Oakton CON 400 User manual

Instruction Manual
CON 400 and CON 410
Waterproof Hand-held Conductivity/TDS Meter
ENGLISH
Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd/ Oakton Instruments
All rights reserved.
Version 1.1 ML

1INTRODUCTION 3
2DISPLAY AND KEYPAD FUNCTIONS 3
2.1 Display 3
2.2 Keypad 3
3PREPARATION 4
3.1 Inserting the Batteries 4
3.2 Conductivity Electrode Information 4
3.3 Connecting the electrode to the meter 4
3.4 Attaching the Electrode Holder to the Meter 4
4CALIBRATION 4
4.1 Important Information on Meter Calibration 4
4.2 Preparing the Meter for Calibration 5
4.3 Temperature Calibration 5
4.4 Conductivity & TDS Calibration 5
4.4.1 Calibrating TDS with conductivity standards & adjusting TDS factor 5
4.4.2 Setting the TDS Conversion Factor (P4.4) 6
4.4.3 Calibration with Conductivity Standard and TDS factor 6
5MEASUREMENT 6
5.1 Temperature Compensation 6
5.1.1 Selecting Temperature Compensation mode (P4.3) 6
5.1.2 Setting manual temperature compensation value 6
5.2 Taking Measurements 6
5.3 HOLD Function 7
5.4 Selection of READY and Auto HOLD function (P4.1) 7
5.5 Ranging settings and options 7
5.5.1 Selecting manual or auto ranging 7
6MEMORY FUNCTION 7
6.1 Memory Input 7
6.2 Memory Recall 8
6.3 Memory Clear 8
7OTHER FUNCTIONS 8
7.1 Selection of °C or °F (P4.2) 8
7.2 Viewing calibration data (P2.0) 8
7.3 Viewing Electrode Data (P3.0) 8
7.4 Reset to factory defaults (P8.0) 8
7.5 Setting the temperature coefficient (P5.1) 9
7.6 Setting the normalisation temperature (P5.2) 9
7.7 Selection of cell constant (P6.0) 9
7.8 Setting the real-time clock (P7.0) 9
8ERROR MESSAGES 10
9TROUBLESHOOTING 10
2
Oakton Instruments
P.O Box 5136,
Vernon Hills, IL 60061,
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.4oakton.com
www.oaktoninstruments.com
Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd.
Blk 55, Ayer Rajah Crescent,
#04-16/24 Singapore 139949
Singapore
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.eutechinst.com
Eutech Instruments Europe bv
Wallerstraat 125k
3862 CN Nijkerk
The Netherlands
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.eutech.nl

3
1 INTRODUCTION
This manual contains the operating features of this meter. At some points this manual will refer to our
website www.eutechinst.com,for further explanation and background information, it will be indicated
with this symbol:
On this website you can also find additional information regarding applications, measuring theories
and hints & tips.
At the final page of this manual you can find information about the specifications of this meter,
warranty issues and how to return your product to us.
2 DISPLAY AND KEYPAD FUNCTIONS
2.1 Display
The LCD has a primary and secondary display.
• The primary display shows the measured Conductivity/TDS v
• The se
alues.
condary display shows the measured temperature.
d
3. alibration mode
and
perature
nsation
12.
ocation
ution
The display also shows error messages, keypad functions an
program functions. It has the following indicators:
1. SETUP - Setup mode 9. °C°F - Tem
2. MEAS – Measurement
mode
CAL - C
4. MEM - Memory mode
5. ms - Mill siemens
6. µs - Micro siemens
7. ppt - Parts per thous
8. ppm - Parts per million
10. ATC – Automatic
Temperature Compe
11. AM/PM Clock
ERR Error
13. MEM Memory l
14. Low battery
15. Probe indicator
16. Calibration sol
17. K = - Cell Constant.
18. ON/OFF indicator
19. HOLD – Hold
20. READY – Ready
2.2 Keypad
Some button has several functions depending on its mode of operation.
KEY Function
ON / OFF ON/OFF - Powers on and shuts off the meter. The meter will start
in the measurement mode it was in when last switched off.
CAL /
MEAS
Toggles between Calibration and Measurement mode.
NOTE: Temperature calibration is available from conductivity
calibration mode.
HOLD HOLD - Activates/Deactivates freezing of the reading while in
measurement mode.
MI/▲
MR/▼
In Measurement mode: Press MI/▲to store values with its
corresponding temperature values in the memory. Press MR/▼to
retrieve data from memory.
In Calibration mode: Press to scroll calibration values.
In SETUP mode: Press to scroll setup subgroup.
SETUP
SETUP- Activates the setting menu for customizing the meter, view calibration points
and electrode offset, select auto power off, reset meter, clear memory, set temperature
coefficient and normalization temperature, select electrode cell constants and set auto
& single point calibration selections.
MODE
MODE Selects the measurement parameter.
~ CON 400 meter: Toggles between conductivity and time.
~ CON 410 meter: Toggles between conductivity, TDS and time.
ENTER /
RANGE
ENTER: Press to confirm values in Calibration mode and selections in SETUP mode.
RANGE: Press to enter manual ranging function.

4
3 PREPARATION
3.1 Inserting the Batteries
battery
compartment
Remove 2
screws to access
battery
compartment
This meter is packaged with 4 “AAA” alkaline batteries required for
its operation. To insert the batteries into the meter, follow the
procedure outlined below.
1. Open the battery compartment by unscrewing the two screws of
the battery cover.
2. Insert the batteries correctly according to the marked polarity of
the battery compartment.
3. Close the battery cover by replacing the cover and screws.
Your hand held meter is now ready for operation.
3.2 Conductivity Electrode Information
Your meter includes a conductivity electrode (Part No: ECCONSEN91W/ 35608-50) Ultem /
Stainless Steel electrodes with an electrode constant of K = 1.0. This conductivity / TDS
electrode features a built-in temperature sensor for Automatic Temperature
Compensation (ATC). Wetted parts include: Immerse
probe beyond
upper steel
band
•Polyetherimide PEI (Ultem®)
•Polybutylene Terephthalate PBT (Valox®)
•Stainless Steel (SS 304)
The removable protective plastic electrode guard is meant for simple periodic maintenance
and it must be kept in tact during measurement and calibration. Always immerse the electrode beyond
upper steel band.
Note: DO NOT remove the protective electrode guard
during measurement and calibration as it may affect your
readings.
Note: We recommend that you do not submerge the
electrode above the protective yellow cap. You can
submerge the cable for brief periods of time, not
continuously.
3.3 Connecting the electrode to the meter
1. Insert the 6 pin female connector of the electrode to
the 6 pins male connector on the meter. Rotate the
locking ring clockwise until it locks.
2. To remove the electrode, simply rotate the
connector’s locking ring counterclockwise and pull away gently for a complete removal.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the electrode cord to avoid internal wire
breakages.
3.4 Attaching the Electrode Holder to the Meter
One electrode holder is provided.
1. Locate the slot on the right-hand side of the meter.
2. Slide the flange of the holder into the slot.
4 CALIBRATION
4.1 Important Information on Meter Calibration
Your meter has five measuring ranges. You have an option of calibrating your meter in a single point
calibration for all the five ranges or for better accuracy; you can calibrate one point in each of the
measuring ranges (up to five points).
When you perform a single point recalibration, the old calibration will be replaced by the new one even
if the new calibration is done in a different range from the old calibration. For example, if you have

previously calibrated at 1413 µS in 0 to 2000 µS range, and you recalibrate at 12.88 mS in 0 to 20.00
mS range, the new calibration will override the previous calibration in 0 to 2000 uS range.
In the case of multi point calibration, when you perform a multi point recalibration, old calibrations are
replaced only on a range basis. For example, if you previously calibrated at 1413 µS in 0 to 2000 µS
range and you recalibrate at 1500 µS (also in 0 to 2000 µS range), the meter will replace only the old
calibration data (1413µS) in that range. The meter will retain all calibration data in other ranges. To
completely recalibrate your meter, or when you use a replacement electrode, it is best to clear all
calibration data.
4.2 Preparing the Meter for Calibration
Before starting calibration, make sure you are in the correct measurement mode. For best results,
select a standard value close to the sample value you are measuring.
4.3 Temperature Calibration
Your electrode features a built-in temperature sensor which is factory calibrated. Calibrate your sensor
only if you suspect temperature errors may have occurred over a long period of time or if you have a
replacement electrode.
1. Connect the electrode.
2. Switch the meter on. ATC will appear at the bottom right-hand corner of the LCD.
3. Press MODE to select Conductivity or TDS mode.
4. Press CAL/MEAS. The CAL indicator appears.
5. Press MODE to enter temperature calibration mode.
6. Dip the electrode into a solution of known temperature (i.e. a temperature bath). Allow time for
the built-in temperature sensor to stabilize.
7. Scroll with MI/▲or MR/▼to set the correct temperature value (i.e. the temperature of the
temperature bath).
8. Press ENTER to confirm. The meter will be calibrated and return to the measurement mode.
Note: To exit without confirming the temperature calibration value, press CAL/MEAS.
Note: If the ATC does not light up, see SETUP menu Program P1.3 to switch it on.
Note: Since temperature affect the accuracy of conductivity / TDS, it is recommended to carry out a
conductivity / TDS calibration after a temperature calibration is done.
4.4 Conductivity & TDS Calibration
1. Press MODE to select the correct mode (conductivity or TDS).
2. Rinse the probe with de-ionized water or a rinse solution, then rinse with some calibration
standard.
3. Dip the probe into the calibration standard. Immerse the probe beyond the upper steel band. Stir
the probe to get a homogeneous sample. Allow time to stabilize.
4. Press CAL/MEAS. The CAL indicator will appear.
5. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to change the value on the primary display to match the value of the
calibration standard referenced to your normalization temperature (usually 25°C).
6. Press ENTER to confirm. The meter returns to measurement mode.
7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 for other measuring ranges.
Note: The factory default for the TDS conversion factor is 0.50. If the solution has an other factor, you
can improve calibration accuracy by setting the TDS factor prior to calibration.
Note: To exit without confirming press CAL/MEAS.
Note: When entering calibration mode, the display shows the factory default value. If the meter was
previously calibrated, the display may seem to “jump” to the factory default value when switching from
measurement to calibration mode. This is expected.
4.4.1 Calibrating TDS with conductivity standards & adjusting TDS factor
Instead of calibrating for TDS directly using TDS calibration standard solutions, you can calibrate by
using the conductivity calibration method and enter the appropriate TDS conversion factor into the
meter. For more information regarding TDS Conversion Factor determination, please refer to our
website: www.eutechinst.com
5

4.4.2 Setting the TDS Conversion Factor (P4.4)
The factory default setting for TDS conversion factor is 0.5. If your solution has a different TDS factor,
you can improve accuracy by setting the TDS factor prior to calibration.
1. Press SETUP.
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼, go to P4.0.
3. Press ENTER a five times to scroll until you view P4.4 (tdS)
4. Press ENTER. The upper display shows a value and the lower shows “tdS”.
5. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select your calculated TDS conversion factor.
6. Press the ENTER to confirm.
7. Press the CAL/MEAS key to return to measurement mode.
4.4.3 Calibration with Conductivity Standard and TDS factor
After setting the correct TDS Factor, you can calibrate in the TDS mode.
1. Calibrate with conductivity standards as described in 4.4
2. Set the TDS factor as mentioned above (if not yet done).
5 MEASUREMENT
5.1 Temperature Compensation
This meter can take measurements with automatic (ATC) or manual (MTC) temperature
compensation. Factory default is ATC on. For ATC, attach the conductivity/TDS electrode to the
meter. The ATC indicator will light on the LCD.
If the conductivity/TDS electrode is not properly attached to the meter or it has been damaged, the
ATC indicator will blink and the temperature display will show “Ur”. If the ATC indicator does not light
and the temperature display shows a reading, the meter might be in MTC mode.
5.1.1 Selecting Temperature Compensation mode (P4.3)
1. Press SETUP
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼, go to P4.0.
3. Press ENTER three times, to go to P4.3 The upper display shows “ATC” and the lower display
shows “P4.1”.
4. Press ENTER
5. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select: “YES”, ATC is on or “NO”, ATC is off.
6. Press ENTER to confirm selection.
7. Press CAL/MEAS to return to measurement mode.
Note: MTC should only used if ATC fails. For non-compensated measurements, set the coefficient to
0.0%.
5.1.2 Setting manual temperature compensation value
MTC enables you to enter the temperature value of your sample into the meter. This is the value at
which the readings will be temperature compensated. You can select an value between 0 and 100 °C
(32 and 212 °F). Default value is 25 °C.
1. Set temperature mode to MTC (p 4.1.1) and go through step 1 to 7.
2. Press CAL/MEAS. The CAL indicator will appear above the primary display.
3. Press MODE. The primary display shows the current setting, the secondary display shows 25 °C
(77 °F) or its last set value.
4. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to offset the temperature to your preferred settings.
5. Press ENTER to confirm
Note: To exit this program without confirming the MTC value, press CAL/MEAS.
5.2 Taking Measurements
1. Rinse the electrode with de-ionized or distilled water before use. Shake or air dry. To avoid
contamination or dilution of your sample, rinse electrode with a small volume of your sample
liquid.
2. Press ON to switch on meter.
6

7
3. Dip the electrode into the sample. When dipping the electrode into the sample, ensure that the
liquid level is above its upper steel band. Stir the electrode gently in the sample to create a
homogenous sample.
4. Allow time for the reading to stabilize.
5. Press MODE to toggle between conductivity and TDS readings (CON410 only).
5.3 HOLD Function
Lets you freeze the display and hold the measured value.
1. Press HOLD to hold a measurement. “HOLD” will appear on the display.
2. Press HOLD again to release the held value.
Note: If the meter is shut off the HOLD value will be lost. For longer storage, use the memory
functions.
Note: The meter has an auto hold feature. If this feature on, and a reading is stable for more than 5
seconds, the reading will “HOLD”, press HOLD to release.
5.4 Selection of READY and Auto HOLD function (P4.1)
The “READY” display indicates the measurement stability during a measuring process.
The Auto HOLD function lets the meter to “hold” your measurement when it is stable for more than 5
seconds. Press the HOLD key to release the display and access other functions. Default is READY on
and AUTO HOLD off..
1. Press SETUP.
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼, go to P4.1.
3. Press ENTER.
4. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select the configuration you require (left display).
a. “ON” activates the READY function.
b. “OFF” deactivates the READY function.
c. “ON” and “HOLD” activates the Auto HOLD function.
5. Press ENTER to confirm.
6. Press CAL/MEAS to return to measurement mode.
5.5 Ranging settings and options
Your meter automatically selects the range in which your readings appear. The manual ranging
function lets you select the specific range you want to work in:
Range Conductivity range (CON400 & CON410) TDS range (CON410 only)
1 0 – 19.99 µS/cm 0.00 – 9.99 ppm
2 0.0 – 199.9 µS/cm 0.0 – 99.9 ppm
3 0 – 1999 µS/cm 0 – 999 ppm
4 0.00 – 19.99 mS/cm 0.00 – 9.99 ppt
5 0.0 – 199.9 mS/cm 0.0 – 100 ppt
5.5.1 Selecting manual or auto ranging
1. Press RANGE while in measurement mode. First range will appear, “MEAS” blinks.
2. Press RANGE again until desired range is selected.
3. To re-select the auto-ranging, repeatedly press RANGE until “MEAS” stops blinking.
Note: If the measured value is higher than the range selected, “Or” will appear. Press RANGE until the
correct range is selected.
Note: The meter resets to the Auto-ranging once it is turned off. Manual ranging needs to be reset
each time you turn the meter on.
6 MEMORY FUNCTION
The meter stores up to 50 datasets. Sets include conductivity, temperature date and time.
6.1 Memory Input
1. Press MI/▲during measurement to input data into the memory. MEM, “StO” and memory
number will appear for a moment.

8
2. If necessary, measure the next sample solution and press MI/▲key to input the next data into
the memory.
Note: If the memory is full, the first value stored will be overwritten.
6.2 Memory Recall
1. Press MR/▼once to retrieve the last reading stored.
2. Press ENTER to recall the reading
3. Press ENTER to view date and time
4. Press ENTER to return. The display automatically moves to the next memory location screen.
5. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to scroll to next or ENTER / RANGE to the previous memory location.
6. Press MEAS to exit Memory Recall.
Note: Readings stored in memory are retained even if the unit is turned off.
6.3 Memory Clear
1. Press SETUP.
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼until P1.0.
3. Press ENTER.
4. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to toggle between NO and YES. “NO” retains current memory, “YES” clears
all memory.
5. Press ENTER to confirm selection
6. Press CAL/MEAS to return to measurement mode.
7 OTHER FUNCTIONS
7.1 Selection of °C or °F (P4.2)
1. Press SETUP.
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼until you view parameter P 4.0.
3. Press ENTER (2x), P4.2.
4. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select between °C and °F.
5. Press ENTER to confirm
6. Press CAL/MEAS to return to measurement mode.
7.2 Viewing calibration data (P2.0)
1. Press SETUP.
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼until you view parameter P2.0 .
3. Press HOLD/ENTER repeatedly to view the previous calibration data on each of the five
measuring ranges.
4. When you have scrolled through all calibration data, you will automatically return to the subgroup
menu.
5. Press CAL/MEAS key to return to the measurement mode.
Note: If there is no calibration data at a particular point, the primary display will show “----“.
Note: CON 410 only: Entering Set Up from Conductivity mode, data will be in µS or mS, from TDS
mode, data will be in ppm or ppt.
7.3 Viewing Electrode Data (P3.0)
1. Press SETUP.
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼until you view parameter P3.0.
3. Press ENTER repeatedly to view the effective cell constant for each range.
4. When you have scrolled through all the electrode data, you will automatically return to the
subgroup menu.
5. Press CAL/MEAS to return to measurement mode.
7.4 Reset to factory defaults (P8.0)
Resets all settings to the factory default, except for clock settings.
1. Press SETUP.
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼until you view parameter P8.0.
3. Press ENTER.

9
4. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select: NO retains current settings or YES clears all calibrations and its
data.
5. Press ENTER to confirm and return to subgroup menu.
6. Press CAL/MEAS to return to measurement mode.
7.5 Setting the temperature coefficient (P5.1)
The temperature coefficient is the amount of change in conductivity per degree of temperature; it is
expressed in percent per °C. Entering the exact temperature coefficient of your solution lets you
accurately compensate temperature for almost any solution. You can adjust 0.0 to 10.0 % per °C.
Meter default is 2.1% per °C. By setting the temperature coefficient to 0.0%, the meter will not apply
any compensation but will display actual temperature.
1. Press SETUP
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼until you view parameter P5.0.
3. Press ENTER to select P5.1 (display shows “t.CO”).
4. Press ENTER.
5. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select the temperature coefficient of your solution.
6. Press ENTER to confirm and return to subgroup menu.
7. Press CAL/MEAS twice to return to the measurement mode.
7.6 Setting the normalisation temperature (P5.2)
Your meter will normalize its conductivity measurements to a standard temperature that you can
select. You can adjust the normalization temperature from 15°C to 30°C (59 to 86 °F). Meter default is
25.0°C (77 °F).
1. Press SETUP.
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼until you view parameter P5.0.
3. Press ENTER three times to select P5.2 (display shows “t.nr”).
4. Press ENTER.
5. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select either the normalization temperature.
6. Press ENTER to confirm and return to subgroup menu.
7. Press CAL/MEAS to return to measurement mode.
7.7 Selection of cell constant (P6.0)
The meter lets you select a cell constant of K = 1.0, 10, or 0.1. The cell included with your meter has a
cell constant of K=1.0.
1. Press SETUP.
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼until you view parameter P6.0.
3. Press ENTER.
4. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select the cell constant between K = 1.0, 0.1, or 10.
5. Press ENTER to confirm selection and return to the subgroup menu.
6. Press CAL/MEAS to return to measurement mode.
7.8 Setting the real-time clock (P7.0)
The meter features a real-time calendar and clock. This helps you to meet the Good Laboratory
Practice (GLP) standards.
1. Press SETUP.
2. Press MI/▲or MR/▼until you view parameter P7.0.
3. Press ENTER.
4. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select century: “19—“ or “20—“. The century digits will flash.
5. Press ENTER to confirm and move to “year” selection.
6. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select year. The “year” digits will flash.
7. Press ENTER to confirm and move to “month” selection.
8. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select month. The “month” digits will flash.
9. Press the ENTER to confirm and move to “date” selection.
10. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select date. The “date” digits will flash.
11. Press ENTER to confirm and move to “hour” selection.
12. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select hour. Note the “AM” / “PM” indicator in the display. The “hour”
digits will flash.

10
13. Press ENTER to confirm and move to “minute” selection.
14. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select minutes. The “minute” digits will flash.
15. Press ENTER to confirm and move to “second” selection.
16. Press MI/▲or MR/▼to select seconds. The “second” digits will flash.
17. Press ENTER to confirm and return to “century” selection.
18. Press CAL/MEAS to return to the subgroup menu.
19. Press the CAL/MEAS key again to return to measurement mode.
Note: Press CAL/MEAS at any point to return to the subgroup menu.
8 ERROR MESSAGES
Error message Indicates Possible cause Corrective action
ERR. Wrong keypad
input
Wrong input in selected
mode
Release key. Select
valid operations
depending on mode
CAL & Err
annunciators on /
Buffer and electrode
indicators blink
Calibration error
Wrong value input at
calibration.
Dirty probe
Check your input
value, clean probe.
See Calibration
sections
Err 1 (in primary
display)
Memory write
error. Hardware failure.
Err. 2 (in primary
display)
Memory
checksum error. Hardware failure.
Err. 3 (in primary
display)
A/D converter
error. Hardware failure.
Err. 4 (in primary
display) Keypad error.
One or more keys on the
keypad are stuck or fault in
keypad.
Turn meter on and off.
If message persists,
return unit.
Battery icon lights up Low battery Battery power is low Replace batteries
9 TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Possible cause Solution
No display when
‘ON’ key is pressed
a) Batteries not in place
b) Batteries not in correct polarity
(+ and – position)
c) Weak batteries
a) Check that batteries are in place and
making good contact
b) Re-insert batteries with correct
polarity
c) Replace batteries
Unstable readings
a) Air bubbles in electrode.
b) Dirty electrode
c) Electrode not deep enough in
sample
d) External noise pickup or
induction caused by nearby
electric motor
e) Electrode guard not attached
a) Tap electrode to remove bubbles,
move electrode away from bubbles
present in sample
b) Clean electrode, recalibrate
c) Make sure sample entirely covers the
electrode sensors
d) Move or switch off interfering motor.
e) Attach electrode guard
Slow response a) Dirty / Oily electrode a) Clean electrode