Oakton ION 6 User manual

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Instruction Manual
pH 5/6 & Ion 6
pH/mV & Ion/pH Meter Series
68X243601
Rev 6 11/02

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
Preface
This instruction manual serves to explain the use of the pH 5/6 and Ion 6
meters.
It functions in two ways: first as a step by step guide to help you operate
the meter; second, it serves as a handy reference guide.
This manual is written to cover as many anticipated applications of the pH
5/6 and Ion 6 meters as possible. If there are doubts in the use of this
meter, please do not hesitate to contact the nearest Eutech Instruments/
Oakton Instruments Authorized Distributor.
Eutech Instruments/ Oakton Instruments will not accept any responsibility
for damage or malfunction to the meter caused by improper use of the
instrument.
The information presented in this manual is subjected to change without
notice as improvements are made, and does not represent a commitment
on the part of Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd/ Oakton Instruments.
Copyright © 1999
Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd/ Oakton Instruments
Rev. 6 11/02.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION 2
2. GETTING STARTED 3
2.1 Description of Keypad Functions 3
2.2 Description of LCD Annunciators 4
2.3 Inserting & Removing the Rubber Boot 4
2.4 Inserting New Batteries 5
2.5 Battery Replacement 5
2.6 Connecting the Electrode and Temperature Sensor 5
2.7 Condition the pH Electrode 6
2.8 Switching the Meter On 6
3. CALIBRATION 7
3.1 pH Calibration 7
3.2 Selection of pH buffer standards 8
3.2.1 Resetting the User Calibrated Values 8
3.2.2 pH Calibration using USA standard buffers 9
3.2.3 pH Calibration using NIST standard buffers 10
3.2.4 pH Calibration using Pb standard buffers 11
3.3 Ion Calibration (For Ion 6 Only) 12
3.3.1 Multi-point Ion Calibration 13
3.4 Millivolt (mV) Calibration (for pH 6 Only) 15
3.5 Temperature Calibration 16
3.5.1 With Temperature probe 16
3.5.2 Without Temperature probe (no ATC) 17
4. MEASUREMENT 18
4.1 Taking Measurements 18
4.2 Millivolt (mV) Reference Check (for Ion 6 Only) 18
4.3 Holding a Reading 18
4.4 Releasing a Held Reading 18
5. ELECTRODE CARE AND MAINTENANCE 19
6. TROUBLESHOOTING 19
7. SPECIFICATIONS 20
8. ACCESSORIES 21
9. WARRANTY 23
10. RETURN OF ITEMS 24

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
2
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing pH 5/6 or Ion 6 meter series. These microprocessor-
based handheld meters are economical and easy to use. It has a large custom
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for clear and easy reading.
The pH 5 measures pH and temperature (
o
C) while the pH 6 measures pH, mV
(ORP) and temperature.
Ion 6 allows Ion concentration measurement of various ions (mono and di
valence) and mV. Besides Ion/mV modes, Ion 6 has pH and temperature (
o
C)
measurement modes. The mV mode is used for diagnosis of ion selective
electrode (ISE).
Included with your meter are a robust rubber boot, 4 alkaline “AAA” batteries,
temperature sensor, instruction manual and a warranty card. To order other
accessories and buffer calibration or standard solutions, please refer to Section
8 on Accessories for more information.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
3
2. GETTING STARTED
2.1 Description of Keypad Functions
pH 5/6 has four keys and Ion 6 meter has six keys on its splash-proof keypad
with tactile feedback. The common keys include ON/OFF, HOLD/ENTER, CAL
and MODE keys. Ion 6 meter has additional and keys.
ON/OFF: Powers meter on and off. Meter starts up in the mode that you last
switched off from.
MODE: Selects measurement mode for Ion, mV, pH and Temperature.
CAL: Allows calibration for Ion, pH, mV or Temperature, or to abort calibration
without confirming any set value.
(available only on Ion 6): Allows you to increment values during calibration
mode.
(available only on Ion 6): Allows you to decrement values during calibration
mode.
HOLD: Freezes the measured reading for easy viewing.
ENTER: Confirms calibration value.
Ke
yp
ad of
p
H 5/6 Keypad of Ion 6

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
4
2.2 Description of LCD Annunciators
The meter has a large custom LCD that consists of 3½-digit segments and
operation annunciators for pH, mV or
o
C (Temperature). Note that there is no
annunciator shown in Ion mode. Other annunciators include “HO” (when the
HOLD function is activated) and “LO” (low battery condition).
2.3 Inserting & Removing the Rubber Boot
1. To remove meter from rubber boot, push out from the bottom edges of
meter until it is completely out of boot. Ensure that cables of ISE/pH
electrode or temperature probe are not connected.
2. To insert meter into rubber boot, slide in from the top of meter before
pushing the bottom edges of meter down to set it into position. Lift up the
stand at the back of meter for bench top applications if necessary.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
5
2.4 Inserting New Batteries
The battery compartment is found at the back of instrument. To open the battery
compartment, push in the direction of arrow and lift up the cover. Note the
polarity of battery before inserting into position. After replacement, place cover
back and press down until it locks tight.
2.5 Battery Replacement
A “LO” annunciator in the LCD alerts you when battery power is running low.
Replace with the same type as recommended by the manufacturer.
Caution: Power off the meter when changing battery.
2.6 Connecting the Electrode and Temperature Sensor
To connect the electrode into meter, align the connector slots with the posts of
meter’s socket and rotate connector clockwise until it locks. Do not force when
connecting. To remove, simply rotate the connector in anti-clockwise direction
until it unlocks, and slide the connector off the socket.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
6
Insert the mini phono jack of temperature sensor into the socket on the meter.
Unplug the phono jack when not in use or you measure pH without any
temperature compensation.
2.7 Condition the pH Electrode
Condition the pH electrode before use or if it has not been in use for a long time
by soaking it into a container filled with pH 4 buffer solution for at least 1 hour.
Rinse with tap water before proceed to calibrate the electrode with meter.
2.8 Switching the Meter On
1. Press ON/OFF key to power up your meter. All LCD segments display
momentarily as the meter performs a self-diagnostic test, as per shown in
section 2.2. For Ion 6, the LCD switches into Ion measurement mode with
“- - -“ display if the meter has not been calibrated or meter has been reset.
2. Press MODE key to choose your desired mode of measurement with its
corresponding annunciator displays in the LCD.
In temperature mode, the measured reading can be 25.0
o
C (factory default)
or last calibrated temperature value if there is no temperature probe, or
current measured value if a temperature probe is connected.
3. The LCD displays “Or” if the meter reading exceeds the maximum or “Ur” if
under minimum measurement range (refer to Section 7 on Specifications).
Phono jack of
Temperature probe
BNC of pH/ORP
electrode or ISE

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
7
3. CALIBRATION
3.1 pH Calibration
The meter is capable of calibrating up to 3 points using USA or NIST (nSt) pH buffer
standards or 2 points with Low Ionic (Pb) pH buffer standard. All new calibration values
will automatically override existing data.
USA pH 4.01, 7.00 and 10.01
NIST pH 4.01, 6.86 and 9.18
Pb pH 4.10 and 6.97
It is recommended that you perform at least 2-point calibration at room temperature (25
o
C) using standard buffers, starting with first buffer at pH 7.00 (USA), pH 6.86 (NIST) or
pH 6.97 (Pb) followed by other buffer values.
For a 1-point calibration, calibration should be performed with a pH buffer value closest
to the expected sample value being measured. Otherwise calibrating at pH 7.00, pH
6.86 or pH 6.97 is advisable.
The meter has automatic buffer recognition that identifies the correct pH buffer values
during calibration. If non-standard pH buffers other than the above standards are used,
or the electrode has worn out, the LCD will flash “Er1”. Press the CAL key to abort
calibration and resume measurement. In general all pH buffer values have the window
of up to +/- 1 pH tolerance during calibration.
Ensure that you use new pH buffer solutions or sachets during calibration. Do not reuse
buffer solutions as it may be contaminated and affect the calibration and accuracy of
measurements. Always store buffer solutions in a dry, cool environment if possible.
Before use, remove the plastic protective cap of pH electrode and condition the glass
bulb by soaking it in tap water for 1-2 hours. This hydrates the glass bulb if electrode is
too dry or has not been used for a long period of time. Always rinse the probes with tap
water or rinse solution before and after each calibration/sample measurement to avoid
cross-contamination. For details refer to section 5 on Electrode care and maintenance.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
8
3.2 Selection of pH buffer standards
You must set the meter to accept either USA, NIST (nSt) or Low Ionic (Pb) pH buffer
standard values before calibration. The factory default is USA standard. If you wish to
abort this operation press the CAL key at any sequence and the meter reverts to pH
measurement mode.
1. Press and hold the MODE key. Switch on the meter using ON key. The display
shows “bUF” blinking.
2. Press ENTER key to get into its buffer selection mode. Use the MODE key to toggle
between USA, NIST or Pb standards as shown.
3. Press ENTER key to confirm your choice of buffer standard to be used. The display
then reverts to pH measurement mode.
3.2.1 Resetting the User Calibrated Values
If you need to have a new set of Ion or pH measurements or mV offset (in pH 6) taken,
you may wish to reset the last Ion/pH/mV calibrated values. Note only temperature
offset (if set) will not be erased.
1. Press and hold the CAL key while switching on the meter using the ON key. The
LCD shows “rSt” blinking.
2. Press MODE key to abort this operation if you do not wish to reset.
3. Press ENTER key to confirm. The meter automatically clears all stored pH/Ion
calibration or mV offset values and reverts to measurement mode.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
9
3.2.2 pH Calibration using USA standard buffers
1. Pour a known pH buffer standard solution into a clean, dry container, e.g. pH 7.00.
Power on the meter and it automatically enters into measurement mode. Select pH
mode by pressing MODE key if necessary.
2. Dip both pH electrode and temperature probe into pH 7.00 buffer solution. Swirl
gently and wait for reading to stabilise (approx. 30 seconds depending on your
electrode condition).
3. Press CAL key to enter pH calibration mode. A “CA” displays momentarily and the
display shows the current uncalibrated reading flashing while in the calibration
mode.
4. To abort or cancel calibration without accepting new value, press CAL key. The
meter then reverts to pH measurement mode.
5. To proceed calibration, allow reading to stabilise. The meter automatically
recognises pH 4.01, 7.00 or 10.01 buffers. Press ENTER key to confirm calibration
and the LCD displays “CO” momentarily. The meter reverts to measurement mode.
6. For 2 or 3-point calibration, repeat step 3 with other pH buffer values of 4.01 and/or
10.01 for higher accuracy.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
10
3.2.3 pH Calibration using NIST standard buffers
1. Pour a known pH buffer standard solution into a clean container, e.g. pH 6.86.
Power on meter, and it automatically enters into measurement mode. Select pH
mode by pressing MODE key if necessary.
2. Dip both pH electrode and temperature probe into pH 6.86 buffer solution. Swirl
gently and wait for reading to stabilise (approx. 30 seconds depending on your
electrode condition).
3. Press CAL key to enter pH calibration mode. A “CA” displays momentarily and the
display shows the current uncalibrated reading flashing while in the calibration
mode.
4. To abort or cancel calibration without accepting new value, press CAL key. The
meter then reverts to pH measurement mode.
5. To proceed calibration, allow reading to stabilise. The meter automatically
recognises pH 4.01, 6.86 or 9.18 buffers. Press ENTER key to confirm calibration
and the LCD displays “CO” momentarily. The meter reverts to measurement mode.
6. For 2 or 3-point calibration, repeat step 3 with other pH buffer values of 4.01 and/or
9.18 for higher accuracy.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
11
3.2.4 pH Calibration using Pb standard buffers
1. Pour a known pH buffer standard solution into a clean container, e.g. pH 6.97.
Power on meter, and it automatically enters into measurement mode. Select pH
mode by pressing MODE key if necessary.
2. Dip both pH electrode and temperature probe into pH 6.97 buffer solution. Swirl
gently and wait for reading to stabilise (approx. 30 seconds depending on your
electrode condition).
3. Press CAL key to enter pH calibration mode. A “CA” displays momentarily and the
display shows the current uncalibrated reading flashing while in the calibration
mode.
4. To abort or cancel calibration without accepting new value, press CAL key. The
meter then reverts to pH measurement mode.
5. To proceed calibration, allow reading to stabilise first. The meter automatically
recognises either pH 4.10 or 6.97 buffer. Press ENTER key to confirm calibration
and the LCD displays “CO” momentarily. The meter reverts to measurement mode.
6. For 2-point calibration, repeat step 3 with pH 4.10 buffer for better accuracy.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
12
3.3 Ion Calibration (For Ion 6 only)
The Ion 6 meter is capable of up to 3-point ion calibration (minimum 2 point) with
standard solutions to ensure accuracy across the entire range of the meter.
To exit calibration after you have first entered into ion calibration, press CAL key again.
No ion calibration values are stored into the meter’s non-volatile memory. Note that ion
calibration data is lost once the meter is reset when the batteries are being removed
and replaced.
If one calibration point is performed an error message “Er2” is displayed after the single
point calibration is completed. Recalibrate using minimum of 2 points.
Calibration values are successfully stored if the ISE (Ion Selective Electrode) slope is
within the specified tolerance of 15-90mV/decade, otherwise an error message “Er3” is
displayed.
If any of calibration points are not within 1 decade, an error message “Er4” will be
shown at the end of calibration process. The ion calibration options available include
0.1, 1.0, 10.0, 100.0 ppm. Recalibrate and ensure that all calibration points must be at
least 1 decade apart from each other.
Ensure that you use new or fresh standard solutions during calibration. Do not reuse ion
standard solution as it may be contaminated and affect the calibration and accuracy of
measurements. Always store standard solutions in a dry, cool environment if possible.
Check that your ISE and ion standard solutions are kept in good conditions, otherwise
erroneous readings may be taken.
Before use, remove any plastic protective cap of ISE (at the tip of sensor) and read
manufacturer’s instructional manual. Briefly rinse the electrode with clean deionised
water to remove any residues.
Rinse probes before and after each calibration or sample measurement to avoid cross-
contamination. For more details please refer to Manufacturer’s care and maintenance
guide.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
13
3.3.1 Multi-point Ion Calibration
1. In case if you need to start calibration using 1.0 ppm standard solution, you can skip
the 0.1 ppm calibration option (as mentioned * below).
2. For this instance let’s take 1.0 ppm calibration. To begin, pour a known 1.0 ppm
standard solution into a clean container. Power on the meter, and set the meter to
Ion measurement mode.
3. Dip the ISE into 1.0 ppm standard solution. Swirl it gently. Press CAL key to enter
into calibration mode.
4. The display shows “CA” momentarily followed by “0.1” flashing.
* At this moment, if you wish to calibrate 1
st
ion calibration option other than 0.1 ppm,
use key once to select 1.0 ppm. Using  or key you may select other options
like 0.1, 10.0 or 100.0 ppm.
5. Press ENTER key and the displayed value shows corresponding measured mV
reading that is equivalent to 1.0 ppm. Allow the reading to stabilise.
6. Press ENTER key to confirm 1
st
point calibration (e.g. 1.0 ppm) and the display will
show the next calibration option, 10.0 ppm. Rinse the electrode with distilled water
and blot it dry if necessary.
7. Pour a known 10.0 ppm standard solution into another clean container. Dip the
electrode into the standard solution. Swirl it gently.
8. Press ENTER key and the displayed value shows measured mV reading that is
equivalent to 10.0 ppm. Allow the reading to stabilise.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
14
9. Press ENTER key to confirm 2
nd
point calibration (e.g. 10.0 ppm) and the display
will show the next calibration option, 100.0 ppm.
To exit from 2-point calibration, press CAL key and the LCD shows “PXX mV”
momentarily which is the ISE slope in mV value.
The meter then reverts to ion measurement mode. The calibration values are
successfully stored into its memory. Otherwise an error message “Er3” will be displayed
if the slope of ISE is lower than 15mV/decade or higher than 90mV/decade.
10. For 3-point calibration where the LCD last shows “100.0”, press ENTER key to
proceed to last calibration point. Repeat the above procedure.
Likewise, at the end of 3
rd
point calibration the meter will display the mV slope of
electrode “PXX” and the calibration values are successfully stored. Otherwise error
message will appear in the LCD if the calibration was unsuccessful with no values
stored into memory.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
15
3.4 Millivolt (mV) Calibration (for pH 6 only)
mV calibration is performed for ORP or Redox measurements, where you can adjust its
mV value as a base value for measurements.
1. Press MODE key to enter mV mode, the LCD displays “mV”.
2. Dip the ORP electrode into a known standard solution, e.g. Quinhydrone 255 and
swirl it until the reading stabilizes.
3. Press CAL key to enter mV calibration. The LCD shows “CA” momentarily followed
by displayed reading flashes.
4. To abort calibration press CAL key. Meter reverts to measurement mode.
5. To proceed calibration use INC key to adjust the reading to your desired value. The
maximum adjustment you can make is ± 50 mV. Pressing INC key continuously
allows you to scroll to the maximum allowable value and then loops back to the
minimum allowable value.
6. Press ENTER key to confirm calibration. The display shows “CO” momentarily and
meter reverts to measurement mode showing the current set value.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
16
3.5 Temperature Calibration
3.5.1 With Temperature probe
The temperature probe (EC-PH5-TEM01P/ 35613-05) provided with the meter is
factory-calibrated. Over time, temperature calibration may drift and require calibration. If
there is a need to replace with the new probe you should calibrate the temperature
probe prior to pH calibration.
1. Connect your temperature probe to the meter. Press MODE key to enter the
Temperature mode until “
o
C” annunciator appears in the LCD.
2. Compare the displayed value to a NIST certified thermometer or other thermometer
known to be accurate. For best accuracy, place both the probe and thermometer in
a constant temperature bath.
3. Press CAL key to enter temperature calibration mode. The LCD shows “CA”
momentarily and displayed reading flashes.
4. Press and keys (for Ion 6) or INC key (for pH 5/6) until the LCD display shows
the desired temperature. The meter allows an adjustable maximum value of ± 5
o
C
from factory default.
5. To cancel or abort this operation, press CAL key. Note no new value will be stored
into its meter‘s non-volatile memory. To confirm calibration, press ENTER key. The
LCD displays “CO” momentarily, and the meter reverts to measurement mode.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
17
3.5.2 Without Temperature probe (no ATC)
If no temperature probe is used, the meter compensates for pH response based on a
new calibrated temperature value manually set by you or at 25.0
o
C (factory default).
1. Press MODE key to enter into Temperature mode until “
o
C” shows in LCD.
2. Compare the displayed value to NIST certified thermometer or thermometer known
to be accurate (dipped into a constant temperature bath).
3. Press CAL key to enter temperature calibration mode. The LCD shows “CA”
momentarily and displayed reading flashes. Note that this displayed value should
either be 25.0
o
C or last set temperature value.
4. Press and key (for Ion 6) or INC key (for pH 5/6) until the displays shows the
desired temperature. You can set any value from 0 to 100
o
C.
5. To cancel or abort this operation, press CAL key. Note no new value will be stored
into its meter‘s non-volatile memory. To confirm calibration, press ENTER key. The
LCD displays “CO” momentarily, and the meter reverts to measurement mode.

Instruction Manual pH 5/6 & Ion 6
18
4. MEASUREMENT
4.1 Taking Measurements
1. Before measurement, rinse pH/ORP electrode or Ion Selective Electrode
(ISE) and temperature probe (except Ion 5) thoroughly with tap or distilled
water to remove any impurities stuck onto the bodies of probes.
2. Power on the meter using ON key. Press MODE key to select your desired
mode of operation (pH, mV, Ion or Temperature).
3. Dip and stir both probes gently into an aqueous test sample, swirl gently
and wait for the reading to stabilise. Note the reading. Freeze the displayed
if necessary, for details refer to Section 4.3.
4. Rinse probes with tap water or rinse water thoroughly before taking next
sample measurement or storing them.
4.2 Millivolt (mV) Reference Check (for Ion 6 only)
The mV mode in Ion 6 is used for the diagnosis of ISE or pH electrode for its
condition. Press the MODE key to access mV mode, the “mV” annunciator in
LCD is displayed. The displayed value shows the absolute mV value of ISE or
pH electrode being measured.
4.3 Holding a Reading
To freeze or hold your displayed reading momentarily, press HOLD key once.
The LCD displays ”HO” annunciator to indicate the HOLD function is activated.
4.4 Releasing a Held Reading
Press HOLD key once again to deactivate the HOLD function or to release your
frozen reading. The meter reverts to current measurement mode, and the “HO”
annunciator disappears from the LCD.