LaMotte Tracer 1749 User manual

TRACER
Conductivity/TDS/Salinity/Temperature/Meter
EC/TDS/SAL
CODE 1749
POCKETESTERTM
NEW!
Direct Reading
TDS and Salt!

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

TRACER
EC/TDS/SAL POCKETESTERTM • CODE 1749
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .............................. 4
Specifications ............................. 4
Contents ............................... 5
Parts & Accessories .......................... 5
Meter Description
Front Panel Description ..................... 6
TRACER Display ........................ 6
Basic Operation
Powering the TRACER ..................... 7
Electrode Recognition ...................... 7
Automatic Calibration...................... 7
TDS Conversion Ratio ......................7
To Change the TDS Conversion Ration .............7
Changing the Displayed Tempreature 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 ..................10-11
Storing Readings .........................11
Recalling Stored Readings ....................11
Calibration .............................. 12
Operational Matrix ........................14-15
Maintenance
Storage ............................. 16
Battery Replacement ...................... 16
Electrode Care ......................... 16
Replacing the Electrode .....................16
Troubleshooting ........................... 18
Warranty ............................... 19
3

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the EC/TDS/SAL (Electro
Conductivity/Total Dissolved Solids/Salinity) TRACER PockeTester.
The TRACER is a revolutionary, first of its kind measurement device
that offers direct reading of conductivity, TDS and salinity 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
4

CONTENTS
EC/TDS/SAL TRACER PockeTester Kit Code 1749
Includes:
Conductivity Standard, 12,880 µS Code 6317-G
Sample Cup w/cap †
† Not sold individually. See below.
PARTS & ACCESSORIES
EC/TDS/SAL Replacement Electrode Code 1765
Weighted Stand w/Sample Cups (5) Code 1746
Sample Cups w/caps (24) Code 1745
Conductivity Standard, 84 µS Code 6312-G
Conductivity Standard, 1413 µS Code 6354-G
Conductivity Standard, 12,880 µS Code 6317-G
5

METER DESCRIPTION
Front Panel Description
1. Battery compartment cap
2. LCD Display
3. MODE/HOLD button -
change mode, hold data, store data
4. CAL/RECALL 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 reading
2. Measurement reading
3. BAT (low battery) indicator
4. Temperature display
5. Measurement units
6. Calibration range indicators
7. HOLD indicator
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
10
20
12
t
m
pp mg/L
m
uS
0
0
2
5
10
7
°C
°F
HOLD
RENEW
pH%
M HL
8.8.8
8.8.8.8
BAT
2
4
1
63
7
5

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 10 minutes after the last button
push.
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 Conversion 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/RECALL button
twice. The stored ratio will appear in the
display.
3. Press the MODE/HOLD button to change
the ratio value in steps of 0.1.
4. When the desired ratio is displayed, press
and release the CAL/RECALL 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.
7

Changing the Displayed Temperature Units
To change the displayed temperature units between °F or °C:
1. With the TRACER off, press and hold the CAL/RECALL button.
2. With the CAL/RECALL button pressed, momentarily press the
ON/OFF button. When SELF CAL appears in the display, release
the CAL/RECALL button. The TRACER will return to the
operational mode with the temperature displayed in the new units.
Data Hold
Press the MODE/HOLD button to freeze the current reading. The
HOLD icon will appear, the reading will be stored. Press the
MODE/HOLD 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 immediately by Step 4.
3. Press CAL/RECALL button once.
4. Press MODE/HOLD and ON/OFF buttons simultaneously. 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
8

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.
Changing the Measurement Function
The meter can be set to measure Conductivity, TDS (ppm), TDS
(mg/L) or Salinity. To change the mode:
1. Turn the TRACER on.
2. Press and hold the MODE/HOLD 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/HOLD key when the desired mode is displayed.
4. Note that the "HOLD" function can not be on when changing
functions.
9

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 diagnostics).
4. Press and hold the MODE/HOLD button to scroll
to the desired measurement mode.
5. Slowly stir the sample with the TRACER to
remove air bubbles.
6. The meter will autorange to the proper range
and the reading will be displayed.
7. 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.)
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.
10
EC/TDS/SAL
ON
OFF
MODE
CAL
100.9
72.3 °F
Conductivity TDS (ppm)
m
PP
Salinity
m
PP
4.01

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/HOLD 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/HOLD 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/HOLD button.
1. Press the CAL/RECALL button and then press the MODE/HOLD
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.
2. The last stored reading taken will be displayed first. To advance to
the previously stored readings, press the MODE/HOLD button. The
location number is displayed first, followed by the reading stored in
that location.
3. To exit the storage mode, press the CAL/RECALL button and the
TRACER will return to normal operation after displaying “End”.
11

Clearing the Stored Memory
Turn the TRACER on. Press and hold the ON/OFF button for 4 second
the display will briefly desplay “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
conductivity mode to perform all calibration for conductivity, TDS
and Salinity. The meter can perform a calibration and store the data for
each of the three ranges – low, medium and high. The automatic
calibration recognition procedure will recognize 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 12,880 µS calibration standard.
1. Fill a sample cup to 20 mL line with a conductivity standard.
NOTE: The meter allows for a 1, 2, or 3 point calibration. 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/RECALL button for approximately 2
seconds. "CAL" will appear and the display will flash.
4. The meter will automatically recognize and calibrate to the
conductivity 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.
5. The calibration range indicator will appear on the display for each
range that is calibrated during a power on cycle.
12
Low Range, 84 µS/cm
Medium Range, 1413 µS/cm
High Range, 12.88 mS/cm (12,880 µS/cm)
M
L
H

NOTE: Each time the calibration mode is entered all calibration
range indicators will be cleared, but only the calibration data for the
currently selected range will be replaced. 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.
13

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/RECALL button
for 2 seconds until CAL is
displayed
Store Reading On Any Momentary press of
MODE/HOLD button
Hold Release On Hold Momentary press of
MODE/HOLD button
Enter Memory
Retrieval
On Any Momentary press of
CAL/RECALL button
followed by a
momentary press of
MODE/HOLD button
within 4 seconds.
Scroll Stored
Readings
On Memory
Recall
Momentary press of
MODE/HOLD button
Displays last in first
out.
Exit Memory
Retrieval
On Memory
Recall
Momentary press of
MODE/RECALL 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/HOLD button for
2 seconds.
Modes will scroll by until
button is released
14

Function/Resulting
Action
Power Mode Key Press Sequence
Enter CON/TDS
Ratio
On TDS
(ppm
or
mg/L)
Press and release the
CAL/RECALL button
twice in quick succession.
Change
CON/TDS
Ratio
On TDS
(ppm
or
mg/L)
Press and release the
CAL/RECALL button twice
in quick succession.
Momentary press of
MODE/HOLD 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/RECALL button.
Change
Temperature
Units
On n/a Press and hold
CAL/RECALL button then
momentarily press
ON/OFF button. Release
CAL/RECALL button
after“Self Cal” is displayed.
Override Auto
Power Off
On Any Momentarily press
CAL/RECALL button then
simultaneously press and hold
CAL/RECALL and
MODE/HOLD buttons for 2
seconds until “oFF” is
displayed.
Default Reset Off n/a Simultaneously press
ON/OFF, CAL/RECALL and
MODE/HOLD buttons
momentarily. “dFlt” will be
displayed.
15

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.
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.
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.
4. Firmly tighten the electrode collar to create a seal with the rubber
gasket between the electrode and the meter.
16

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.
17

TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Check Action
Reading is frozen HOLD mode Press MODE/HOLD button
to exit HOLD mode
“BAT” message Batteries low Replace batteries
Meter will not
calibrate in
conductivity mode
Trapped air
bubbles
Tap probe or stir sample to
release air bubbles
Dirty probe Clean conductivity probe
Damaged probe Replace probe
Contaminated
conductivity
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
18

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 Technical
Service Department at 1-800-344-3100 for a return authorization
number or visit www.lamotte.com 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.
19

LaMOTTE COMPANY
Helping People Solve Analytical Challenges®
PO Box 329 • Chestertown • Maryland • 21620 • USA
800-344-3100 • 410-778-3100 (Outside U.S.A.) • Fax [phone]
Visit us on the web at www.lamotte.com
1749-MN • 03/10