LaMotte TRACER pH PockeTester 1741 User manual

TRACER
POCKETESTERTM
pH
CODE 1741

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
pH POCKETESTERTM
CODE 1741
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
Changing the Display Temperature Units............ 7
Data Hold ............................ 7
Display Messages
CAL Reminder ............................ 7
RENEW ................................ 8
pH Testing
Overview ............................... 8
pH Display .............................. 8
Getting Started ............................ 9
Preparation of Buffers ..................... 8-9
pH Calibration .......................... 9
pH Measurement ........................ 10
Storing Readings 10
Recalling Stored Readings ..................10-11
Maintenance
Storage ............................. 11
Battery Replacement ........................ 11
Cleaning & Conditioning the Electrode .............. 11
Replacing the Electrode .......................12
Troubleshooting ........................... 13
Expand Your TRACER ........................ 14
Warranty ............................... 15

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the TRACER pH PockeTester.
The TRACER is a revolutionary, first of its kind measurement device
that offers direct reading of pH from 0.01 to 14.00 pH. The advantages
of the TRACER to the user include ease of use and maintenance, high
accuracy, automatic calibration, and fast response. The TRACER offers
simultaneous pH and Temperature displays and a 15-reading memory
storage. Careful use and maintenance will provide years of reliable
service.
SPECIFICATIONS
Display Multifunction LCD with Bar graph
Operating Conditions 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C) and < 80% RH
pH Range & Accuracy 0.01 to 14.00/±0.01 pH typical
Temperature Comp. Automatic from 32 to 194°F (0 to 90°C)
Temperature Range 23 to 194°F (–5 to 90°C)
Temperature Resolution 0.1° up to 99.9 the 1° thereafter
Temperature Accuracy ±1.8°F/1°C [from 23 to 122°F (–5 to 50°C)]
±5.4°F/3°C [from 122 to 194°F (50 to 90°C)]
Measurement storage 15 tagged (numbered) readings
Power Four CR2032 button batteries (see Page 6)
Low battery indication ‘BAT’ appears on the LCD
Auto power off After 10 minutes of inactivity
Dimensions 1.4 x 6.8 x 1.6” (35.6 x 172.7 x 40.6 mm),
3.85 oz (110g)
4

CONTENTS
pH TRACER PockeTester Kit, 0.00-14.00 pH Range Code 1741
Includes:
Sample Cup w/cap *
Tablet Crusher Code 0175
Buffer Tablets, pH 4.0, 7.0, & 10.0 *
*Not sold in this quantity. See below.
PARTS & ACCESSORIES
pH Replacement Electrode Code 1733
Weighted Stand w/Sample Cups (5) Code 1746
Sample Cups w/caps (24) Code 1745-24
pH 4.01 Mini Buffer Tablets (100) Code 3983A-J
pH 7.01 Mini Buffer Tablets (100) Code 3984A-J
pH 10.0 Mini Buffer Tablets (100) Code 3985A-J
5

METER DESCRIPTION
Front Panel Description
1. Battery compartment cap
2. LCD Display
3. MODE/HOLD button
4. CAL/RECALL button
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) and
HOLD (data hold) indicators
4. Temperature display
5. Bar graph scale designations
6. Units of measure
7. Calibration indicators
8. RENEW and CAL indicators
6

BASIC OPERATION
Powering the TRACER
If the batteries are weak, the BAT indicator will appear on the display.
Press the ON/OFF button to turn the TRACER on or off. The auto
power off feature will shut the TRACER off automatically after 10
minutes of inactivity.
Electrode Recognition
When the TRACER is turned on, it will recognize the type of electrode
that is connected and will display the appropriate unit of measure. An
electrode must be attached before turning the meter on.
Automatic Calibration
When the TRACER is turned on, it will enter the Automatic
Calibration mode. SELF and CAL will appear while calibration is in
progress. After the calibration is completed, the SELF and CAL display
icons will extinguish and both the main display and the bar graph will
read in pH units. The readings will flash on the display until they have
stabilized.
Changing the Displayed Temperature Units
Press and hold the CAL/RECALL button for approximately 3 seconds.
The °C or °F icon will change first and the numerical temperature value
will change only after the button is released.
NOTE: If the CAL/RECALL button is accidentally accessed CAL will
appear on the display. If this occurs, turn the meter off and then turn
the meter on and begin again.
Data Hold
Press the MODE/HOLD button to freeze the current reading. The HOLD
display icon will appear along with the held reading. The held reading
will be stored in the next 15-reading storage location. Press the
MODE/HOLD button to return to normal operation.
Display Messages
CAL Reminder
When the TRACER is turned on for the 15th time, without
recalibration the CAL icon will appear on the display indicating the the
TRACER may require calibration. Some applications may require
recalibration of the electrode sooner than others. The CAL display is a
reminder and will turn off when the pH electrode is recalibrated.
7

RENEW
A flashing “RENEW” warning indicates that the probe may be nearing the
end of its useful life. If cleaning or recalibration does not cause the
Renew icon to disappear, replace the electrode (see optional
accessories). The Renew display appears when the output of the pH
electrode fails a diagnostic test.
pH TESTING
Overview
pH is a unit of measure (ranging from 0 to 14 pH) indicating the degree
of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH tests are the most commonly
performed measurements in water analysis, using the negative log of the
hydrogen ion activity of a solution which is an indicator of acidity or
alkalinity. Solutions with a pH of less than 7 are considered acidic,
solutions with a pH of higher than 7 are known as bases, and solutions
with a pH of exactly 7 are considered neutral.
The pH scale is logarithmic, so, for example, if Sample A is 1 pH less
than Sample B, this means that sample A is 10 times more acidic than
Sample B. A difference of 1 pH represents a ten-fold increase or
decrease in acidity.
pH Display
When the electrode is placed in a solution, the main display and bar
graph will indicate the pH reading while the lower display will read
temperature. Readings flash until they have stabilized. The bar graph is
‘center zero’, i.e. at pH 7 there is no display. As the pH rises, the bar will
move from the center to the right. If the pH drops, the bar will move
from the center to the left.
Getting Started
1. Remove the cap from the bottom of the TRACER to expose the
electrode glass surface and reference junction.
2. Before first use or after storage, soak the electrode (with cap
removed) in a pH 4 buffer for about 10 minutes.
3. White KCl crystals may be present in the cap. These crystals will
dissolve in the soak or they can be rinsed off with tap water.
4. Always calibrate close to the expected measurement value.
Preparation of Buffers
1. Fill a sample cup with 20 mL of distilled or deionized water.
8

2. Add one buffer tablet:
pH 4.0 Code 3983A
pH 7.0 Code 3984A
pH 10.0 Code 3985A
3. Use the tablet crusher (0175) to crush the tablet. Stir until the
tablet has disintegrated.
NOTE: Buffers should be prepared fresh daily.
pH Calibration
The TRACER can be calibrated at 1, 2 or 3 points. For the most
accurate results with a two point calibration, calibrate the TRACER
with a pH 7 buffer first, then calibrate with either a pH 4 or pH 10
buffer whichever is closest to the pH value of the sample to be tested.
When performing a three point calibration, calibrate with the pH 7
buffer first, followed with the pH 4 buffer and then the pH 10 buffer.
1. Place the electrode into a buffer solution (4, 7, or 10 pH) and press
the CAL/RECALL button. Typically, pH 7 is calibrated first, then
4 or 10, depending on the measurement range. If readings are going
to be made over the entire range, calibrate with 4, 7 and 10 buffers.
2. The TRACER will automatically recognize the solution and
calibrate itself to that value. The circled number on the display will
match the pH of the buffer. Note that if the buffer is more than 1
pH unit off from the 4, 7, or 10 pH buffer, the TRACER will
assume an error and abort the calibration. CAL and END will be
displayed.
3. During calibration, the pH reading will flash on the main display.
4. When calibration is complete, the TRACER will automatically
display END and return to the pH measurement mode.
5. Rinse the electrode with distilled water.
6. The appropriate circled indicator (4, 7, or 10) will appear on the
display when a calibration has been completed. The calibration will
be stored until a new calibration is performed.
7. For a two- or three-point calibration, repeat Steps 1-5.
8. The meter should be calibrated before each use to obtain the most
accurate results.
9. Always turn the meter off and then on before calibrating to allow
sufficient time to complete the calibrations during one power cycle.
If the meter auto powers off during calibration the calibrations
remain valid, but new calibrations will turn the circled indicators
off.
9

pH Measurement
1. Place the electrode in the test sample.
2. Record the pH after the reading becomes stable and the display
stops flashing.
The main display will indicate the pH in numeric units from 0.00 to
14.00. The bar graph will also display the pH value. The center of
the bar graph is 7.00. As the pH increases, the bar graph will move
from the center to the right. If the pH is less than 7.00, the bar
graph will move from the center to the left.
3. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the meter off. Rinse the electrode
with distilled water. Replace cap
pH Measurement of Soil
1. Place a 1:1 ratio of soil and distilled water in a small beaker. For
most analyses, 20 grams of soil and 20 grams distilled water are
sufficient.
2. Wait 15 minutes. Stir occasionally with a stirring rod.
3. Stir the sample. Immediately place the electrode in the sample.
4. Wait until the display stabilizes. Record the pH.
5. Rinse the electrode in distilled water. Replace cap.
NOTE: The flat surface electrode will allow for readings directly from the soil if
there is enough moisture present in the soil.
Storing Readings
1. After the reading is made press the MODE/HOLD button to store
the current reading The storage location number will be displayed
followed by the reading being stored.
2. Press the MODE/HOLD button to return to normal operation.
3. Repeat step 1 to store the next reading.
4. If an attempt is made to store more than 15 readings, the stored
readings (starting with the first reading) will be overwritten.
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
once and then press the MODE
button immediately after CAL is
displayed; the location number (1
through 15) will flash. If the CAL
10

mode is accidentally accessed (display flashing), press the
CAL/RECALL button again to exit.
2. The last stored reading taken will be displayed first. To advance
through the 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 recall mode, press the CAL/RECALL button and the
TRACER will return to normal operation.
If the batteries are removed, any stored readings and user
calibrations will be discarded.
MAINTENANCE
Storage
To preserve electrode life keep the sponge in the protective cap soaked
with a pH 4 buffer. Cap TRACER when not in use. Store vertically.
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.
NOTE: If the batteries are removed, stored data and user
calibrations will be cleared. A new user calibration will be required.
Factory calibrations will be retained.
Cleaning and Conditioning the Electrode
The TRACER will arrive in a factory-cleaned condition and is ready to
be used. A separate preconditioning method is not required.
Surface Cleaning – Only in case of visible surface contamination or if
readings should become erratic, use a disposable laboratory towel wetted
with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol and gently rub the surface, until no
more residue is visible.
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Replacing the Electrode
The TRACER is shipped with an electrode attached. Electrode life is
limited and is dependant on the frequency of use and care, among other
factors. If the electrode needs to be replaced, follow these steps for
removing and connecting electrodes.
1. Turn meter off.
2. To remove the electrode, turn the collar counter-clockwise and
remove it.
3. Gently rock the electrode from side to side, pulling it downwards,
until it disconnects from the meter.
4. To attach an electrode, carefully plug the electrode into the meter
socket. Note that the electrode connector is keyed to ensure a
proper connection.
5. Tighten the electrode collar firmly enough to make a good seal. A
rubber gasket will seal the electrode with the meter.
12

Troubleshooting
Problem Cause Action
Power on but
no display
Batteries Insert batteries
Batteries Verify correct polarity
Batteries Replace batteries
Unstable
readings
Electrode Immerse electrode more deeply in sample
Electrode Condition electrode before first use
Electrode Remove air bubbles caught under
electrode
Electrode Clean electrode
Electrode Replace electrode
Slow
response
time or
reading drift
Clogged junction Soak in 4.07M Potassium Chloride (KCl)
at 60°C for 30 minutes
Strong alkaline
measurement
Soak in 0.1M Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
overnight
Deteriorated gel layer Replace electrode
Protein coating on
electrode surface
Soak in 1g Pepsin dissolved in 10 mL of
0.1M HCl for 30 minutes or as needed
Oil, paint, dyes,
suspended solids on
electrode
Rinse electrode alternately with materials
solvent then a buffer 7.00
Dry bulb Dehydrated membrane,
long term storage
without wetting
Soak electrode tip in wetting cap filled
with 1 mL 7.00 buffer for 24-48 hours
Static charge Wiping electrode Rinse electrode in 7.0 buffer and blot. Do
not wipe electrode
Same
readings in
different
buffers and
samples
Cracked or broken
electrode
Replace electrode. Use bulb guard. Avoid
plunging electrode into bottom of
container and stir bars.
Erratic LCD
display
Samples have low ionic
strength (lack salt); e.g.
distilled, deionized,
boiled, lake water (high
pressure)
For each 50 mL of sample add 1 drop (50
mL) of saturated Potassium Chloride
(KCl). No alteration in pH will occur by
inert KCl.
Unexpected
readings
Buffers Calibrate with fresh buffers
Buffers Calibrate with buffers that bracket sample
pH
Display
frozen
HOLD function Press MODE/HOLD or turn meter off
Button response Remove batteries press ON/OFF button
for 3 seconds. Reinsert batteries (stored
data will be lost)
Steady “-1 ”
display
Wait Reading not stable yet
13

Expand Your TRACER
Interchangeable electrodes are available to convert the pH TRACER to
a Total Chlorine TRACER or an ORP TRACER.
Remember to ask for instructions and appropriate reagents or buffer
tablets when ordering the Total Chlorine or ORP electrodes.
Total Chlorine TRACER Electrode, 0.0-10.0 ppm Code 1732
The Total Chlorine TRACER Electrode (Code 1732)
requires the use of TRACER TCL Tablets. Order
Code 7044-J (100 pack).
ORP TRACER Electrode, ±999 mV Code 1734
The ORP TRACER Electrode (Code 1734) requires
an initial soaking in a pH 4.0 buffer solution. Order
pH 4.0 Mini Buffer Tablets/100 pack (Code 3893-J).
14

Warranty
LaMotte Company warrants this instrument to be free of defects in parts
and workmanship for 1 year from the date of shipment and this 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. will service and repair out-of-warranty products at a nominal
charge.
15

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
1741-MN 4.09