LaMotte DC1500 AMMONIA User manual

DC1500 AMMONIA
Ammonia Colorimeter Kit
Code 3241

CONTENTS
DC1500 Ammonia Nitrogen Kit
Kit Contents.......................................................................................... 5
Accessories .......................................................................................... 5
Test Method Specifications
Introduction.......................................................................................... 6
Application............................................................................................ 6
Range..................................................................................................... 6
Method .................................................................................................. 6
Handling & Preservation .................................................................... 6
Interferences........................................................................................ 6
Analysis
Ammonia Nitrogen .............................................................................. 7
Calibration
Standards ...........................................................................................10
Calibration Procedure.......................................................................10
Set Up
Setting the Clock ...............................................................................14
Logging Data ......................................................................................15
Factory Setup.....................................................................................16
Setting Power Save ...........................................................................16
Setting Backlight Time .....................................................................17
Selecting A Language .......................................................................18
Looping Menus...................................................................................19
Computer Connection
Output..................................................................................................20
Computer Connection.......................................................................20
Battery
Battery/AC Operation........................................................................20
Battery Replacement........................................................................21
Maintenance
Cleaning ..............................................................................................21
Repairs ................................................................................................21
Meter Disposal ...................................................................................22
General Operating Information
Overview..............................................................................................22
General Operating Information .......................................................22
The Keypad .........................................................................................23
The Display and Menus .....................................................................23
Tubes and Chambers.........................................................................25
Sample Dilution Techniques ............................................................26

4
General information
Packaging and Delivery ....................................................................26
General Precautions..........................................................................26
Safety Precautions............................................................................27
Limits of Liability ...............................................................................27
Specifications ....................................................................................28
CE .........................................................................................................29
IP67......................................................................................................29
Warranty .............................................................................................29
Register Your Meter...........................................................................29
Trouble Shooting Guide
Error Messages ..................................................................................30
Calibration ..........................................................................................30
Stray Light ..........................................................................................30
Troubleshooting Guide......................................................................31

5
DC1500 AMMONIA NITROGEN KIT
Kit Contents
QUANTITY CONTENTS CODE
30 mL Ammonia Nitrogen Reagent #1 V-4797-G
3 x 30 mL *Ammonia Nitrogen Reagent #2 *V-4798-G
1 Pipet, 1 mL Plastic 0354
1 Colorimeter Tubes, w/caps,set of 6 0290-6
1 Water Sample Collecting Bottle 0688
1 1500 Colorimeter for Ammonia Nitrogen 27926-AM
1 USB Wall Adapter 1721
1 USB Cable 1720
1 DC1500-AM Ammonia Colorimeter, Manual 3241-MN
1 DC1500-AM Ammonia Colorimeter,
Quick Start Guide
3241-QG
*WARNING: Reagents marked with an * are considered to be potential health
hazards. To view or print a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for these reagents go to
www.lamotte.com. Search the four digit reagent code number listed on the
reagent label, in the contents list or in the test procedures. Omit any letter
that follows or precedes the four digit code number. For example if code is
4450WT-H, search 4450. To obtain a printed copy, contact LaMotte by e-mail,
phone or fax.
Emergency information for all LaMotte reagents is available from Chem-Tel
(US, 1-800-255-3924) (International, call collect, 813-248-0585).
To order individual reagents or test kit components, use the specified code
number.
Accessories
DESCRIPTION CODE
Test Tubes, with Caps 0290-6
Replacement Chamber 3-0038
USB Cable 1720
USB Wall Adapter 1721
Car Charger 5-0132

6
TEST METHODS SPECIFICATIONS
INTRODUCTION
Ammonia nitrogen is present in various concentrations in many surface and
ground water supplies. Any sudden change in the concentration of ammonia
nitrogen in a water supply is cause for suspicion. A product of microbiological
activity, ammonia nitrogen is sometimes accepted as chemical evidence of
pollution when encountered in natural waters.
Ammonia is rapidly oxidized in natural water systems by special bacterial
groups that produce nitrite and nitrate. This oxidation requires that dissolved
oxygen be available in the water. Ammonia is an additional source of nitrogen
as a nutrient which may contribute to the expanded growth of undesirable
algae and other forms of plant growth that overload the natural system and
cause pollution.
APPLICATION
Drinking , surface, and saline waters; domestic and industrial wastes.
RANGE
0 to 5.0 ppm Ammonia Nitrogen
METHOD
Ammonia forms a colored complex with Nessler’s Reagent in proportion to the
amount of ammonia present in the sample. Rochelle salt is added to prevent
precipitation of calcium or magnesium in undistilled samples.
HANDLING & PRESERVATION
Preservation is accomplished by the addition of 2 mL of concentrated H2SO4
at 4°C.
INTERFERENCES
Sample turbidity and color may interfere. Turbidity may be removed by a
filtration procedure. Color interference may be eliminated by adjusting the
instrument to 100%T with a sample blank.

7
ANALYSIS
PROCEDURE
1. Fill the Water Sample Collecting
Bottle (0688) with sample
water.
2. Press and hold until
colorimeter turns on.
Main Menu
Testing Menu
Editing Menu
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press
ENTER to select Testing
Menu.
All Tests
008 Ammonia-N HR
12:00:00 001/500
4. Scroll to and select 008
Ammonia-N HR from menu.
008 Ammonia-N HR
Scan Blank
Scan Sample
12:00:00 001/500
5. Rinse a clean tube (0290) with
sample water. Fill to the 10 mL
line with sample. Cap and wipe
dry.
Analysis

8
6. Insert tube into chamber, close
lid and select Scan Blank.
7. Remove tube from colorimeter.
Add 8 drops of Ammonia
Nitrogen Reagent #1 (V-4797).
Cap and mix.
8. Use 1.0 mL pipet (0354) to add
1.0 mL of *Ammonia Nitrogen
Reagent #2 (V-4798).
9. Cap and invert to mix. Wait
5 minutes for full color
development. Wipe tube dry. 05:00
10. Insert tube into chamber. Close
lid. Select Scan Sample. Record
result as Ammonia-nitrogen.
008 Ammonia-N HR
0.99 ppm
Scan BLank
Scan Sample
12:00:00 001/500
NOTE: The meter will remember the last scanned blank reading. It is not
necessary to scan a blank each time the test is performed. To use the
previous blank reading, instead of scanning a new one, scroll to Scan Sample
and proceed. For the most accurate results, the meter should be blanked
Analysis

9
before each test and the same tube should be used for the blank and the
reacted sample.
NOTE: For the best possible results, carry a reagent blank through the
procedure. After scanning the blank, perform the test procedure on clear,
colorless, distilled or deioized water. Subtract results of regent blank from all
subsequent test results.
CALCULATIONS
To express results as Unionized Ammonia (NH3):
Unionized Ammonia (NH3) = ppm Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N) x 1.2
To express results as Ionized Ammonia (NH4+):
Ionized Ammonia (NH4+) = ppm Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N) x 1.3
Ammonia in water occurs in two forms: toxic unionized ammonia (NH3) and
the relatively non-toxic ionized form, ammonium ion (NH4+). This test method
measures both forms as ammonia-nitrogen (NH4-N) to give the total
ammonia-nitrogen concentration in water. The actual proportion of each
compound depends on temperature, salinity, and pH. A greater concentration
of unionized ammonia is present when the pH value and salinity increase.
1. Consult the table below to find the percentage that corresponds to the
temperature, pH and salinity of the sample.
2. To express the test result as ppm Unionized Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N),
multiply the total ammonia-nitrogen test result by the percentage from
the table.
3. To express the test result as ppm Ionized Ammonia Nitrogen (NH4+-N),
subtract the unionized ammonia-nitrogen determined in Step 2 from the
total ammonia nitrogen.
10°C 15°C 20°C 25°C
pH FW1 SW2 FW SW FW SW FW SW
7.0 0.19 0.27 0.40 0.55
7.1 0.23 0.34 0.50 0.70
7.2 0.29 0.43 0.63 0.88
7.3 0.37 0.54 0.79 1.10
7.4 0.47 0.68 0.99 1.38
7.5 0.59 0.459 0.85 0.665 1.24 0.963 1.73 1.39
7.6 0.74 0.577 1.07 0.836 1.56 1.21 2.17 1.75
7.7 0.92 0.726 1.35 1.05 1.96 1.52 2.72 2.19
7.8 1.16 0.912 1.69 1.32 2.45 1.90 3.39 2.74
7.9 1.46 1.15 2.12 1.66 3.06 2.39 4.24 3.43
8.0 1.83 1.44 2.65 2.07 3.83 2.98 5.28 4.28
8.1 2.29 1.80 3.32 2.60 4.77 3.73 6.55 5.32
8.2 2.86 2.26 4.14 3.25 5.94 4.65 8.11 6.61
8.3 3.58 2.83 5.16 4.06 7.36 5.78 10.00 8.18
8.4 4.46 3.54 6.41 5.05 9.09 7.17 12.27 10.10
8.5 5.55 4.41 7.98 6.28 11.18 8.87 14.97 12.40
Analysis

10
FOR EXAMPLE:
A fresh water sample at 20°C has a pH of 8.5 and the test result is 1.0 ppm as
total Ammonia-Nitrogen.
1. The percentage from the table is 11.18% (or 0.1118).
2. 1 ppm total Ammonia-Nitrogen x 0.1118 = 0.1118 ppm Unionized
Ammonia-Nitrogen
3. Total Ammonia-Nitrogen 1.0000 ppm
Unionized Ammonia-Nitrogen – 0.1118 ppm
Ionized Ammonia-Nitrogen = 0.8882 ppm
CALIBRATION
STANDARDS
The meter should be calibrated with ammonia nitrogen standards. The
calibration should be done with a distilled or deionized water blank and one
ammonia nitrogen standard of known concentration. The concentration of the
calibration standard should be similar to the expected concentration of the
sample that will be tested.
CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
1. Press and briefly hold to
turn the meter on. The LaMotte
logo screen will appear for about
3 seconds and the Main Menu
will appear.
Main Menu
Testing Menu
Editing Menu
12:00:00 001/500
2. Press
ENTER to select Testing
Menu.
All Tests
008 Ammonia-N HR
12:00:00 001/500
Calibration

11
3. Scroll to and select 008
Ammonia-N HR from menu.
008 Ammonia-N HR
Scan Blank
Scan Sample
12:00:00 001/500
4. Rinse a clean tube (0290)
three times with the ammonia
nitrogen standard. Fill to the
10 mL line with the ammonia
nitrogen standard. Cap the tube.
Dry the tube with a lint-free
cloth.
5. Insert tube into chamber, close
lid and select Scan Blank.
6. Remove tube from colorimeter.
Add 8 drops of Ammonia
Nitrogen Reagent #1 (V-4797).
Cap and mix.
7. Use 1.0 mL pipet (0354) to add
1.0 mL of *Ammonia Nitrogen
Reagent #2 (V-4798).
Calibration

12
8. Cap and invert to mix. Wait
5 minutes for full color
development. Wipe tube dry. 05:00
9. Insert tube into chamber. Close
lid. Select Scan Sample.
008 Ammonia-N HR
0.99 ppm
Scan BLank
Scan Sample
12:00:00 001/500
10. Press to scroll to
Calibrate.
008 Ammonia-N HR
0.99 ppm
%T/Abs
Calibrate
12:00:00 001/500
11. Press ENTER to select Calibrate.
A reverse font (light background
with dark characters) will appear
to indicate that the reading can
be adjusted.
008 Ammonia-N HR
0.99 ppm
, =Edit, ENTER=Save
+ENTER=Default
12:00:00 001/500
12. Press or to
adjust the value shown to the
concentration of the prepared
standard, 1.00 in this example.
NOTE: A maximum adjustment
of 25% is possible.
008 Ammonia-N HR
1.00 ppm
, =Edit, ENTER=Save
+ENTER=Default
12:00:00 001/500
Calibration

13
13. Press ENTER to save the value.
To leave the Calibration
procedure without saving the
adjustment, press EXIT .
Press and ENTER at any
time to return to the default
value.
The calibration has now been
standardized and can be used
for testing. Scroll to Scan Blank
and begin testing.
008 Ammonia-N HR
1.00 ppm
%T/Abs
Calibrate
12:00:00 001/500
Calibration

14
SET UP
SETTING THE CLOCK
Setting the clock allows the correct time and date stamp to be stored with
each reading in the data logger.
1. From the Editing Menu, press
or to scroll to Set
Clock.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500
2. Press
ENTER to select Set Clock.
The year is displayed. Press
or to scroll to the
appropriate character. Press
ENTER to select the character.
The month, day, hour, format
hour, minute, second, AM/PM
will be dislpayed. Repeat for
each.
Set Time
Year: 2000
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press
ENTER to select the final
character. The time and date
will be saved and the meter will
return to the Editing Menu.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500

15
LOGGING DATA
The default setting for the data logger is enabled. The meter will log the last
500 data points. The counter in the center bottom of the display will show how
many data points have been logged. The display will show 500+ when the data
logger has exceeded 500 points and the data points are being overwritten.
1. From the Editing Menu, press
or to scroll to
Logging.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500
2. Press
ENTER to select Logging. Logging
Display Test Log
Logging Enabled
Logging Disabled
Erase Log
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press or to scroll to
desired function.
Logging
Display Test Log
Logging Enabled
Logging Disabled
Erase Log
12:00:00 001/500
4. Press
ENTER . The screen will
display Storing... for about 1
second and return to the Editing
Menu.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500

16
FACTORY SETUP
The Factory Setup menu is used in manufacturing of the colorimeter. This
menu is not for use by the operator in the field.
SETTING POWER SAVE
The power saving Auto Shutoff feature will turn the meter off when a button
has not been pushed for a set amount of time. The default setting is disabled.
To change the setting:
1. From the Editing Menu, press
or to scroll to Set
Power Save.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500
2. Press
ENTER to select Set Power
Save.
Set Power Save
Disable
5 Minutes
15 Minutes
30 Minutes
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press or to scroll to
desired function.
Set Power Save
Disable
5 Minutes
15 Minutes
30 Minutes
12:00:00 001/500
4. Press
ENTER . The screen will
display Storing.... for about 1
second and the meter will retun
to the Editing Menu.
Editing Menu
Set Clock
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
12:00:00 001/500

17
SETTING THE BACKLIGHT TIME
The backlight illuminates the display for enhanced viewing. The default setting
is 10 seconds. If Button Control is chosen the backlight button on the key pad
will act as an on/off switch and the backlight will remain on or off when the
meter is being used. When one of the other settings – 10, 20 or 30 seconds –
is chosen, the display will be illuminated for the specified amount of time after
any button is pressed.
NOTE: The backlight feature uses a significant amount of power. The longer
the backlight is on, the more frequently the battery will have to be charged if
the USB/Wall Adapter is not being used.
1. From the Editing Menu, press
or to scroll to
Backlight Time.
Editing Menu
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
Set Backlight Time
12:00:00 001/500
2. Press
ENTER to select Set
Backlight Time.
Set Backlight Time
Button Control
10 seconds
20 seconds
30 seconds
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press or to scroll to
desired option.
Set Backlight Time
Button Control
10 seconds
20 seconds
30 seconds
12:00:00 001/500
4. Press
ENTER . The screen will
display Storing... for about 1
second and the meter will return
to the Editing Menu.
Editing Menu
Logging
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
Set Backlight Time
12:00:00 001/500

18
SELECTING A LANGUAGE
There are seven languages available: English, Spanish, French,
Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese.
1. From the Editing Menu, press
or to scroll to
Select Language.
Editing Menu
Factory Setup
Set Power Save
Set Backlight Time
Select Language
12:00:00 001/500
2. Press
ENTER to select Select
Language.
Select Language
English
Spanish
French
Portugese
12:00:00 001/500
3. Press or to scroll to
desired language.
Select Language
English
Spanish
French
Portugese
12:00:00 001/500
4. Press
ENTER . The screen will
display Storing... for about 1
second and the meter will return
to the Editing Menu.
Editing Menu
Set Power Save
Set Backlight Time
Bluetooth Menu
Select Language
12:00:00 001/500
NOTE: If meter unintentionally switches to another language, use the
procedure above to reset the meter to the desired language. For example, to
reset the meter to English:
Turn meter on.
1. Press one time. Press ENTER .
2. Press five times. Press ENTER .
3. Press
ENTER .

19
LOOPING MENUS
Long menus, such as the Tsting Menu, incorporate a looping feature which
allows the user to quickly reach the last choice in the menu from the first
choice. In a looping menu the last choices in the menu are above the first
choice and scrolling upward moves through the menu in reverse order.
Scrolling downward moves through the menu from first choice to last but
the menu starts over following the last choice. So all menu choices can be
reached by scrolling in either direction. The diagrams below demonstrate a
looping menu.
AND SO ON AND SO ON AND SO ON
: : : : : : : : :
: : : : : : : : :
THIRD TO LAST LAST CHOICE LAST CHOICE
SECOND TO LAST AND SO ON AND SO ON
LAST CHOICE : : : : : :
TESTING MENU TESTING MENU TESTING MENU
FIRST CHOICE : : : : : :
SECOND CHOICE THIRD TO LAST THIRD TO LAST
THIRD CHOICE SECOND TO LAST SECOND TO LAST
ANOTHER LAST CHOICE LAST CHOICE
12:00:00 001/500 12:00:00 001/500 12:00:00 001/500
AND ANOTHER FIRST CHOICE FIRST CHOICE
AND SO ON SECOND CHOICE SECOND CHOICE
: : : THIRD CHOICE THIRD CHOICE
: : : ANOTHER ANOTHER
LAST CHOICE AND ANOTHER AND ANOTHER
The feature called Looping Menu can be turned on and off in the Editing
Menu. The default setting is ON.

20
COMPUTER CONNECTION
OUTPUT
USB
COMPUTER CONNECTION
USB Type A, USB mini B, Order Cable Code 1720.
WATERLINK CONNECT 2.0
The meter may be interfaced with any Windows-based 64 bit computer by
using the LaMotte WaterLink Connect 2.0 program and a USB cable. The
program will store test information and results in a local database, and allow
for exporting this data to a comma separated value (CSV) file. The meter will
send the following data: time/date stamp, name of test, sample value, sample
units, meter name, and location. To download WaterLink 2.0 go to http://
www.waterlinkconnect.com/ . Then select “products” > “WaterLink Connect 2
Application” > “Download”.
BATTERY
BATTERY/AC OPERATION
The colorimeter may be operated on battery power, using a USB wall adapter
or USB computer connection. If using the meter as a bench top unit, use the
wall adapter if possible to extend the battery life. The meter will remain on
when the USB adapter is used.
To charge the battery with the wall adapter, plug the smaller end of the USB
cable (USB mini B connector) into the meter and the larger end of the USB
cable (USB Type A connector) into the wall adapter. Plug the wall adapter into
an AC outlet. Reinsert the USB port plug after charging.
To charge the battery from a computer, plug the smaller end of the USB cable
(USB mini B connector) into the meter and the larger end of the USB cable
(USB Type A connector) into a USB port on a computer.
The battery icon will show no bars and flash when the unit first turns on. Then
the indicator will indicate the battery status by showing 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 bars.
It will take 5 hours to fully charge a low battery. The battery icon will flash
when the battery is charging. The battery icon will show four bars and stop
flashing when it is fully charged. The charging circuit will automatically switch
to a float charge when the battery is fully charged. The charger may remain
connected. Some computers will NOT supply power to their USB ports during
standby operation. The wall adapter will charge the unit continuously.
The battery icon will show no bars and continuously flash if the battery is
getting low but the unit will still operate normally. A “Low Battery” message on
the status bar of the display will replace the time when the battery voltage is
too low for proper operation and accuracy may be degraded. A “Shutdown Low
Batt” message on the display will appear for a few seconds before the power
is switched off when the battery is too low to operate the unit.

21
To extend the battery life:
• Shut down the unit with the power switch when not taking
measurements or use the power save option to have the unit
automatically turn off after 5 minutes.
• Store the unit in a cool dry place.
• Fully charge the battery before storing the unit for extended periods
of time.
• Limit backlight use. The unit consumes 3X normal power with the
backlight on. Set the backlight time option to 10 seconds, or select
“Button Control” and keep the backlight off.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The lithium ion battery used in this unit should last for many years with
normal use. When it no longer powers the unit long enough to meet testing
requirements it will need to be replaced. Lithium ion batteries that are
properly charged and stored do not usually lose all capacity; they just have
less capacity after hundreds of charge cycles. This unit uses a custom battery
assembly that is only available from LaMotte Company. Battery replacement
must be performed at a LaMotte authorized repair facility. The water resistant
housing of this meter should not be opened by the user. Contact LaMotte
Company by phone [phone]) or email ([email protected]) for a
return authorization number.
MAINTENANCE
CLEANING
Clean the exterior housing with a damp, lint-free cloth. Do not allow water
to enter the light chamber or any other parts of the meter. To clean the
light chamber and optics area, point a can of compressed air into the light
chamber and blow the pressurized air into the light chamber. Use a cotton
swab dampened with Windex®window cleaner to gently swab the interior of
the chamber. Do not use alcohol; it will leave a thin residue over the optics
when dry.
REPAIRS
Should it be necessary to return the meter for repair or servicing, pack the
meter carefully in a suitable container with adequate packing material. A
return authorization number must be obtained from LaMotte Company by
calling 800-344-3100 (US only) or 410-778-3100, faxing 410-778-6394,
or emailing [email protected]. Often a problem can be resolved over the
phone or by email. If a return of the meter is necessary, attach a letter with
the return authorization number, meter serial number, a brief description of
problem and contact information including phone and FAX numbers to the
shipping carton. This information will enable the service department to make
the required repairs more efficiently.