PASCO PS-3215 User manual

Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor (PS-3215)
About the Product
The colorimeter simultaneously measures the absorbance and
transmittance of six different wavelengths. The sensor can be used
to study Beer’s law (absorbance versus concentration), enzyme
activity, photosynthesis, and the rates of chemical reactions
(absorbance versus time). The colorimeter is now calibrated to read
concentrations directly from our ezSample Snap Vial test kits.
The sensor also functions as a turbidimeter for water quality
analysis. Rather than measuring transmitted light, the turbidity
sensor measures light scattered at a 90 degree angle from the
sample. Turbidity level (cloudiness) of water samples is measured in
nephelometric turbidity units (NTU).
What’s Included
Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor
2x Cuvette Rack
4x Cuvette with Cap, smooth
6x Cuvette with Cap, lined
Ampoule Cap
100 NTU Calibration Solution
Micro USB Cable
2x Label, 100 NTU Cuvette (not shown)
2x Label, 100 NTU Expiration (not shown)
Required Items
•SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone Software
PASCO software is required for data collection and analysis
Required Items for Water Quality Measurements
•ezSample Snap Vial Test Kit
Chemical analysis of water samples requires an ezSample kit
for the chemical being tested. Kits are available for testing
Ammonia, Chlorine, Iron, Phosphate, and Nitrate. Search for
"ezSample" at pasco.com to purchase the kits. (Note that
other ion test kits do not require a colorimeter to determine
concentration.)
Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity
Components
USB Port
Use with the USB cable to connect to a USB wall charger to charge
the battery. Connect to a USB port of a computer or mobile device to
send measurement data to software (iOS devices not supported).
Turbidity Sensor
Consists of a photodiode that measures the amount of light
scattered by a test sample at 90 degrees. When using or calibrating
this sensor, ensure that you are using a smooth cuvette.
Power Button
Press and hold for 1 second to turn the sensor on or off.
Light Source
Consists of a white LED for Colorimeter measurements and an
Infrared LED for Turbidity measurements.
Test Chamber
Insert a cuvette containing a test solution or an ezSample Snap Vial
ampoule. Keep out ambient light by closing the cover when using
cuvettes or covering ampoules using the Ampoule Cap. (If the
Ampoule Cap is lost, cover the ampoule with a crupled paper towel
or small cloth instead.)
Colorimeter Sensor
Consists of a spectral sensor capable of detecting six wavelenths of
light. The sensor measures the intensity of light transmitted through
a solution in the test chamber. When using this sensor, ensure that
you use a lined cuvette with the smooth sides between the light
source and sensor (left to right).
Battery Status Light
Indicates the battery charge and charging status.
Light Status
Red (blink) Low charge (20%)
Green (solid) Full charge
Yellow (solid) Charging
Bluetooth Status Light
Indicates the status of the Bluetooth connection.
Light Status
Red (blink) Ready to pair
Green (blink) Paired
Yellow (blink) Remotely logging data
Device ID
Use to identify the sensor when connecting using Bluetooth.
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Getting Started
This section contains tasks that should be performed before using
the device in the classroom.
Charge the Battery
The Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor contains a
rechargeable battery that lasts an entire school day when fully
charged. Charge the battery before using the Wireless Colorimeter
and Turbidity Sensor for the first time, since it is not shipped with a
full charge.
To charge the battery, connect the sensor to a USB wall charger or
powered USB port using the USB cable. The battery status light will
be solid yellow while the battery is charging. The light will change to
solid green when the battery is fully charged.
Install or Update Software
The latest update of PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue is required to
use the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor. Download the
software at the locations provided. If the software is already
installed, check for an update using the provided instructions.
Windows and Mac Computers
Download: Go to pasco.com/sparkvue, then click Downloads.
Update: Click , then select Check for Updates.
Mobile Devices and Chromebooks
Search for SPARKvue in your device’s app store. SPARKvue will
automatically install future updates.
Windows and Mac Computers
Download: Go to pasco.com/capstone, then click Downloads.
Update: Click Help, then select Check for updates.
Check for a Firmware Update
It is important to update the sensor firmware to the latest version to
access the latest features and bug fixes. Sensor firmware is installed
using SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone. Connect the sensor to
SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone to check for a firmware update.
1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor.
2. Open SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone, then click Sensor Data
(SPARKvue) or Hardware Setup (PASCO Capstone).
3. Select the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor that
matches the device ID.
If a notification appears that indicates a firmware update is available,
click Yes to install the update. If a notification does not appear, the
firmware is up to date.
Using the Colorimeter
Use the colorimeter to measure the absorbance and transmittance
of six different wavelengths.
Step 1: Prepare Solutions for Analysis
When preparing solutions for analysis:
•Use the lined cuvettes.
•Handle the cuvettes by the lined sides to avoid getting
fingerprints on the smooth sides.
•Fill cuvettes ¾ full with the test solution and cap the cuvette.
•Clean the smooth sides of the cuvette using a lint-free wipe
before inserting it into the test chamber.
Step 2: Prepare a Blank Calibration Cuvette
Fill one lined cuvette ¾ full with the solvent used to prepare the test
solutions. The solvent is used to calibrate the colorimeter.
Step 3: Set Up Data Collection
1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor.
2. Open SPARKvue, then click Sensor Data .
3. Select the Colorimeter that matches the device ID.
4. Select a Quick Start Experiment.
a. Absorbance and Transmittance
Measure absorbance and transmittance of a solution at
six different wavelengths on a bar meter display.
b. Beer’s Law
Plot absorbance versus concentration of known solutions
to determine the unknown concentration of a solution.
1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor.
2. Open PASCO Capstone, then click Hardware Setup .
3. Select the Colorimeter that matches the device ID.
NOTE: You may be prompted to calibrate the
sensor here. If you want to calibrate now, click
Calibrate and proceed to the Calibrate the
Sensor section. Otherwise, click Cancel.
4. Click Hardware Setup again to close the panel.
5. Select a Quick Start Experiment.
a. Absorbance and Transmittance
Measure absorbance and transmittance of a solution at
six different wavelengths on a bar meter display.
b. Beer’s Law
Plot absorbance versus concentration of known solutions
to determine the unknown concentration of a solution.
Step 4: Calibrate the Sensor
1. Click Hardware Setup , then click for the Wireless
Colorimeter.
2. Insert the blank calibration cuvette into the Colorimeter with the
smooth sides facing left to right so the light can pass through
to the sensor and close the cover.
3. Click Calibrate. A green check mark will indicate that the
colorimeter is calibrated.
4. Click Done, then close Hardware Setup.
1. Click Calibration . Select Wireless Colorimeter from the
list, then click Next.
2. Insert the blank calibration cuvette into the Colorimeter with the
smooth sides between the light source and the sensor and
close the cover.
3. Click Calibrate. A green check mark will indicate that the
colorimeter is calibrated.
4. Click Finish, then click Calibration again to close the
panel.
Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor | PS-3215
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Step 5: Collect Data (Absorbance and
Transmittance)
1. Insert a cuvette containing your test sample with the smooth
sides between the light source and the sensor and close the
cover.
2. Click Start to begin data collection.
3. Click Stop to end data collection.
4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for additional test samples.
1. Insert a cuvette containing your test sample with the smooth
sides between the light source and the sensor and close the
cover.
2. Click Record to begin data collection.
3. Click Stop to end data collection.
4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for additional test samples.
Step 5: Collect Data (Beer’s Law)
1. Click Start to begin data collection.
2. Insert a cuvette containing a solution of known concentration
with the smooth sides between the light source and the sensor
and close the cover.
3. Enter the known concentration in the table.
4. Click Keep to record the Absorbance measurement.
5. Repeat Steps 2 to 4 for each known solution.
6. Click Stop to end data collection.
1. Click Preview to begin data collection.
2. Insert a cuvette containing a solution of known concentration
with the smooth sides between the light source and the sensor
and close the cover.
3. Enter the known concentration in the table.
4. Click Keep Sample to record the Absorbance
measurement.
5. Repeat Steps 2 to 4 for each known solution.
6. Click Stop to end data collection.
Using the Water Quality Colorimeter
Use the colorimeter to perform a chemical analysis of water samples
using ezSample Snap Vial test kits.
Step 1: Prepare Samples for Analysis
ezSample Snap Vial test kits can be used to test for concentrations
of Ammonia, Chlorine, Iron, Phosphate, and Nitrate. Refer to the
documentation for the ezSample Snap Vial Kit for instructions on
how to prepare the samples. When preparing the samples:
•Clean the ampoule using a lint-free wipe before inserting it into
the test chamber.
•Handle the ampoules by the tip to avoid getting fingerprints on
the ampoule body.
•Cover the ampoule in the test chamber with the Ampoule Cap
to keep out ambient light.
Figure 1. Ampoule cap covering an ezSample Snap Vial ampoule
inserted into the test chamber.
Step 2: Set Up Data Collection
1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor.
2. Open SPARKvue, then click Sensor Data .
3. Select the Colorimeter that matches the device ID.
4. Deselect the default measurement, then select a
chemical to measure. (You may need to scroll down to see the
additional measurements.)
5. Under Templates, select Digits.
1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor.
2. Open PASCO Capstone, then click Hardware Setup .
3. Select the Colorimeter that matches the device ID.
NOTE: You may be prompted to calibrate the
sensor. If you want to calibrate now, click Calibrate
and proceed to the Calibrate the Sensor
instructions. Otherwise, click Cancel.
4. Click Data Summary .
5. Double-click Digits in the Displays palette.
6. Click and drag Turbidity (NTU) into the Digits display.
7. Click Data Summary again to close the panel.
Step 3: Calibrate the Sensor
1. Click Hardware Setup , then click for the Wireless
Colorimeter.
2. Insert the calibration ampoule included with the ezSample Kit
into the Colorimeter; cover with the Ampoule Cap.
3. Click Calibrate. A green check mark will indicate that the
colorimeter is calibrated.
4. Click Done, then close Hardware Setup.
1. Click Calibration . Select Wireless Colorimeter from the
list, then click Next.
2. Insert the calibration ampoule included with the ezSample Kit
into the Colorimeter; cover with the Ampoule Cap.
3. Click Calibrate. A green check mark will indicate that the
colorimeter is calibrated.
4. Click Finish , then click Calibration again to close the
panel.
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Step 4: Collect Data
1. Insert an ampoule containing your sample and cover with the
Ampoule Cap.
2. Click Start to begin data collection.
3. Click Stop to end data collection.
4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for additional test samples.
1. Insert an ampoule containing your sample and cover with the
Ampoule Cap.
2. Click Record to begin data collection.
3. Click Stop to end data collection.
4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for additional test samples.
Using the Turbidity Sensor
Use the Turbidity sensor to measure the turbidity level (cloudiness)
of a water sample.
Step 1: Prepare Solutions for Analysis
When preparing solutions for analysis:
•Use the smooth cuvettes that do not have lines.
•Fill cuvettes ¾ full with the test solution and cap the cuvette.
•Clean the smooth sides of the cuvette using a lint-free wipe
before inserting it into the test chamber.
Step 2: Prepare a Blank Calibration Cuvette
Deionized water is used for the first calibration point. Fill one smooth
cuvette ¾ full with deionized water and cap the cuvette.
Step 3: Prepare a 100 NTU Calibration Cuvette
The 100 NTU solution is used for the second calibration point.
Figure 2. A cuvette with the 100 NTU label placed over the cap with the
expiration date label attached.
1. Fill one smooth cuvette ¾ full with the 100 NTU solution and
cap the cuvette.
2. Place a 100 NTU cuvette label over the cuvette cap, as shown
in the figure.
3. Place an expiration date label on the 100 NTU Cuvette label.
NOTE: The 100 NTU standard sample should
provide accurate results (±7%) up to the expiration
date.
Step 4: Set Up Data Collection
1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor.
2. Open SPARKvue, then click Sensor Data .
3. Select the Colorimeter that matches the device ID.
4. Toggle the Wireless Turbidity Sensor switch from disable
to enable . (You may need to scroll down the list of
measurements to see the sensor.)
5. Under Templates, select Digits.
1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor.
2. Open PASCO Capstone, then click Hardware Setup .
3. Select the Colorimeter that matches the device ID.
NOTE: You may be prompted to calibrate the
sensor here. If you want to calibrate now, click
Calibrate and proceed to the Calibrate the
Sensor section. Otherwise, click Cancel.
4. Toggle the Wireless Turbidity Sensor switch from disable
to enable .
5. Click Data Summary .
6. Double-click Digits in the Displays palette.
7. Click and drag Turbidity (NTU) into the Digits display.
8. Click Data Summary again to close the panel.
Step 5: Calibrate the Sensor
1. Click Hardware Setup , then click for the Wireless
Turbidity Sensor.
2. Insert the blank calibration cuvette into the test chamber and
close the cover.
3. Click Calibrate in item 3. A green check mark will indicate that
calibration is complete.
4. Remove the blank calibration cuvette, then insert the 100 NTU
Standard cuvette into the test chamber and close the cover.
5. Click Calibrate in item 4. A green check mark will indicate that
calibration is complete.
6. Click Done, then close Hardware Setup.
1. Click Calibration . Select Wireless Turbidity Sensor from
the list, then click Next.
2. Insert the blank calibration cuvette into the test chamber and
close the cover.
3. Click Calibrate for the blank calibration cuvette. A green check
mark will indicate that calibration is complete.
4. Remove the blank calibration cuvette, then insert the 100 NTU
Standard cuvette into the test chamber and close the cover.
5. Click Calibrate for the 100 NTU Standard cuvette. A green
check mark will indicate that calibration is complete.
6. Click Finish, then click Calibration again to close the
panel.
Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor | PS-3215
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Step 6: Collect Data
1. Insert a cuvette containing a test sample into the test chamber
and close the cover.
2. Click Start to begin data collection.
3. Click Stop to end data collection.
4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for additional test samples.
1. Insert a cuvette containing a test sample into the test chamber
and close the cover.
2. Click Record to begin data collection.
3. Click Stop to end data collection.
4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for additional test samples.
Experiment files
Download one of several student-ready activities from the PASCO
Experiment Library. Experiments include editable student handouts
and teacher notes. Visit pasco.com/freelabs/PS-3215.
Software Help
Additional information on how to use the Wireless Colorimeter and
Turbidity Sensor with SPARKvue and Capstone can be found in the
SPARKvue and PASCO Capstone Help. The help can be accessed
within the software or online.
Software: Click , then select Help.
Online: pasco.com/help/sparkvue
Software: In the menu bar, click Help, then select PASCO
Capstone Help.
Online: pasco.com/help/capstone
Additional Information
Visit the product web page at
pasco.com/product/ps-3215 for additional
information, including:
•Specifications
•Buying Guide (Accessories, Replacement Parts)
•Experiments
•Documents (Knowledge Base, Safety Sheeets)
Technical Support
Need more help? Our knowledgeable and friendly Technical Support
staff is ready to answer your questions or walk you through any
issues.
Chat pasco.com
Phone [phone] x1004 (USA)
[phone] (outside USA)
Email [e-mail]
Regulatory Information
Limited Warranty
For a description of the product warranty, see the Warranty and Returns page at
www.pasco.com/legal.
Copyright
This document is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Permission is granted to non-
profit educational institutions for reproduction of any part of this manual, providing
the reproductions are used only in their laboratories and classrooms, and are not
sold for profit. Reproduction under any other circumstances, without the written
consent of PASCO scientific, is prohibited.
Trademarks
PASCO and PASCO scientific are trademarks or registered trademarks of PASCO
scientific, in the United States and in other countries. All other brands, products, or
service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of, and are used to
identify, products or services of, their respective owners. For more information visit
www.pasco.com/legal.
Product end-of-life disposal
This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations
that vary by country and region.
It is your responsibility to recycle your electronic equipment per your
local environmental laws and regulations to ensure that it will be
recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.
To find out where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please
contact your local waste recycle or disposal service, or the place where you
purchased the product.
The European Union WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) symbol
on the product or its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of
in a standard waste container.
FCC statement
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
CE statement
This device has been tested and found to comply with the essential requirements
and other relevant provisions of the applicable EU Directives.
Battery disposal
Batteries contain chemicals that, if released, may affect the environment
and human health.
Batteries should be collected separately for recycling and recycled at a
local hazardous material disposal location adhering to your country and
local government regulations.
To find out where you can drop off your waste battery for recycling, please contact
your local waste disposal service, or the product representative.
The battery used in this product is marked with the European Union symbol for
waste batteries to indicate the need for the separate collection and recycling of
batteries.
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