LaMotte 6 Series User manual

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. Not to be used by children
except under adult supervision

CONTENTS
Introduction .............................. 5
Display & Keypad Functions ......................7
Display .................................. 7
Keypad .................................. 8
Preparation ............................... 9
Inserting & Removing Rubber Boot ................... 9
Inserting the Batteries .......................... 9
Battery Replacement ........................... 9
Conductivity Electrode Information .................. 10
Connecting the Probe to Meter ..................... 11
Turning the Meter On.......................... 12
Change Conductivity/TDS «Temperature Measurement Mode . . . 13
Calibration .............................. 14
Important Information on Meter Calibration ............. 14
Preparing the Meter for Calibration ................... 15
Selection of Automatic or Manual Calibration ............. 16
Automatic Calibration (Conductivity) ................. 17
Manual Calibration (Conductivity or TDS) .............. 18
Temperature Calibration ........................ 19
Measurement ............................. 20
With Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) .........20
Without ATC (Manual Temperature Compensation) .........20
Taking Measurements .......................... 21
Using Manual Ranging Function .................... 21
HOLD Function ............................. 22
Advanced Set-Up Functions .....................23
Advanced Set-up Overview ....................... 23
Select Cell Constant .......................... 25
Automatic Calibration (for CON 6) .................. 26
Setting the TDS Factor (for TDS 6) .................. 26
Temperature Coefficient ........................ 27
Normalization Temperature ....................... 27
Single-Point Calibration ........................ 28
Restore Factory Default Values ..................... 28
Probe Care and Maintenance .....................29
Trouble-Shooting Guide .......................30
3

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 .........37
Warranty ............................... 38
Return of Items ............................ 39
4

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). These
sturdy meters measure up to 5 different ranges with auto-ranging capabilities
that that will switch automatically to the appropriate measuring range.
The meters include a conductivity electrode (cell constant K = 1.0) with
built-in temperature sensor, a rubber boot, 4 alkaline “AAA” batteries, and an
instruction manual.
Read the manual thoroughly before operating the meter.
To order other accessories and buffer standard solutions, refer to the
Accessories Section for more information.
5

mS
ON
OFF
HOLD
ENTER
CAL
MODE
CON 6
Conductivity/ Meter
C
°
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.
LCD and Customized Annunciators for CON 6/TDS 6 meters
1. Primary display
2. Parts Per Million (ppm) or Parts Per Thousand (ppt)
indicator - TDS 6 meter only.
3. milli-Siemens/cm (mS) or micro-Siemens/cm (µS)
indicator - CON 6 meter only.
4. Temperature indicator
5. Percentage indicator for Temperature Coefficient.
6. Low battery indicator.
7. Hold (freezed) reading indicator.
pptm
HO LO %
mS
µ
1
2
3
4
5
67
C°
7

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.
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. To activate,
press HOLD button while in measurement mode. To
release, press HOLD button again.
ENTER: Press to confirm values in the calibration
mode, and to confirm selections in the SET-UP
mode.
In Calibration Mode: Press to scroll through
calibration values.
In Set-up Mode: Press to scroll through the set-up
sub-group programs.
Press button during conductivity measurement
mode to activate manual ranging function. Each
button press will move to a higher conductivity
range.
Selects measurement mode for Conductivity/TDS
and Temperature.
Pressed together with ON/OFF button to go to the
SET-UP mode. This allows customization of meter
preferences such as selecting the electrode cell
constant, normalization temperature, temperature
coefficient factor, TDS factor (for TDS 6), automatic
calibration (CON 6 only) or manual calibration,
single-point or multi-point calibrations, and to reset
meter to factory default.
ON
OFF
CAL
HOLD
ENTER
MODE
8

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.
Inserting the Batteries
The battery compartment is found at the back of instrument as shown. To
open the battery compartment:
1. Remove the rubber boot. Open the
battery compartment. Push in the
direction of arrow and lift up the cover.
2. Insert four AAA batteries. Note the
polarity of battery before inserting into
position.
3. Replace the cover. Press down until it
clicks. Replace the rubber boot.
Battery Replacement
A “LO” annunciator in the LCD will indicate when the battery power is
running low. See Figure below. Replace the
batteries with the same type as recommended
by the manufacturer as soon as possible.
“LO” Battery Condition
Caution: Turn the meter off meter when changing the batteries.
LO
S
µ
9

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.
The durable probe materials include:
1. Polyetherimide (Ultem) – protective probe guard
2. Polybutylterphalate (Valox) – sensor housing
3. Stainless Steel (SS 304) – 2 steel bands
Proper use of the probe is essential to ensure that the optimum
measurement is taken in the shortest amount of time.
The protective plastic probe guard is removable for simple
periodic maintenance but it must be kept intact during
measurement and calibration.
Always immerse the probe beyond upper steel band.
NOTE:
1. DO NOT remove the protective
probe guard during measurement
and calibration. It will affect the
results.
2. DO NOT submerge the probe
above the protective guard. The
cable can be submerged for brief
periods of time, but not
continuously.
See – “Probe Care and Maintenance”
for more information.
10

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. Unplug the phono jack when not in use or when measuring Conductivity
or TDS without any temperature compensation (see Manual Temperature
Compensation).
CAUTION: Do not pull on or force the probe cord or the probe wires might
disconnect.
NOTE: Keep connectors clean. Do not touch connectors with soiled hands.
Connection for Conductivity & Temperature Probes
BNC connector for
conductivity probe
Phono jack for
Temperature probe
11

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
For TDS 6
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 0.1, 1.0 or 10.0 can be selected. Refer to Section on
Advance Set-up. Default value is k=1.0.
3. Third screen shows [t 25.0 °C] which is the Normalization Temperature.
Normalization Temperatures of 25 °C or 20 °C may be selected. Refer to
Section on Advance Set-up. Default value is 25 °C.
Measurement Mode
mS
µ
C°
%
pptmV
pH %MINMAXLOHO
F
C° °
mS
µS
µ
ON
OFF
Measurement Mode
C°
%
ON
OFF
ppm
pptmV
pH %MINMAXLOHO
F
C° °
mS
µ
pptm
12

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.
Change Conductivity/ TDS óTemperature Measurement Mode
To switch between the Conductivity/TDS measurement mode and
Temperature measurement mode, press the MODE button.
The customized annunciator will indicate the measurement parameter.
Annunciator
MODE
S
µ
C°
13

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.
Conductivity
Range
Recommended
Calibration
Solution Range
TDS Range Recommended
Calibration
Solution Range
0.00 to 20.00 µS 6.00 to 17.00 µS 0.00 to 10.00 ppm 3.00 to 8.50 ppm
0.0 to 200.0 µS 60.0 to 170.0 µS 10.0 to 100.0 ppm 30.0 to 85.0 ppm
0 to 2000 µS 600 to 1700 µS 100 to 1000 ppm 300 to 850 ppm
0.00 to 20.00 mS 6.00 to 17.00 mS 1.00 to 10.00 ppt 3.00 to 8.50 ppt
0.0 to 200.0 mS 60.0 to 170.0 mS 10.0 to 200 ppt 30.0 to 170 ppt
When the meter is recalibrated, the old calibrations are replaced on a range by
range basis. For example, if the conductivity meter was previously calibrated at
1413 µS in the 0 to 2000 µS range and it is recalibrated at 1500 µS (also in the
0 to 2000 µS range), the meter will replace the old calibration data (1413 µS)
with the new calibration data (1500 µS ) for that range. The meter will retain
all calibration data in the other ranges.
To completely recalibrate the meter, or when a probe is replaced, it is best to
clear all calibration data. To erase all the old conductivity or TDS calibration
data completely, see – Restore Factory Default Values.
14

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.
Calibrate all measurement ranges to ensure the highest accuracy throughout
the entire measurement range. Note that the CON 6/TDS 6 meter will not
accept calibration values less than 40 µS/cm (20 ppm). All new calibration
values will automatically override existing data.
If solutions with Conductivity lower than 100 µS/cm, or TDS lower than 50
ppm, are being measured the meter should be calibrated at least once a week
for optimum accuracy. If measurements are in the mid-ranges, and the probe is
washed with deionized water and stored dry, the meter can be calibrated once a
month. If measurements are taken at extreme temperatures, the meter should
be calibrated at least once a week.
Fresh conductivity standard solutions should be used during calibration. Do
not reuse standard solutions. They could be contaminated and affect the
calibration and accuracy of the measurements. Store solutions in a dry and cool
environment if possible.
Always rinse the probe with either deionized water or rinse solution before and
after each calibration/sample measurement to avoid cross-contamination. For
details refer to Probe Care and Maintenance.
NOTE: These meters are factory set to a temperature coefficient of 2.1% per
°C. For most applications this will provide good results.
To set the temperature coefficient to different value, see Temperature
Coefficient.
Also, see Appendix 3 - Calculating the Temperature Coefficient to determine
the appropriate temperature coefficient for any solution.
NOTE: The factory default value for normalization temperature is 25 °C. If a
value other than 25 °C is needed, see Normalization Temperature.
15

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.
The calibration standards used for automatic calibration are:
Meter Normalization
Temperature
Calibration Standards (Range)
CON 6 25 °C 1. 84 µS (for 0 – 200 µS/cm)
2. 1413 µS (for 0 – 2000 µS/cm)
3. 12.88 mS (for 0.00 – 20.00 mS/cm)
4. 111.8 mS (for 0.0 – 200.0 mS/cm)
20 °C 1. 76 µS (for 0 – 200 µS/cm)
2. 1278 µS (for 0 – 2000 µS/cm)
3. 11.67 mS (for 0.00 – 20.00 mS/cm)
4. 102.1 mS (for 0.0 – 200.0 mS/cm)
Table 1: Conductivity Calibration Standards for Automatic calibration.
In the manual calibration, non-standard calibration values can be used for
calibration. The appropriate values can be manually input as the desired
calibration standards in each specific range. This is useful in situations with
customized calibration standards that are unique to an application.
To select Automatic or Manual Calibration settings, refer to Automatic
Calibration for more information.
16

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
conductivity mode.
2. Rinse the probe thoroughly with deionized water or
a rinse solution, then rinse with a small amount of
calibration standard.
NOTE: For Automatic Calibration one of the
calibration standards listed in Table 1 must be used.
3. Dip the probe into the calibration standard.
Immerse the probe tip beyond the upper steel band .
Gently stir the sample with the probe to create a
homogeneous sample. Allow time for the reading to
stabilize.
4. Press CAL button to enter the conductivity
calibration mode. The [CA] indicator will appear for
1.5 seconds, and a value will appear flashing.
NOTE: To exit calibration without confirmation,
press CAL button again to go back to measurement
mode.
5. Wait for the value to stabilize and press ENTER
button. The calibration standard value will appear
for 3 seconds. If the calibration has been successfully
performed, [donE] will be displayed for about 3
seconds, and the meter will return to the
measurement mode.
6. To perform the next point calibration in the
multi-point calibration, repeat steps 1-5 until all
points have been calibrated.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. The meter allows a tolerance range of ±40% of the
calibration standard. An error message “Err 1” will be displayed for 3
seconds if an attempt is made to calibrate with a solution with a value
outside of the tolerance range.
For instance: For 1413 µS conductivity calibration standard, 40% tolerance
is from 848 µS to 1978 µS.
mS
mS
mS
mS
CAL
HOLD
ENTER
Measurement Mode
17

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. Low conductivity standard solutions (less than 20 µS /cm) can become
contaminated as soon as they are exposed to the air. Exercise caution
during calibration in the first measurement range (0.00 to 20.0 µS /cm).
Manual Calibration (Conductivity or TDS)
In Manual Calibration mode (see page 23) the meter can be calibrated with
customized conductivity calibration standards that are
specific to a particular application. The following example
shows the calibration sequence of a 12.00 mS conductivity
calibration standard.
This procedure is for the CON 6 and TDS 6 meters.
1. If necessary, press the MODE button to select the
conductivity mode.
2. Rinse the probe thoroughly with deionized water or a
rinse solution, then rinse with a small amount of
calibration standard.
3. Dip the probe into the calibration standard. Immerse
the probe tip beyond the upper steel band. Gently stir
the sample with the probe to create a homogeneous
sample. Allow time for the reading to stabilize.
4. Press CAL button to enter conductivity calibration
mode. The [CA] indicator will appear for 1.5 seconds,
and a value will appear flashing.
NOTE: To exit calibration without confirmation, press
CAL button again to go back to measurement mode.
5. Wait for the value to stabilize. Press or button and
adjust the value to the calibration standard used.
6. Press the ENTER button. The [CO] indicator will appear for 1.5 seconds,
and the calibration has been successfully performed. The meter will return
to the measurement mode.
7. To perform the next point calibration in the multi-point calibration for the
next range, repeat steps 1-6 until all points have been calibrated.
mS
mS
mS
mS
CAL
HOLD
ENTER
Measurement Mode
18

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. Turn on the meter and if necessary, press the MODE button to select the
temperature measurement mode.
3. Press CAL button to start temperature calibration process.
4. Dip the probe into a solution with known temperature (for example, a
temperature bath). Allow time for the temperature to stabilize.
5. After the value has stabilized, press question or button and adjust the
value to the solution temperature.
6. Press the ENTER button. The [CO] indicator will appear for 1.5 seconds,
and the reading will stop flashing. The temperature calibration has been
successfully performed. The meter will return to the measurement mode.
NOTE: To exit calibration without confirmation, press CAL button again to
go back to measurement mode.
NOTE: The temperature reading can be offset up to ±5 °C from the original
(default) reading.
19

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.
Without ATC (Manual Temperature Compensation)
For manual temperature compensation, unplug the probe phono jack (not
BNC) from the meter.
To use manual temperature compensation, enter the temperature value of the
process into the meter. The meter will compensate the
result to this temperature. Any temperature between 0
and 50 °C (32 to 122 °F) can be selected. The default
value is 25 °C.
1. Make sure that the phono jack (for temperature
measurement) is disconnected from the meter.
2. Turn on the meter and if necessary, press the MODE
button to select the temperature measurement mode.
3. Press CAL button to start the temperature calibration
process.
4. “CA” will appear momentarily and the temperature
value will start flashing.
5. Check the temperature of the sample using an
accurate thermometer. Wait for the value to stabilize.
Press or button and adjust the value on the
display to match the value on the reference
thermometer.
6. Press the ENTER button. The [CO] indicator will
appear for 1.5 seconds, and the reading will stop
flashing. The temperature calibration has been
successfully performed. The meter will return to the
measurement mode.
C°
C°
C°
HOLD
ENTER
°C
CAL
20