OHAUS STARTER 3100M User manual

STARTER 3100M
Multi-parameter Bench Meter
Instruction Manual
Medidor multiparamétrico de
mesa STARTER 3100M
Manual de instrucciones
STARTER 3100M
Analyseur de table multi paramètre
Manuel d’instruction
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION...................................................................1
1.1 Definition of Signal Warnings and Symbols ...................................... 1
1.2 Safety Precautions ............................................................................ 2
1.3 Display and controls.......................................................................... 3
2INSTALLATION.....................................................................5
2.1 Package contents.............................................................................. 5
2.2 Installing the stand-alone electrode holder ....................................... 6
2.3 Installing the power adapter .............................................................. 7
2.4 Connect the electrodes ..................................................................... 7
2.5 Meter stand for adjusting view angle................................................. 8
2.6 Attached quick guide......................................................................... 8
3ST3100M pH Operation .......................................................9
3.1 Setup................................................................................................. 9
3.1.1 Set temperature unit and MTC value ......................................... 9
3.1.2 Selecting a predefined buffer group......................................... 10
3.2 Calibration ........................................................................................11
3.2.1 Performing 1-point calibration ...................................................11
3.2.2 Performing 2-point calibration .................................................. 12
3.3 Sample Measurement..................................................................... 13
3.3.1 pH measurement...................................................................... 13
3.3.2 mV measurement..................................................................... 13
4ST3100M Conductivity Operation.....................................13
4.1 Setup............................................................................................... 13
4.1.1 Set temperature unit................................................................. 13
4.1.2 Set MTC temperature value ..................................................... 13
4.1.3 Set calibration standard point................................................... 14
4.1.4 Set temperature correction coefficient ..................................... 14
4.1.5 Set TDS factor.......................................................................... 14
4.2 Calibration ....................................................................................... 14
4.2.1 Selecting a standard................................................................. 15
4.2.2 Performing a calibration ........................................................... 15
4.3 Sample measurement..................................................................... 16
4.3.1 Conductivity measurement....................................................... 16
4.3.2 TDS, Salinity or Resistivity measurement................................ 16
5Using the memory .............................................................17
5.1 Storing a reading............................................................................. 17
5.2 Recalling from memory ................................................................... 17
5.3 Clearing the memory....................................................................... 17
6Printing...............................................................................17

7MAINTENANCE..................................................................20
7.1 Error message................................................................................. 20
7.2 Meter maintenance.......................................................................... 21
7.3 Self-diagnosis.................................................................................. 21
7.4 Recover factory settings.................................................................. 21
8TECHNICAL DATA..............................................................22
8.1 Specifications .................................................................................. 22
8.2 Compliance ..................................................................................... 23
9Appendix ............................................................................24
9.1 pH Buffer Groups ............................................................................ 24
9.2 Conductivity standards.................................................................... 25
9.3 Examples of temperature coefficients (α-value).............................. 26
9.4 Conductivity to TDS conversion factors .......................................... 26

STARTER 3100M Bench Meter EN-1
1 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing OHAUS!
Please read the manual completely before using the STARTER 3100M multi-parameter bench meter
to ensure proper setup, operation and maintenance. STARTER 3100M multi-parameter bench meter
can measure pH, ORP; Temperature; Conductivity/TDS/Resistivity/Salinity values.
STARTER 3100M multi-parameter bench meter has an excellent performance/price ratio and is
designed with many useful features including a stand-alone electrode holder and a beeper for
error alert. Other accessories such as pH electrodes and buffer solutions are also available.
STARTER 3100M multi-parameter bench meter offers many practical features and functions such as:
Large backlit LCD with Quick Guide attached under the meter to assist with user operation
Stand-alone electrode holder for maximum flexibility
Electrode condition icon automatically showing you the health of your pH electrode
memory to store up to 99 pH measurements and 99 conductivity measurements
1.1 Definition of Signal Warnings and Symbols
Safety notes are marked with signal words and warning symbols. These show safety issues and
warnings. Ignoring the safety notes may lead to personal injury, damage to the instrument,
malfunctions and false results.
Signal Words
WARNING For a hazardous situation with medium risk, possibly resulting in
injuries or death if not avoided.
CAUTION For a hazardous situation with low risk, resulting in damage to the
device or the property or in loss of data, or injuries if not avoided.
Attention For important information about the product.
Note For useful information about the product
Warning Symbols
General hazard
Explosion hazard
Corrosive hazard

Alternating current

Direct current

EN-2 STARTER 3100M Bench Meter
1.2 Safety Precautions
CAUTION: Read all safety warnings before installing, making connections, or servicing this
equipment. Failure to comply with these warnings could result in personal injury and/or property
damage. Retain all instructions for future reference.
Verify that the input voltage range printed on the data label and the plug type matches the
local AC power to be used.
Make sure that the power cord does not pose a potential obstacle or tripping hazard.
Use the equipment only in dry locations.
Dry off any liquid spills immediately. The instrument is not watertight.
When using chemicals and solvents, comply with the instructions of the chemical producer
and the general lab safety rules.
Use only approved accessories and peripherals.
Operate the equipment only under ambient conditions specified in these instructions.
Disconnect the equipment from the power supply when cleaning.
Do not operate the equipment in hazardous or unstable environments.
Service should only be performed by authorized personnel.

STARTER 3100M Bench Meter EN-3
1.3 Display and controls
Displays
1
pH Electrode condition
Slope: more than 95%
and offset: ±(0-15) mV
Electrode condition is good
Slope: 90-95%
or offset: ±(15-35) mV
Electrode condition is
acceptable
Slope: less than 90%
or offset: ±(35-60) mV
Electrode condition is not
good or needs cleaning
2
Endpoint stability icon ; Auto endpoint icon .
3
Measurement icon - ; means measurement or calibration is running when blinks.
4
Calibration icon - ; means calibration in progress when display.
5
Setup icon - ; instrument is in the setup mode, can set temperature(MTC), buffer group
etc.
6
pH/mV reading, or slope of pH electrode calibration; or Conductivity/TDS/Salinity/Resistivity
value, or cell constant of conductivity electrode.
7
Calibration point / Buffer group /Memory number / Error index .
8
Auto temperature compensation - ATC ; Manual temperature compensation –MTC;
Conductivity reference temperature - R.Temp
9
Temperature value during measurement or offset (mV) value in pH calibration process.
2
3
4
1
5
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6

EN-4 STARTER 3100M Bench Meter
Controls
Button
Press & release
Press & hold
for 3 seconds
- Switch between pH(mV)
parameter and
conductivity(TDS/Salinity/Resisti
vity) parameter when at
measurement interface
- Start or finish measurement
- Confirm setting, store entered
value
- Turn auto endpoint on / off
,
- Start calibration
- Recall the latest calibration
data : slope and offset
- Meter turn on
- Exit and return to measurement
screen
- Meter turn off
- Store current reading to memory
- Increase value during setting
- Scroll up through the memory
- Recall stored data
- Print current memory data
- Switch between pH and mV
- Switch between conductivity,
TDS, Salinity and Resitivity
- Decrease value during setting
- Scroll down through the memory
- Enter setup mode
- Start self-diagnosis
Turn on/turn off the backlight
of the LCD

STARTER 3100M Bench Meter EN-5
2 INSTALLATION
Carefully unpack the box.
2.1 Package contents
The model ST3100M-B multi-parameter bench meter (basic package) has the following items:
In addition to ST3100M-B multi-parameter bench meter content, the ST3100M-F multi-parameter
bench meter package also includes the following:
Each pH buffer powder should be dissolved in 250ml pure water or deionized water in a
volumetric flask.
The best measurement range for STCON3 4-ring (or 4-pole) conductivity electrode is 70μS/cm-
200mS/cm. In this range the measurement accuracy can reach 0.5%.
If you use STCON3 to measure pure water which conductivity value is below 70μS/cm; the
measurement will be less accurate (approximately 1% to 5%).
Do not use STCON3 to measure conductivity value less than 2μS/cm, the accuracy is not good.
We have STCON7 pure water conductivity electrode which measurement range is 0.02μS/cm-
200μS /cm, with accuracy of 0.02μS/cm.
Additional electrodes available include the followings:
Model
Description
STCON3
4-ring conductivity electrode (70 μS/cm-200 mS/cm.)
STCON7
Pure water 2-pole conductivity electrode (0.02μS/cm-200 μS /cm)
ST310
3-in-1 plastic refillable pH electrode
ST3100M-B
Units
STARTER 3100M
1
Stand-alone electrode holder (include
holder base, screw and arm)
1 set
In use cover
1
1413 µS/cm standard solution
1 bottle (about 20ml)
12.88 mS/cm standard solution
1 bottle (about 20ml)
12V Power supply
1 set
RS232 Interface, Scout (Mini-din to RS232
cable)
1
pH Buffer Powder Set (4.01, 7.00, 10.01)
1 set
ST310 3-in-1 refillable pH electrode
1
STCON3 4-ring conductivity electrode
1

EN-6 STARTER 3100M Bench Meter
ST320
3-in-1 plastic gel pH electrode(no need to fill)
ST350
3-in-1 glass refillable pH electrode
ST210
2-in-1 plastic refillable pH electrode
ST230
2-in 1 glass muddy sample pH electrode
ST260
2-in 1 glass tris-buffer pH electrode
ST270
2-in 1 glass pierce pH electrode
STORP1
Gel plastic ORP electrode
STORP2
Refillable glass ORP electrode
STTEMP30
Temperature Electrode
2.2 Installing the stand-alone electrode holder
Install the electrode arm on the base,
After adjusting the tension knob to some extent, you can move the upper arm up and down. When
the pH electrode is installed on the arm, the storage bottle of pH electrode fits into the base hole.

STARTER 3100M Bench Meter EN-7
2.3 Installing the power adapter
Insert the right adapter clip into the power adapter slot. The Ohaus balance power supply is also
12V which could also be used for the pH meter.
2.4 Connect the electrodes
There are several sockets for ST3100M.
“BNC”socket for pH electrode,
“TEMP.”Socket (Cinch) for temperature electrode,
“Min-Din”Socket for conductivity electrode,
"Data" socket can connect printer through a connect cable (RS232 Interface, Scout ; from the
mini-din to RS232, item NO 30268982) which is included in the kits.
Power supply
Cond.
pH/BNC
Data
Temp

EN-8 STARTER 3100M Bench Meter
For ST310 electrode connect to the BNC and Cinch socket. For 2-in-1 pH electrode (e.g. ST210)
you only need to connect to the BNC. Temp. socket is for a separate temperature electrode.
STCON3 or STCON7 have a built-in temperature sensor which do not need a separate
temperature electrode.
2.5 Meter stand for adjusting viewing angle
One unique design feature of the STARTER 3100M is the meter stand, which can be used to adjust
the viewing angle of the display in case of working on a high table.
2.6 Attached quick guide
Another unique design feature of the STARTER 3100M is the attached quick guide, the quick guide
is attached into the bottom housing of the meter.

STARTER 3100M Bench Meter EN-9
3 ST3100M pH Operation
WARNING Do not operate the equipment in hazardous environments. The
equipment is not explosion protected.
WARNING When using chemicals and solvents, comply with the instructions of the
chemical producer and the general lab safety rules.
3.1 Setup
3.1.1 Set temperature unit and MTC value
Please note:
If a temperature electrode is used, Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) and the sample
temperature are displayed on the screen. You may then choose to skip MTC setup (below).
If the meter does not detect a temperature electrode or one is not used, the meter automatically switches to
Manual Temperature Compensation (MTC) mode and MTC appears on the screen.
MTC can be set as follows:
Power on the meter by pressing .
Press and hold until the setup icon appears on the display and the current
temperature unit blinks (°C or °F).
Press or to switch between °C and °F .
Press to confirm your selection.
Then
Continue with MTC temperature setting by using or to adjust temperature
compensation accordingly
Press to confirm the setting
Press to return to the measurement screen.
The default MTC temperature value setting is 25 °C (77°F).
Note: °C= 5/9 (°F- 32)
Note: STARTER 3100M accepts NTC 30 kΩ temperature sensor.

EN-10 STARTER 3100M Bench Meter
3.1.2 Selecting a predefined buffer group
After confirming the MTC compensation temperature value, make the buffer group selection. Use
or to select a buffer group among 6 buffer groups . Press to confirm the
setting or press to leave to return to the measurement screen.
The default buffer group is b1.
b1
1.68
4.01
7.00
10.01
Please note:
There are 6 buffer groups in the meter, you can select the buffer group you prefer, the buffer value
will be automatically recognized during calibration. The 6 predefined buffer groups are (at 25°C):
ST3100M automatically corrects for the temperature dependence of the buffer pH values given in
the following table - buffer group b1.
This means, if the buffer solutions’ temperature is 15°C , the calibration value you will get should
be pH1.67 (buffer 1.68), pH4.00 (buffer 4.01), pH7.04 (buffer 7.00) and pH10.12 (buffer 10.01).
b1 (US)
1.68
4.01
7.00
10.01
b2 (EU)
2.00
4.01
7.00
9.21
11.00
b3 (MERCK)
2.00
4.00
7.00
9.00
12.00
b4 (DIN)
1.09
4.65
6.79
9.23
12.75
b5 (JJG)
1.68
4.00
6.86
9.18
12.46
b6 (JIS Z)
1.68
4.01
6.86
9.18
5°C
1.67
4.01
7.09
10.25
10 °C
1.67
4.00
7.06
10.18
15 °C
1.67
4.00
7.04
10.12
20 °C
1.68
4.00
7.02
10.06
25 °C
1.68
4.01
7.00
10.01
30 °C
1.68
4.01
6.99
9.97
35 °C
1.69
4.02
6.98
9.93
40 °C
1.69
4.03
6.97
9.89
45 °C
1.70
4.05
6.97
9.86
50 °C
1.71
4.06
6.96
9.83

STARTER 3100M Bench Meter EN-11
3.2 Calibration
Standard procedure of pH measurement is as follows:
a) pH electrode preparation
b) buffer preparation and pH electrode calibration
c) sample preparation
d) pH measurement
e) Record measurement results or print
f) Rinse the pH electrode and properly store
pH electrode preparation: pH electrode should be rinsed with pure water before and after use.
Check if the electrode is physically damaged. (Be careful with the glass bulb)
Note: please calibrate the pH electrode before measurement.
STARTER 3100M can perform 1-, 2- or 3- point calibrations.
Calibration: pH electrodes need to be calibrated with pH standard buffer solution before a proper
pH measurement can be made. Calibration is to display the correct pH value when meter receive
the mV value signal from the pH electrode.
Slope: the linear coefficient between mV and pH according to theoretical value (e.g. -
59.16mV/pH @ 25°C which means 100% slope);
Offset: the mV value when pH value is 7.00. (Theoretical value is 0 mV);
3.2.1 Performing 1-point calibration
When performing calibration, Ohaus recommends using Auto End Point Mode. After powering
the meter on, be sure the top of the screen shows to ensure the meter is in Auto End point
Mode.
Auto or Manual End point Mode:
oPress and hold to change the End Point Mode.
oWhen in Manual Mode, to manually reach a pH measurement or calibration value,
you need to press button- when reading is stable and displays :
then the sample reading or calibration value freezes, blinks 3 times and
freezes on the display.
oWhen in Auto End Point Mode, the meter determines when the reading is stable
then displays and locks the reading or calibration value automatically, the reading
freezes and blinks 3 times then disappears; blinks 3 times and freezes
on the display.
Note: With the 1-point calibration only the offset is adjusted. If the sensor was previously
calibrated with multi-point calibration the previously stored slope will remain. Otherwise theoretical
100% slope (-59.16 mV / pH) will be used.
When STARTER 3100M is in pH measurement mode; place the pH electrode in a calibration buffer,
stir 5 seconds, wait for 30 seconds, then:

EN-12 STARTER 3100M Bench Meter
Press “Cal 1” displays on the bottom left of the screen and “Cal ” is blinking.
and appear on the top of the screen, is blinking during calibration.
The meter reaches endpoint automatically according to the preselected auto-endpoint
mode, the calibration point pH value (e.g. 7.00) with the temperature display on the screen.
The 1-point calibration is finished; There are now 3 options (OHAUS recommends conducting at
least a 2 point calibration);
1. Press to do the 2-point calibration.
2. Press to store the 1-point calibration and exit, the offset and the slope are
shown on the display for 3 seconds then return to the measurement screen.
3. Press to reject the calibration, return to the measurement screen.
3.2.2 Performing 2-point calibration
Perform 1-point calibration as described above.
Rinse the pH electrode with pure water and wipe off with tissue.
Place the electrode in the next calibration buffer, stir and wait, then press , “Cal 2”
displays on the bottom left of the screen and “Cal ” is blinking. On the top of the screen
and appear, is blinking during calibration.
The meter reaches endpoint according to the endpoint mode, the calibration point pH value
(e.g. 4.01) with the temperature display on the screen.
The 2-point calibration is finished. There are 3 options:
1. Press to do the 3-point calibration.
2. Press to store the 2-point calibration and exit, the offset and slope are
shown on the display for 3 seconds then return to the measurement screen.
3. Press to reject the calibration, return to the measurement screen.
Note: To perform a 3 point calibration, follow the instructions for performing a 2 point calibration
using a third buffer.

STARTER 3100M Bench Meter EN-13
3.3 Sample Measurement
3.3.1 pH measurement
Place the pH electrode in the sample. Stir for 5 seconds; wait for 30 seconds.
Press to start the pH measurement, appears on the display. is blinking during
measurement.
When meter reaches endpoint, the pH value with the temperature display on the screen.
3.3.2 mV measurement
Press to switch between pH measurement mode and mV measurement mode.
Follow the same procedure as for pH measurement to perform mV measurement.
4 ST3100M Conductivity Operation
After turning on the meter by pressing , press to switch from pH parameter to
conductivity parameter.
4.1 Setup
4.1.1 Set temperature unit
Press and hold until the set up icon appears on the display and the current
temperature unit blinks. (°C or °F )
Use or buttons to select temperature unit .
Press to confirm your setting. Continue with temperature value setting by
following or press to go back to the measurement screen.
Note: °C = 5/9 (°F -32)
4.1.2 Set MTC temperature value
After the temperature unit setting, the meter goes to setup manual temperature (MTC) value
setting.
Use or buttons to adjust the temperature value.

EN-14 STARTER 3100M Bench Meter
Press to confirm your setting. Continue with calibration standard setting by following or
press to go back to the measurement screen.
4.1.3 Set calibration standard point
After the MTC temperature value setting, the meter goes to setup calibration standard.
The 5 predefined standard points are:
10 µS/cm
84 µS/cm
500 µS/cm
1413 µS/cm
12.88 mS/cm
Use the or buttons to select calibration standard.
Press to confirm your setting. Continue with temperature correction coefficient setting
by following the steps in 4.1.4 or press to go back to the measurement screen.
4.1.4 Set temperature correction coefficient
After the calibration standard setting, the meter goes to the temperature correction coefficient
setting.
Use the or buttons to adjust the temperature correction value. (0.00 to 10.00 %/°C).
Press to confirm your setting. Continue with reference temperature setting by following
the steps or press to go back to the measurement screen.
Note:
If you set the temperature correction coefficient value as 0 %/°C , that means no Temperature
Compensation for the conductivity measurement. The meter displays the real conductivity value
at current temperature without compensation.
4.1.5 Set TDS factor
After selecting the reference temperature, the current TDS factor blinks.
Use or buttons to adjust the TDS factor value. Press to confirm your
setting or press to go back to the measurement screen.
4.2 Calibration
The first time you use the conductivity electrode, it should be calibrated before taking any
measurement. Please also read the conductivity electrode instruction manual for reference.

STARTER 3100M Bench Meter EN-15
4.2.1 Selecting a standard
When using the STARTER 3100M conductivity meter, you have to select a standard for calibration
(see 3.3).
Press and hold the enter setup mode, after press to confirm the temperature
unit and value. Then the current standard blinks. Use or buttons to select the
standards, press to confirm. Press to leave the setup mode.
The 5 predefined standards are:
10 µS/cm
84 µS/cm
500 µS/cm
1413 µS/cm
12.88 mS/cm
Tables for automatic temperature compensation are programmed in the meter for each standard
(see appendix).
4.2.2 Performing a calibration
When performing calibration, Ohaus recommends using Auto End Point Mode. After powering
the meter on, be sure the top of the screen shows to ensure the meter is in Auto End point
Mode.
About Auto or Manual End point Mode, please see 3.2.1.
Place the conductivity electrode in the selected calibration standard solution, wait 10-15s, then
press .
The calibration icon and the measurement icon appear on the display. The icon is
blinking during calibration measurement. The meter reaches endpoint automatically according to
the preselected auto-endpoint mode after the signal has stabilized.
When the calibration is finished, the standard value is displayed and stored; the measurement
icon blinks 3 times and disappears.
To finish the calibration and return to the sample measurement, press . The cal. data--
cell constant is then shown on the display for 3 seconds.
Note:
To ensure the most accurate conductivity readings, you should verify your cell constant with a
standard solution before measurement and recalibrate if necessary. Always use fresh standards.
For STCON3 the normal cell constant range is 1.50 –2.00. (e.g. 1.71 /cm) if the cell constant is
outside the range due to an improper calibration, you may need to recover factory settings (see
5.4), then repeat calibration.

EN-16 STARTER 3100M Bench Meter
4.3 Sample measurement
4.3.1 Conductivity measurement
Place the conductivity electrode in the sample, wait 10-15s, then press to start the
measurement.
The measurement icon appears on the display. The measurement icon is blinking during
measurement and the display shows the conductivity of the sample.
When it reaches endpoint (auto endpoint or manual endpoint), you can record the result.
Stability criterion for conductivity measurement: The sensor input signal of the meter may not
change by more than 0.4% from the measured average conductivity of the electrode in 6 seconds.
4.3.2 TDS, Salinity or Resistivity measurement
Press to switch between conductivity, TDS, Salinity and Resistivity measurement
mode.
Follow the same procedure as for conductivity measurement.
Ohaus conductivity electrodes STCON3 and STCON7 already have a built-in temperature sensor
to measure the temperature automatically.