palintest SKW 400 User manual

Palintest®
SKW 400 Professional
Soil Management Kit
Operation Manual
ZI INST SKW 400 EN
Palintest
®
SKW400CompleteSoilManagement_ZI INST SKW 400 EN_Aw 3/6/15 14:59 Page 1

Palintest®
2
Who We Are
“Palintest aim to be the best global provider of water
and environmental analysis equipment that enable critical
environmental decisions to be made with confidence.”
Palintest develops, manufactures and supports a comprehensive range of advanced water and
environmental testing equipment. From our United Kingdom headquarters we export to over 100
countries across the globe. Our products are used in a wide variety of applications to protect the
environment and safeguard public health.
The Palintest Soil Kit range benefits from 30 years of experience in developing simplified soil testing
methods for field and laboratory soil nutrient analysis.
To find out more about Palintest please visit www.palintest.com or contact your local Palintest partner.
Palintest is a registered trademark of Palintest Ltd.
Bluetooth and Bluetooth SMART are registered trademarks of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).
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3
Contents
V1-05/15
4.1 Soiltest 10 Bluetooth Layout 10
4.2 Soiltest 10 Interface 10
4.3 Info Panel Icons 10
4.4 Starting up the Instrument 11
4.5 Mode Screen 11
4.6 System Mode 12
4.7 Analysing Samples 18
4.8 Calibration/Validation 21
5.1 Initial Use 23
5.2 Taking Readings 23
5.3 Set Up (General) 23
5.4 Calibration 24
5.5 Sensor Replacement 25
5.6 Battery Replacement 25
6.1 Overview 26
6.2 Soil Extraction 26
6.3 Soil Volume 27
6.4 Soil Temperature 27
6.5 Drying Soil Samples 27
6.6 Soil pH 27
6.7 Soil Lime Requirement
(including Liming Tables for
Mineral Organic and Peaty Soils) 28
6.8 Soil Conductivity 29
6.9 Soil Nitrogen 29
6.10 Soil Phosphorus 30
6.11 Soil Potassium 31
6.12 Soil Magnesium 31
6.13 Soil Calcium 32
Hints and Tips for Soil Testing
Troubleshooting the SKW 400
Professional Soil Management Kit
Technical Specifications
Spares and Consumables
Palintest Aqua Pal and the Palintest Portal
1Kit Layout 4
Introduction 8
2
Chapter Page Chapter Page
3Taking a Soil Sample 9
4Soiltest 10 Bluetooth 10
5 Multiparameter Pocket Sensor 23
7Appendix 1 34
8Appendix 2 35
9Appendix 3 38
10 Appendix 4 40
6Soil Test Methods 26
11 Appendix 5 42
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4
SKW 400 Professional Soil Management Kit - Layer 1
1Kit Layout
Fig 1. SKW 400 Professional Soil Management Kit opened to show contents.
Coloured circles indicate the chapter colour in which their use is explained.
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5
1
Kit Layout
Parameter Testing Using
Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
Function Equipment
1
Cuvettes
2
Cuvette Rack
3
pH, Conductivity and
Salinity Measurement
Multiparameter Pocket Sensor
7
Conductivity Standard (inside Dilution Tube)
9
Sample Collection and
Preparation Accessories
Soil Sample Bags
10
Dilution Tube/Sample Container
11
1ml/2ml Syringes (inside Dilution Tube)
12
Crush/Stir Rods, Cuvette Brush (inside Dilution Tube)
13
20ml Syringe
14
Filter Funnel x 2
15
Soil Test Reagents Nitratest N Powder
21
Other Instructions/Check Standards Certificate
34
Extract A
22
Extract N
25
Acidifying S
26
Lime Buffer
29
Phosphate P
30
Magnecol S
31
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6
1Kit Layout
SKW 400 Professional Soil Management Kit - Layer 2
Fig 2. SKW 400 Professional Soil Management Kit opened to show contents.
Coloured circles indicate the chapter colour in which their use is explained.
Underneath De-ion Pack
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7
1
Kit Layout
Parameter Testing Using
Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
Light Cap
Function Equipment
4
Check Standards
5
Waterproof USB Cable
6
pH, Conductivity and
Salinity Measurement
pH Calibration Buffers
8
Sample Collection and
Preparation Accessories
De-ion Pack
16
Filter Papers
17
2ml Soil Scoop
18
10ml Soil Scoop
19
2.5ml Extract Scoop
20
Soil Test Reagents Extract K
23
Extract P
24
Calcium S
28
Nitricol
32
Potassium
33
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2Introduction
8
2.0 Introduction
The Palintest SKW 400 Professional Soil Management
Kit is a soil management laboratory packaged
within a waterproof robust case for field use.
Based on simplified and rapid soil test methods, the
SKW 400 uses a number of analytical techniques
to provide critical information for macronutrients
and micronutrients for effective soil and agronomy
management.
The key techniques used are provided by the Soiltest
10 Bluetooth photometer, Multiparameter Pocket
Sensor and the Palintest Tablet Count method.
Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth is a direct-reading,
waterproof photometer for determining key soil
fertility parameters. Designed for both portable
and laboratory use, the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
should always be used with genuine Palintest
Soil Reagents for optimal performance.
The fundamental operating techniques applied
to the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth are based on the
principles of optical absorbance and scattering
of visible light of specific wavelengths.
Optical absorbance techniques are based on creating
visible colours with specific analytes upon reaction
following an extraction process. The intensity of colour
produced is measured with the Soiltest 10 and
the data compared to the stored calibration data.
Optical scattering techniques produce small
particles to scatter the source beam, the amount
of scatter providing a result for the concentration
of parameter under test.
For more information regarding the science behind
both photometric and turbidimetric analysis
technology please visit www.palintest.com/know.
The Soiltest 10 is provided with programmed methods
for a comprehensive range of soil fertility parameters.
Upon choosing a test the instrument automatically
selects the required parameters for accurate analysis
including wavelength and reaction time. Upon
completion of some tests optional follow-on tests
are available and results can be converted to alternative
units of expression e.g. mg/l to ppm, N or NO3.
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth offers a choice of
connectivity to download all or selected results and/
or upload up to 30 User Defined Tests. Choose from
Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity or USB connection.
Bluetooth 4.0 (also known as Bluetooth SMART or Low
Energy) connection allows seamless data exchange
using the Palintest Aqua Pal app, available for iOS
and Android devices. See Appendix 5 for more details.
USB connection via the port located at the rear
of the instrument provides a choice of either
‘Hard Disk’ mode or serial communication mode.
See Section 4.6 for more details.
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth offers a choice of either
mains power via the USB port or using three
1.5V ‘AA’ batteries (supplied).
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth is supported with
a two year warranty and a full range of service,
calibration and technical support. Support
resources are available at www.palintest.com
relating to both products and applications.
Multiparameter Pocket Sensor
Soil pH, Conductivity and salinity are key
parameters for soil fertility management and are
determined using electrochemical measurement
techniques with the Multiparameter Pocket Sensor
included within the SKW 400 Professional Soil
Management Kit.
The Multiparameter Pocket Sensor is a waterproof
electrochemical meter designed for portable or
laboratory use. The dual LCD display will show
both parameter (pH, conductivity or TDS) plus
the temperature of the sample under test.
Operating using electrochemical techniques, the
Multiparameter Pocket Sensor does not require a
filtered sample but does require a ‘wet’ sample.
Palintest methods for soil pH and conductivity are
based on a 5:1 extraction using Deionised water only.
Palintest Tablet Count Method
Ideal for higher concentrations the Tablet Count
method from Palintest provides a simple visual
approach to determining the Calcium and Chloride
concentration of soils following extraction.
Adding tablets one at a time until a visible colour
change occurs is similar to standard laboratory titration,
the tablets replacing the usual liquid format for the
titrant. Count the number of tablets required to effect
the colour change and calculate the result accordingly.
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9
3
Taking a Soil Sample
3.0 Taking a Soil Sample
The first critical step in any analysis is taking a
representative sample, especially when testing soil.
The effective management of soil fertility is subject
to a number of factors and nutrient distribution
across an area can be extremely variable.
It is good practise to test a composite of a number
of individual soil samples to develop an effective soil
management approach for a large area. Any areas
of individual concern can be tested specifically
for more detailed nutrient recommendations.
Some key points to follow when taking samples
for soil testing:
• A soil sample should be collected from each
plot or area to be examined. Separate samples
should be collected from each area, differing
in soil type, previous cropping history or type
of soil management.
• Samples of soil should preferably be taken using
a soil sampling auger/corer which enables ‘cores’
of soil to be taken from below the surface.
Alternatively, a piece of narrow rigid tubing may
be used. Between 10 and 25 individual cores
should be taken from each area to make up the
composite soil sample for analysis. The depth
of penetration for soil cores should reflect the
nature of the terrain and the nutrients under test.
• When sampling large areas of agricultural land
take cores along the shape of an imaginary ‘W’
covering the area being sampled. Cores should
not be taken close to hedgerows, under trees
or adjacent to buildings.
• To provide the sample for analysis, individual
cores should be thoroughly mixed in a bucket
or similar receptacle. Stones and foreign
materials should be removed by hand. The
soil can be passed through a 2mm sieve or
similar if available.
• The composite sample can then be transferred
to a Soil Sample bag (PT 301) and labelled
for reference.
• For field analysis, the tests can be conducted
directly on the moist sample and in some cases
this is the desired approach. Where analysis is
to be carried out at a later time (more than 24
hours later), it is preferable to dry the sample
by spreading it out on a tray or plastic sheet
and allowing it to dry in air.
• Ensure the sample point is safe to access and
follow all relevant/required local precautions.
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4Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
10
Numerical keys for
direct test access
and text entry
Navigation
Keys
LCD screen
with backlight
On/Off
Light CapUSB Port
Adaptive Cuvette Holder
(do not insert finger!)
4.0 Soiltest 10 Bluetooth - Setup and Operation
4.1 Soiltest 10 Bluetooth Layout
4.2 Soiltest 10 Interface
The LCD screen features a selectable backlight
with the screen separated into four clear, easy
to read zones.
1Mode or Test Identification.
2Dialogue screen - prompts and choices will be
displayed as a list. Select using up/down arrows.
3Info Panel - displays status icons, date/time
and Sample/Operator ID.
4Action select - choices are displayed as a row.
Use left/right arrows to select.
4.3 Info Panel Icons
1
2
3
4
Description
Battery status
Bluetooth connected
Bluetooth on, not connected
Upper/lower case text/number entry
USB connected
Hard Drive/COM port mode
Icons
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11
4
Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
4.4 Starting up the Instrument
Power Supply
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth is designed to be powered
either from alkaline batteries or via the USB port.
When operating on battery power, the battery level
is indicated on the Info Panel. A minimum voltage
of 3.0V is needed to operate the photometer and
a flashing battery symbol indicates a critically low
battery. Change batteries immediately or switch to
alternative USB power. The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth will
automatically power down when power is no longer
capable of providing acceptable performance.
To power via the USB port, use the supplied cable
connected either to the mains adaptor or a PC. The
USB icon will appear when the USB connection is
made and battery power will no longer be consumed.
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth has a back-up battery
mounted internally to save instrument settings and
data during power loss and instrument idle periods.
Replacing Batteries
The battery compartment is located on the base
of the instrument and secured by four screws.
Remove the cover and install a complete set of
new batteries, observing the correct polarity as
indicated. Use 3 x 1.5V ‘AA’ alkaline batteries
or equivalent. See Appendix 2 for more details.
To avoid corrosion damage through leakage,
remove batteries from the instrument if it is to
be stored or left unused for a long period.
Start-up Screen
The default start-up screen on power up is the
‘Choose a Test’ screen.
To access the Mode menu press the left arrow
key to highlight ‘Menu’ and OK.
To choose a test use the up/down arrows to
scroll through the list and press OK on the
desired parameter.
4.5 Mode Screen
The Soiltest 10 has three operating modes
as follows:
Choose a Test
The Choose a Test mode is the standard operating
mode for taking photometer readings and is the
default start-up screen on power up. See Section
4.7 for more information.
System Mode
Personalise your Soiltest 10 Bluetooth and
manage stored data within the System mode.
Options include setting Operator/Sample IDs,
interrogating the result log and defining the
instrument operating conditions. See Section 4.6
for further information.
Check Standard Mode
Validate performance of your Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
using Palintest Check Standards. See Section 4.8
for more information.
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4Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
12
4.6 System Mode
Personalise your Soiltest 10 Bluetooth and access
the data log via the System Mode.
Scroll up or down using the appropriate keys
to see all available options. The options and
available settings are as follows:
Log
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth has an internal data log for
up to 500 data points. The data is stored automatically
upon completion of the test and automatically
overwrites the oldest result when the memory is
full. The data log is unaffected by power on/off.
Each data point consists of the following information
and is stored in a comma-separated values (CSV) format:
Date, time, Operator ID, Sample ID,Test Number,
Result value, Result Units, Units of Expression.
Selecting Log offers two choices:
View - to view individual data points use the
up/down keys. Data is stored in chronological order
with the most recent result shown by default.
Scroll through results using the up/down arrows.
Select Back to return to the previous menu.
Clear - the entire log can be deleted from the
Soiltest 10 Bluetooth if the instrument is not
locked (see System Lock). Selecting Clear
produces the following screen:
Choose Yes to delete all data, No to return to
the previous screen.
Data can be downloaded via either Bluetooth (see
Bluetooth Log Transfer) or USB connection
(see USB Interface).
Operator ID
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth offers the option to create
up to 12 unique alphanumeric Operator IDs. Operator
IDs are added to the result data automatically but
deleting IDs does not affect the result log.
To create a new Operator ID, select Operator ID
and use the up/down keys to select a blank field.
Select New and press OK.
Alphanumeric characters are entered/edited using
the 0-9 keys or the up/down keys. Press and hold
the 1 key to toggle between upper case, lower
case and numeric characters.
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13
4
Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
After entering a character, the cursor automatically
moves to the next position if no key is pressed.
Alternatively press the right key.
Up to 10 characters can be added for Operator IDs,
including spaces.
To edit characters use the left/right keys to select
the desired character. Press and hold the left key
to delete the character or change the character
using the entry mode.
When the Operator ID is correct press the OK
key to create the ID and return to the Operator ID
list. The new Operator ID will be displayed in the
Operator list.
Choose the Operator ID to be used by scrolling
through the list and pressing the OK key on the
desired choice. The instrument will return to the
System menu.
To modify or delete an existing Operator ID,
highlight the ID and select Edit. Choose either
Edit to modify the existing entry or Delete to
remove it from the list.
Sample ID
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth offers the option to create
up to 24 unique alphanumeric Sample IDs. Sample
IDs are added to the result data automatically but
deleting IDs does not affect the result log.
To create a new Sample ID, select Sample ID
and use the up/down keys to select a blank field.
Select New and press OK.
Alphanumeric characters are entered/edited using
the 0-9 keys or the up/down keys. Press and hold
the 1 key to toggle between upper and lower
case characters.
After entering a character, the cursor automatically
moves to the next position if no key is pressed.
Alternatively press the right key.
Up to 10 characters can be added for Sample IDs,
including spaces.
To edit characters use the left/right keys to select
the desired character. Press and hold the left key
to delete the character or change the character
using the entry mode.
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4Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
14
When the Sample ID is correct press the OK key to
create the ID and return to the Sample ID list. The
new Sample ID will be displayed in the Sample list.
Choose the Sample ID to be used by scrolling through
the list and pressing the OK key on the desired choice.
The instrument will return to the System menu.
To modify or delete an existing Sample ID, highlight
the ID and select Edit. Choose either Edit to modify
the existing entry or Delete to remove it from the list.
Bluetooth
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth features the latest
Bluetooth 4.0 (also known as Bluetooth Low
Energy or Bluetooth SMART) for wireless
communication with external devices.
The Palintest Aqua Pal app provides seamless
data exchange with the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth,
provides data trend analysis and user-defined
action limits for key parameters.
Additional data management functionality is provided
by the Palintest Portal (www.palintestportal.com).
Uploaded data can be shared with colleagues
and customers within your User Group(s) and
integrated into customised reports. See Appendix
5 for more information on the Aqua Pal app and
the Palintest Portal.
There are four options available in the Bluetooth menu:
• Bluetooth Communications ON - activate the
Bluetooth and make the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
visible for connection/pairing
• Bluetooth Communications OFF
•
Bluetooth Log Transfer - transfer historical log data to
the Aqua Pal app when connected to a remote device
• Bluetooth Device ID - create a unique device
name for the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth to
discriminate between multiple connections
Bluetooth Communication On
Select this option to enable Bluetooth communications
allowing the instrument to be connected with a
suitable Bluetooth SMART enabled device. Visit
www.palintest.com\know for more information
regarding available/suitable Bluetooth SMART devices.
The Bluetooth icon is shown in the Info Panel
when Bluetooth is enabled. Connection status
is shown as follows:
indicates the Bluetooth is activated
and connected to an external device
indicates the Bluetooth is activated
but the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth is not
connected to an external device
Bluetooth Communication Off
Selecting this option disables the Bluetooth
communications module. The Bluetooth icon
is not visible on the Info panel.
Bluetooth Log Transfer
Selecting this option transfers all or a selected
group of results stored in the log to the connected
mobile device.
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth will validate the connected
connection and confirm readiness to transfer.
Transferring selected data will require specification
of the result log window e.g. from result 40 to
result 100 to be transferred selectively.
Press OK to transfer the data log. The data will
transfer in series. Each data point is validated by
the Aqua Pal app prior to upload of the next.
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If the connection is lost the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
will prompt for re-connection. If connection is not
required or possible press Exit to disable Bluetooth
and cancel the log transfer.
The message ‘Log transfer is complete’ will be
shown when all data points have been uploaded
successfully. Press OK to return to the previous menu.
Bluetooth Device ID
A number of Soiltest 10 Bluetooth instruments
may be available to connect to a remote device,
although only one active connection is possible
at any time. A user-defined Bluetooth Device ID
ensures simple pairing between the desired Soiltest
10 Bluetooth and the Palintest Aqua Pal app.
Creating and/or editing Bluetooth Device ID is
identical to Operator and Sample ID creation.
USB Interface
The waterproof USB interface provides both
communication between the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
and a PC and an alternative mains power source
via the adaptor.
When connected the USB icon will appear, replacing
the battery icon in the Info Panel, as power will be
preferentially drawn from the external source.
The USB data interface has a choice of two
operating modes - Hard Drive and COM Port. The
current status of the USB connection is shown on
the Info panel when the USB lead is connected.
Toggle between COM Port and Hard Disk mode in the
System -> USB menu by selecting the desired option.
The USB connection supports software update and
data download through a simple ‘drag and drop’
approach when operated in Hard Disk mode.
Hard Drive
The instrument appears as a removable hard
drive when connected to a PC in Hard Disk mode.
Upon connection the remote drive will have the
following files included:
• Soiltest10.afx.*** where * represent
version numbers of software -
this is the operating software
for the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
• Log.txt - the data log file stored in a
comma separated value (csv) format
Operating software or calibration library can
be updated by dragging a new version to the
instrument - contact [email protected]
for new software if this option is required. Any
updates to operating software will be notified
via the www.palintest.com\know portal.
Downloading the result log is carried out by
dragging the LOG.txt to the local desktop and
opening with any program that can open CSV
format files.
For more information regarding extracting and
opening result logs using the Hard Disk mode
visit www.palintest.com/know.
COM Port
The instrument behaves as if connected to the PC
serial port via RS232 when connected in COM
Port mode, allowing remote control from an
external software system and data upload.
This allows backwards compatibility with software
written for earlier models of Palintest instruments.
In this mode, the PC requires installation of
a USB virtual COM Port driver, available from
www.palintest.com/know, and the availability
of software operating as a virtual com port.
A large number of third-party software systems
are available to provide data upload and remote
control of testing using the COM port mode.
Please contact your local Palintest representative
for more details.
15
4
Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
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4Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
16
Units
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth offers the choice of result
expressed in mg/l, ppm, mmol/l, µmol, g/l and µg/l.
Changing the result units will not affect the result log.
Dilution Factor
When samples are above the test range, indicated
by >> on the result screen, a dilution procedure
can be used. Setting Dilution Factor to On will
prompt the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth to automatically
request the dilution factor when carrying out a test.
Change the dilution factor by using the up/down
arrows or manually type the dilution factor. The
instrument will automatically correct the result
for the dilution and display the corrected result
(which will also be stored in the result log).
The maximum dilution factor permitted is 99.
If the calculated result exceeds the available number
of permitted characters >> will be displayed.
NOTE: do not use sample dilution
when measuring pH or alkalinity.
System Lock
To prevent unauthorised or inadvertent changes
to the System settings or log deletion a four digit
code can be used to lock several options.
The default code is set to 6812. To change the
System Lock code, follow the on-screen prompts
to choose a memorable four digit number.
When the System Lock is applied, the items
accessible within the System Mode are limited
until the unlock code is entered. Access is limited
to viewing the result log, adjusting the backlight,
contrast and Bluetooth settings.
To set a unique four digit code enter the master code
(7910). The Set System Lock Code screen will appear.
Enter the required four digit code and press OK to set.
To reset the unique system lock code, enter the
master code and select Reset.
User Defined Tests
In addition to the many available calibrations/methods,
the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth provides additional
capability for up to 30 User Defined Tests.A User
Defined Test is built using a table of calibration
data consisting of up to 10 data pairs of absorbance
and concentration.
Download or request a copy of Usertestbuilder.exe
(suitable for Windows operating systems) from
our websites to define the details and calibration
data as shown below:
Connect the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth to the PC using
the USB cable provided, ensuring the instrument
is set to Hard Drive mode.
Once data is complete press “Download this test” to
transfer the method details and calibration. The Soiltest
10 Bluetooth will respond with Test Data Accepted.
Alternatively save the test data as a *.txt file and
drag and drop onto the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth.
User Defined Tests are stored in Phot Numbers
900 - 929 to avoid confusion with standard
Palintest soil calibrations.
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17
4
Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
Press OK once the test has been uploaded to
view the test in the User Defined Test list.
A number of options are available within
the Edit User Defined Test menu:
Back return to the previous menu
Add add additional User Defined Tests
Edit upload new data for the selected test
Delete remove the test from the instrument
For more information regarding creation and
upload of User Defined Tests please visit
palintest.com\know
Accessing User Defined Tests is carried out by
scrolling through the list of tests or entering
the required Phot Number.
Language
Select the desired local language for operation,
choosing from English, French, Spanish, German,
Italian and Chinese (Mandarin). The selection of
language will also adjust appropriate tests and
units to local convention as required.
Set Time/Set Date/Date Format
All test results are recorded automatically in the
Data Log and appended with date and time (plus
additional information). Date and time are stored on
an internal clock, supported by a coin cell battery.
To correct the time select Set Time from the System menu.
Use the up/down keys to adjust the hour; press
the right key to select and adjust the minutes.
Press OK when the correct time is set.
To correct the date select Set Date from the
System menu. Use the up/down keys to adjust
the day/month/year, using the left/right keys to
select the field.
Press OK when the correct date is set.
The Date Format can be set to DD/MM/YYYY or
MM/DD/YYYY as required. To select the required
format highlight the desired choice and press OK.
Time Out
When operating using battery power the Soiltest
10 Bluetooth provides automatic power-off as a
power-saving measure.Three settings are provided:
Normal 5 minutes
Long 15 minutes
Off (disables Time Out)
The time intervals begin after the last key is
pressed or activity takes place.
Time Out is automatically disabled when the
instrument is powered by USB supply and during
a Bluetooth data log transfer.
Back Light
The instrument display features a high intensity
backlight to support use in low light conditions.
The backlight is designed to use minimal energy
but activating the Backlight will naturally consume
battery power more rapidly. The settings available
for Backlight are:
Backlight Auto-Dim Backlight activates on any
key press and dims after
15 seconds automatically.
Backlight On Backlight is on permanently
Backlight Off Backlight is off permanently
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4Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
18
LCD Contrast
In addition to the Backlight, the default contrast
setting for the display can be adjusted using the
up/down keys when light conditions are difficult.
The display provides a sequence of alternating
squares to give visual indication of the correct
settings to apply.
When complete/acceptable press the OK key.
Version
The serial number of the instrument and the
software version are displayed. The instrument
serial number will be required for technical
support and servicing/warranty and can also
be found on the case of the instrument.
4.7 Analysing Samples
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth provides simple,
accurate and reliable analysis of key soil nutrient
parameters. Selecting the required parameter
and performing the test are supported through
on-screen prompts and comprehensive test
instructions.
The principle of photometric testing is based on the
absorption or scattering of a measured intensity
of incident light compared to the light intensity
reaching the detector array. The light intensity is
determined as Transmittance (%T) or Absorbance
(A) and compared to calibration tables stored within
the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth. The stored calibration
tables convert %T or A to results in a variety of
units (mg/l, ppm etc.).
Calibration tables are defined by Palintest based
on the measurement of reference standards using
Palintest reagents. To achieve the best quality
results there are a small number of care points:
1Always use the provided light cap to prevent
ambient light affecting the results.
2Ensure Sample and Blank cuvettes are clean,
dry and inserted correctly into the sample
chamber, using the orientation mark to align.
3Always blank the instrument prior to analysis.
Additional guidance is provided in Appendix 1
Hints and Tips for Soil Testing.
Selecting Test Parameters
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth offers a number
of choices to select the parameter to test:
Phot Number Entry - use the numeric keypad
to enter the unique Phot Number to directly
access any programmed calibration (including
User Defined Tests).
Direct Entry - use the numeric keypad to access
the 10 most common tests with a single key push.
Choose a Test - available in either Phot Number
Entry or Direct Entry modes, the full list of test
parameters is available by selecting Choose a Test and
scrolling using the up/down keys. When the desired
parameter is highlighted, press the OK key to access
the method. Tests are presented in Phot Number order.
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Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
When the required test is selected the Soiltest 10
Bluetooth automatically selects the correct wavelength
and sets additional method parameters as required.
Test method protocols are defined in detail in
Section 6, including the reagents and accessories
that may be required.
When a test is selected, the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
will display a number of screens and options to
guide the user through the testing process, as
described in the following pages.
Dilution Factor
If selected in the System menu, the initial screen will
request the defined Dilution Factor to apply to results.
If Dilution Factor is not active this screen will not
be shown.
Results shown on the final screen have automatically
been corrected for dilution prior to display.
Corrected results will also be stored in the log.
Blanking the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
Blanking the photometer is a key first step in
photometric analysis, effectively removing the
potentially entrained sample colour and minor
amounts of turbidity from calculation of
analytical results.
To blank the photometer, prepare a Blank cuvette
using untreated sample i.e. extracted sample that
has not been reacted with any reagents. If the
sample is to be diluted or physically treated
(filtered for example) before analysis, use the
same dilution/treatment for the Blank cuvette.
When accessing the test method the Soiltest 10
Bluetooth will request the user to Insert Blank.
Insert the Blank cuvette and press OK.
The Soiltest 10 Bluetooth will determine the
absorbance due to the sample colour at all
wavelengths simultaneously and store in
temporary memory for use in analysis.
Upon successful blanking the Soiltest 10
Bluetooth will automatically move to the
Insert sample stage of the analytical method.
If the sample is too highly coloured to support effective
blanking and subsequent analysis the message “Error
9 is caused by the blank cuvette being too dark.
Check the correct cuvette is being used” is shown.
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Ensure the blank cuvette is being used, not the
sample plus reagent cuvette. Sample colour can
be reduced by dilution with clean water; the
dilution selected should take account of the
expected concentration of parameter under test.
Blank results are stored in the temporary memory
of the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth and will be used for
all subsequent tests until:
• The instrument is powered down (temporary
memory is lost/deleted)
• A new Blank reading is taken - this option is
available on accessing any subsequent test at
the base of the screen. Repeat the blanking
process if the sample changes significantly
or a new sample is under test
If the blank value generated in this step is not
detectable an error message will be displayed
“Error 7 is caused by too much ambient light. Try
using the light cover provided with the instrument”.
Reading Results with
the Soiltest 10 Bluetooth
Assuming a suitable blank has been recorded,
the next step of the photometric analysis process
is to carry out the reading step.
Prepare a Sample cuvette following the method
instructions provided in Section 6.
Select Read at the base of the screen and press OK.
At the Insert sample prompt, insert the sample
cuvette ensuring it is clean and dry and oriented
correctly using the location mark.
Press OK to begin the measurement process.
The screen will display Reading...
At the completion of the measurement process
the result is displayed on screen.
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