LaMotte TRACER POCKETESTER TDS/SALT/TEMP User manual

TRACER
Pool Professional’s Meter
TDS/SALT/TEMP
CODE 1749-KIT
POCKETESTERTM

TRACER
EC/TDS/SAL POCKETESTERTM • CODE 1749-KIT
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
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
StoringReadings.........................10
Recalling Stored Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Calibration (Salt/TDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Operational Matrix ........................13-14
Maintenance
Care/Storage of Electrode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Electrode Cleaning Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Replacing the Electrode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Troubleshooting........................... 17
Warranty............................... 17
3

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Total Dissolved Solids/Salinity
TRACER PockeTester. The TRACER is a revolutionary, first of its
kind measurement device that offers direct reading of 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
Note: Conductivity mode
should only be used for
calibration of the meter.
0 to 199.9 !S
200 to 1999 !S
2.00 to 19.99 mS
TDS Range 0 to 99.9 ppm and mg/L
100 to 999 ppm and mg/L
1.00 to 9.99 ppt and g/L
(variable ratio)
Salinity Range 0 to 99.9 ppm S
100 to 999 ppm S
1.00 to 9.99 ppt S
(fixed ratio of 0.5)
TDS Ratio 0.4 to 1.0, adjustable (Pool water TDS
Ratio 0.7)
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
4

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
CONTENTS
TDS/SALT/TEMP TRACER PockeTester Kit Code 1749-KIT
Includes:
TDS/Salt/Temp TRACER PockeTester Code 1749
Conductivity Standard 12,880 (120mL) Code 6317-J
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, 12,880 !S, 30mL
Conductivity Standard, 12,880 !S, 120 mL
Conductivity Standard, 12,880 !S, 500 mL
Code 6317-G
Code 6317-J
Code 6317-L
5

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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
10
20
12
t
m
pp mg/L
m
uS
0
2
5
10
7
°C
°F
HOLD
M HL
-8.8.8
88.88
BAT
2
4
1
63
7
5
6

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 pool
water TDS selected ratio is 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 °C or °F:
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 or tap
water and dry.
3. When the meter is calibrated for Salinity or TDS the meter must be
in Conductivity Mode (See page 12).
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.
!S or mS (Conductivity)
ppm or ppt (TDS)
mg/L (TDS)
ppm or ppt (Salinity “S”)
NOTE: 1 part per thousand (ppt) equals 1000 parts per million (ppm).
Example: 3.1 ppt = 3,100 ppm
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. Do not submerse entire
PockeTester, only the electrode should be 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 or tap 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.
EC/TDS/SAL
ON
OFF
MODE
CAL
Conductivity TDS (ppm) TDS (mg/L) Salinity
m
PP m
PP
10
t
PP
HOLD
4.01
H
4

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”.
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.
11
t
PP
4.01
H
78.6
15

CALIBRATION (Salt/TDS)
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/ monthly
basis as needed. The frequency of the verification will depend on the
storage and maintenance conditions and amount of meter use. If
calibration is required, the meter must be in the conductivity mode to
perform all calibration for TDS and Salinity. The meter can perform a
calibration and store the data. The automatic calibration recognition
procedure will recognize conductivity standard of 12,880!S (12.88mS).
(See Page 5). Always calibrate in the range closest to the expected
measurement value. For salinity samples within the range of 1.00 to
9.99 ppt salinity, calibrate with a 12,880 !S calibration standard.
1. Fill a sample cup to 20 mL line with a conductivity standard.
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 on the dispay and the display will begin to
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.
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.
12
HHigh Range, 12.88 mS/cm (12,880µS/cm)

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.
13

Function/Resulting
Action Power Mode Key Press Sequence
Change
Measurement
Mode
On Any Press and hold MODE/
HOLD button for 2 seconds.
Modes will scroll by until
button is released
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.
14

MAINTENANCE
Care/Storage of Electrode
1. Always rinse the electrode in distilled, tap or deionized water
between measurements to avoid cross-contamination of the samples.
Double rinsing is recommended when high accuracy is required.
2. Store the electrode dry with the cap on.
3. Do not touch the electrodes. Touching the surface of the platinized
electrodes may damage and reduce the life of the electrodes.
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. To remove water soluble contaminants
from the electrode, soak the electrode in deionized water and scrub
with a soft brush.
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.
15

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

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 press
Internal fault Perform hard reboot. Remove
batteries, hold ON/OFF
button down for 5 seconds,
replace batteries
17

WARRANTY
This Instrument is guaranteed to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase
date. The probe is guaranteed to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of six (6) months from the original purchase
date. In the event that a defect is found during the warranty time frame,
LaMotte Company agrees that it will be repaired or replaced without
charge except for the transportation costs. This guarantee does not
cover batteries.
This product can not be returned without a return authorization number
from LaMotte Company. For warranty support or a Return
Authorization Number, contact LaMotte Company at 1-800-344-3100
or [email protected].
LIMITATIONS
This guarantee is void under the following circumstances:
•Damage due to operator negligence, misuse, accident or improper
application.
•Damage or alterations from attempted repairs by an unauthorized
(non-LaMotte) service.
•Damage due to improper power source, AC adapter or battery.
•Damage caused by acts of God or natural disaster.
•Damage occurred while in transit with a shipping carrier.
LaMotte Company will service and repair out-of-warranty products at a
nominal charge.
18

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-KITMN $2/08