
and maintenance
will provide years of reliable service.
SPECIFICATIONS
Display 2000 count LCD with Bar Graph
Conductivity Range 0 to 199.9 μS
200 to 1999 μS
2.00 to 19.99 mS
TDS Range 0 to 9,990 ppm (variable ratio)
Salinity Range 0 to 9,990 ppm Salt(fixed ratio of 0.5)
TDS Ratio 0.4 to 1.0, adjustable
Salinity Ratio 0.5 fixed
Conductivity ATC 2.0% per °C
Temperature Range 32.0 to 149.0 °F, 0.0 to 65.0 °C
Temperature Resolution 0.1 up to 99.9, 1>100
Temperature Accuracy ±1.8°F, 1°C (from 32 to 122°F, 0 to 50°C)± 5.4°F,
3°C (from 122 to 194°F, 50 to 90°C)
Conductivity ATC Range 32.0°F to 140°F, (0.0°C to 60.0°C)
Accuracy Conductivity: ± 2% FS
TDS: ± 2% FS
Salinity: ± 2% FS
Measurement Storage 25 numbered readings
Low Battery Indication ‘BAT’ appears on the display
Power Four CR 2032 Lithium Ion batteries
Auto Power Off After 10 minutes of no button presses
Operating Conditions 23 to 122° F, –5 to 50° C
Dimensions 1.6 X 7.4 X 1.6 inches, 40 X 187 X 40 mm
Weight 3.1 oz, 87 g
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

5
CONTENTS
SAL/EC/TDS TRACER PockeTester Kit Code 1749
Includes:
Salinity Standard, 3,000 ppm Code 6005-G
Sample Cup w/cap †
† Not sold individually. See below.
PARTS & ACCESSORIES
SAL/EC/TDS Replacement Electrode Code 1765
Weighted Stand w/Sample Cups (5) Code 1746
Sample Cups w/caps (24) Code 1745
Conductivity Standard, 84 μS, 30 mL Code 6312-G
Conductivity Standard, 1413 μS, 30 mL Code 6354-G
Salinity Standard, 3,000 ppm, 30 mL Code 6005-G
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

6
METER DESCRIPTION
Front Panel Description
1. Battery compartment cap
2. LCD Display
3. MODE button - change
mode, hold data, store data
4. CAL button - calibration,
change temperature units, recall data
5. ON/OFF button
6. Electrode Collar
7. Electrode
(Note: The Electrode cap is not shown)
TRACER Display
1. Bar graph display
2. Main display
3. Temperature display
4. Measurement units
5. Range calibration and
low battery indicators
6. Reading hold indicator
4
3
1
5
6
2
HML
0
0
2
10
20
12
5
10
7
BAT
mg/L
m
μS
t
m
pp
8.8.8.8
°C
°F
8.8.8
HOLD
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

7
BASIC OPERATION
Powering the TRACER
The Tracer uses four CR2032 Lithium Ion batteries. If the batteries are weak,
the BAT indicator will appear on the display. Press the ON/OFF key to turn
the TRACER on or off. The auto power off feature will shut the TRACER off
automatically after ten minutes of inactivity.
Automatic Calibration
When the TRACER is turned on, it will enter the Automatic Calibration
mode. SELF and CAL will appear while the calibration is in progress. After the
calibration is completed, the SELF and CAL display icons will extinguish.
TDS Compensation Ratio
The TDS value is determined by multiplying the conductivity measurement
by a known conversion ratio factor. The meter allows the selection of a
conversion ratio factor in the range of 0.4 to 1.0. The selected ratio will vary
with application but is typically set between 0.5 and 0.7. In the salinity mode,
the ratio is fixed at 0.5. The stored ratio factor will briefly appear in the lower
temperature display when the meter is first turned on or when changing the
measurement function to TDS.
To Change the TDS Conversion Ratio:
1. Turn the TRACER on.
2. Press and release the CAL button twice.
The stored ratio will appear in the display.
3. Press the MODE button to change the ratio
value in steps of 0.1.
4. When the desired ratio is displayed, press and release
the CAL button to store the value and return
to the normal mode.
5. If no buttons are pressed for 5 seconds, the meter
will return to the measurement mode.
0.7
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

8
Changing Temperature Units
To change the displayed temperature units between °F or °C:
1. With the TRACER off, press and hold the CAL button.
2. With the CAL button pressed, momentarily press the ON/OFF button.
When SELF CAL appears in the display, release the CAL button. The
TRACER will return to the operational mode with the temperature dis-
played in the new units.
Data Hold
Press the MODE button to freeze the current reading. The HOLD icon will
appear, the reading will be stored. Press the MODE key to return to normal
operation.
Auto Power Off
The auto-power off feature will automatically shut the meter off 10 minutes
after the last button was pressed. To disable the auto-off feature:
1. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the meter on.
2. Wait for the SELF display screen to appear. This is the second screen to
appear after turning on the meter. IMPORTANT: Review the instructions
for the next 3 steps before proceeding. Step 3 must be followed immedi-
ately by Step 4.
3. Press CAL button once quickly.
4. Press MODE and ON/OFF buttons simultaneously for approximately two
seconds. Quickly release buttons.
5. oFF will be displayed on the screen. Watch carefully. It will disappear
quickly.
6. The auto power off feature will be restored automatically when the meter
is turned off. Auto-off is the default function when the meter is turned on.
Low Battery Indicator
The “BAT” indicator will be displayed when the batteries become weak. Refer
to the maintenance section for battery replacement information
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

9
TESTING
Getting Started
1. Remove the cap from the bottom of the TRACER to expose the electrode.
2. Before the first use, rinse the electrode in deionized water and dry.
3. For best results, calibrate for conductivity with a standard in the expected
range of the sample. For maximum accuracy calibrate from low conductivity
value standards to high conductivity value standards.
4. Store dry.
Changing the Measurement Function
The meter can be set to measure Conductivity, TDS (ppm), TDS (mg/L) or
Salinity (ppm). To change the mode:
1. Turn the TRACER on.
2. Press and hold the MODE button for 2 seconds. The display will begin to
scroll through the units.
μS or mS (Conductivity)
ppm (TDS)
ppm (Salinity “S”)
3. Release the MODE key when the desired mode is displayed.
4. Note that the “HOLD” function can not be on when changing functions.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

10
Measurement
1. Fill a sample cup to the 20 mL line with the test sample. Sample depth
must be greater than or equal to 1.5 inches.
2. Immerse the TRACER electrode in the sample. Make sure the electrode is
completely submersed.
3. Press the ON/OFF button. (8888 and then SELF CAL
will appear in the display during the initial diagnos-
tics).
4. Press and hold the MODE button to scroll to the
desired measurement mode.
5. Insert the electrode into the sample making sure
that the electrodes are completely submerged.
6. Slowly stir the sample with the TRACER to
remove air bubbles.
7. The meter will autorange to the proper range and the
reading will be displayed.
8. Rinse the electrode in distilled water. Replace the cap.
Measuring the TDS of Soil
1. Fill a 50 mL beaker with the soil
sample. Tap the beaker lightly
on a hard surface to remove
trapped air. Remove excess soil
from the surface.
2. Empty the soil into a 250 mL
wide-mouth flask.
3. Add 100 mL of distilled water.
Stopper and shake vigorously.
4. Wait 30 minute. (Shake the flask
vigorously three or four times
during this period.)
SAL/EC/TDS
ON
OFF
MODE
CAL
100.9
72.3 ∞F
4.01
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

11
5. Filter the contents of the flask. Collect the filtrate in a beaker.
6. Rinse the electrode with distilled or deionized water to remove impurities.
7. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the TRACER on. Make sure the meter is
in the TDS mode.
8. Immerse the electrode in the filtrate. Make sure the tip of the electrode is
completely immersed.
9. Stir the filtrate with the electrode to create a homogeneous solution.
10. Gently stir the filtrate with the electrode. Read the TDS value of the
filtrate from the display.
11. Rinse the electrode in distilled water. Replace the cap.
Storing Readings
1. After the reading is displayed press and hold the
MODE button to store the current reading. The
meter will enter the HOLD mode and HOLD will
be displayed. The storage location number will
be displayed on the lower display followed by the
reading being stored.
2. Press the MODE button to exit the HOLD mode
and return to normal operation.
3. If an attempt is made to store more than 25 readings,
the stored readings will be overwritten starting
with the first reading.
Recalling Stored Readings
NOTE: First ensure that the HOLD symbol is not displayed. If it is, exit the HOLD
function by pressing the MODE button.
1. Press the CAL button and then press the MODE button; the location
number (1 through 25) will briefly appear and then the value
stored in
that location will appear. The displayed units will flash, indicating
that
the storage recall mode is active.
L
1423
72.3 ∫F
20
2
2
10
20
15
s
10
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

12
2. The last stored reading taken will be displayed first. To advance to the
previously stored readings, press the MODE button. The location number
is displayed first, followed by the reading stored in that location.
3. To exit the storage mode, press the CAL button and the TRACER will
return to normal operation after displaying “End”.
Clearing the Stored Memory
Turn the TRACER on. Press and hold the ON/OFF button for 4 second the display
will briefly display “clr” when the memory is cleared.
CALIBRATION
For the most accurate results, allow sufficient time for the temperature of the
probe to reach the temperature of the sample before calibrating. This will be
indicated by a stable temperature reading on the display
Meter accuracy verification should be performed on a periodic basis as needed.
If calibration is required, the meter must be in the salinity mode to perform a
calibration for salinity, or in the conductivity mode to perform calibrations for
conductivity, and TDS. The meter can perform a calibration and store the data
for one range in the salinity mode and each of the three ranges – low, medium
and high for the conductivity and TDS modes. The automatic calibration
recognition procedure will recognize salinity standard 3,000 ppm (medium)
and conductivity standards of 84 μS (Low), 1413 μS (Medium) or 12,880 μS
(12.88 μS) (High). (See Page 5). Always calibrate in the range closest to the
expected measurement value. For salinity samples within the range of 1,000 to
9,999 ppm salinity, calibrate with a 3,000 ppm calibration standard.
1. Fill a sample cup to 20 mL line with a calibration standard.
NOTE: The meter allows for a 1, 2, or 3 point calibration for conductivity
and TDS. If calibration is done for more than one point, the lowest
concentration should be done first to obtain the best accuracy. Calibrate
the ranges from low to high
2. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the TRACER on. Insert the electrode
into the standard. Tap or stir the sample with the Tracer to dislodge air
bubbles.
3. Press and hold the CAL button for approximately 2 seconds. “CAL” will
appear and the display will flash.
4. The meter will automatically recognize and calibrate to the calibration
standard. The display will briefly indicate “SA” and “End” and then
return to the measurement mode.
NOTE: “SA” will not appear if the calibration fails.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

13
5. The calibration range indicator will appear on the display for each range
that is calibrated during a power on cycle.
NOTE: Each time the calibration mode is entered all calibration range indicator s
will be cleared, but only the calibration data for the currently selected range will
be replaced. In the conductivity/TDS modes, the calibrations for the other two
ranges will be saved even though the indicators for those ranges are no longer
displayed. Calibration of all three ranges must be performed during one power
on period for all three calibration range indicators to be displayed.
Low Range, 84 μS/cm
Medium Range, 1413 μS/cm or 3,000 ppm SaH
High Range, 12.88 mS/cm (12,880 μS/cm)
M
L
H
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

14
OPERATIONAL MATRIX
Function/
Resulting Action Power Mode Key Press Sequence
On/Off On or
Off
Any Momentary press of
ON/OFF button
Calibration On Con Press & hold CAL
button for 2 seconds
until CAL is displayed
Store Reading On Any Momentary press of
MODE button
Hold Release On Hold Momentary press of
MODE button
Enter Memory
Retrieval
On Any Momentary press of
CAL button followed by
a momentary press of
MODE button within 4
seconds.
Scroll Stored
Readings
On Memory
Recall
Momentary press of
MODE button Displays
last in first out.
Exit Memory
Retrieval
On Memory
Recall
Momentary press of
CAL button
Clear Stored
Memory
On Any
Measure
Mode
Press and hold the
ON/OFF button for 4
seconds until “clr” is
displayed.
Change
Measurement Mode
On Any Press and hold MODE
button for 2 seconds.
Modes will scroll by
until button is released
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

15
Function/
Resulting Action Power Mode Key Press Sequence
Enter CON/TDS
Ratio
On TDS
(ppm or
mg/L)
Press and release the
CAL button twice in
quick succession.
Change CON/TDS
Ratio
On TDS
(ppm or
mg/L)
Momentary press of
MODE button. Each
press increases ratio by
0.1 from 0.4 to 1.0.
Exit CON/TDS
Ratio
On TDS
(ppm or
mg/L)
Momentary press of
CAL button.
Change
Temperature Units
On (off
mode)
Press and hold CAL
button then momentarily
press ON/OFF button.
Release CAL button
after“Self Cal” is
displayed.
Override Auto
Power Off
On Any Momentarily press
CAL button then
simultaneously press
and hold CAL and
MODE buttons for 2
seconds until “oFF” is
displayed.
Default Reset Off n/a Simultaneously
press ON/OFF, CAL
and MODE buttons
momentarily. “dFlt” will
be displayed.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

16
MAINTENANCE
Storage
1. Rinse the electrode in distilled or deionized water.
2. Store the electrode dry with the cap on.
3. Always rinse the electrode in deionized water between measurements to
avoid cross contamination. Double rinsing is recommended when high
accuracy is required.
Battery Replacement
1. Twist off the battery compartment cap.
2. Hold the battery housing in place with one finger. Remove the battery
carrier by pulling on the small tabs.
3. Replace the four CR2032 batteries. Observe polarity.
4. Replace the battery compartment cap.
You, as the end user, are legally bound (EU Battery ordinance)
to return all used batteries, disposal in the household garbage is
prohibited! You can hand over your used batteries / accumulators
at collection points in your community or wherever batteries /
accumulators are sold!
Disposal: Follow the valid legal stipulations in respect of the disposal of the
device at the end of its lifecycle.
Electrode Care
1. Always rinse the electrode in distilled or deionized water between
measurements to avoid cross-contamination of the samples. Double
rinsing is recommended when high accuracy is required.
2. Do not touch the electrodes. Touching the surface of the platinized
electrodes may damage and reduce the life of the electrodes.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

17
Replacing the electrode
1. Unscrew and remove the electrode collar. Turn collar counter-clockwise.
2. Gently rock the electrode side to side, while pulling it away from the
meter, until it disconnects from the electrode socket.
3. To attach an electrode, align the slots and carefully plug the electrode into
the meter socket. CAUTION: Take care to align pins carefully. Bent or
broken pins will cause the meter to malfunction.
4. Firmly tighten the electrode collar to create a seal with the rubber gasket
between the electrode and the meter.
Electrode Cleaning Recommendations
Do not soak the electrode in the solutions for longer than the recommended
length of time. To do so may cause a reference potential shift which will cause
a degradation in performance or failure. When cleaning the probe, do not
scratch or damage the platinized electrode surfaces.
Contaminant Cleaning Solution Procedure
Water soluble
substances
Deionized water Soak or scrub with a soft
brush. Rinse thoroughly with
DI water and dry.
Grease and oil Warm water and
household detergant
Soak or scrub with a soft
brush, maximun 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with DI
water and dry.
Heavy grease Alcohol Soak for a maximum of 5
minutes. Scrub with a soft
brush. Rinse thoroughly with
DI water and dry.
Lime and
hydroxide
coatings and oil
10% Acetic acid Soak until coating dissolves,
maximum 5 minutes. Rinse
thoroughly with DI water and
dry.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

18
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Check Action
Reading is frozen HOLD mode Press MODE button to exit
HOLD mode
“BAT” message Batteries low Replace batteries
Meter will not
calibrate
Trapped air
bubbles
Tap probe or stir sample to
release air bubbles
Dirty probe Clean probe
Damaged
probe
Replace probe
Contaminated
standards
Use fresh standards
Meter will not turn
on
Batteries low
or dead
Replace batteries
Battery
polarity
Replace batteries with correct
polarity
Unit will not respond
to any key presses
Internal fault Perform hard reboot. Remove
batteries, hold ON/OFF
button down for 5 seconds,
replace batteries
“_oL_” message Sample is out
of range
Dilute sample
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

19
WARRANTY
LaMotte Company warrants this instrument to be free of defects in parts and
workmanship for 1 year from the date of shipment and the probe to be free of
defects in parts and workmanship for 6 months from the date of shipment. If it
should become necessary to return the instrument for service during or beyond
the warranty period, contact our T
for troubleshooting help. The sender is responsible for shipping charges, freight,
insurance and proper packaging to prevent damage in transit. This warranty does
not apply to defects resulting from action of the user such as misuse, improper
wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance or repair, or
unauthorized modification. LaMotte Company specifically disclaims any implied
warranties or merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be
liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages. LaMotte
Company’s total liability is limited to repair or replacement of the product. The
warranty set forth above is inclusive and no other warranty, whether written or
oral, is expressed or implied.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187