pyroscience AquapHOx User manual

Version V1.06 www.pyroscience.com
AquapHOx® Transmitter
Underwater O2, pH, T Meter
MANUAL
O2
pH
T

AquapHOx® Transmitter | Manual
© PyroScience GmbH 2
AquapHOx® Transmitter
Underwater O2, pH, T Meter
Document Version 1.06
The AquapHOx® Transmitters are released by:
PyroScience GmbH
Hubertusstrasse 35
52064 Aachen
Germany
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [e-mail]
Web www.pyroscience.com
Registered: Aachen HRB 17329, Germany

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TABLE OF CONTENT
1Introduction.....................................................................................................................................4
2Overview..........................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Optical Port........................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Temperature Sensor.......................................................................................................................5
2.3 Air Pressure Compensation.........................................................................................................6
2.4 Included Accessories......................................................................................................................6
3Option A: Operating the Transmitter with Pyro Workbench ..............................................7
4Option B: Operating the Transmitter with Pyro DeveloperTool ........................................8
5Option C: Read-Out using the Analog Outputs ........................................................................9
6Option D: RS485-Modbus-Interface........................................................................................ 10
6.1 Modbus RTU....................................................................................................................................10
6.2 PyroScience Unified Protocol..................................................................................................10
7Handling Instructions ................................................................................................................. 11
7.1 Connecting the Sensor Head....................................................................................................11
7.2 Sensor Settings..............................................................................................................................12
7.3 Calibration Setup ..........................................................................................................................12
7.4 Calibration of Oxygen Sensors................................................................................................12
7.5 Calibration of pH Sensors .........................................................................................................13
7.6 Calibration of Optical Temperature Sensors .....................................................................14
7.7 Deployment ....................................................................................................................................14
8Appendix ....................................................................................................................................... 15
8.1 Dimensions......................................................................................................................................15
8.2 Electrical Connector.....................................................................................................................15
8.3 Device Specifications..................................................................................................................16
8.4 Warnings & Safety Guidelines.................................................................................................18

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1INTRODUCTION
The AquapHOx® Transmitter family (item no. APHOX-TX, APHOX-T-PH, APHOX-T-O2) are
transmitters for underwater operation down to 4000 m (APHOX-TX) or 100 m (APHOX-
T-PH and APHOX-T-O2) water depth. The AquapHOx® Transmitter platform offers one
optical port for a wide range of optical O2-, pH-, or temperature sensors from
PyroScience. A fixed NTC temperature sensor provides automatic temperature
compensation of the optical sensors. The digital interface is a RS485-Modbus interface,
which can convert to USB via the included USB adapter cable. The electrical interface
offers additionally 4 high-resolution analog outputs.
There are several usage scenarios depending on the users´ level of experience:
Option A: The device can be operated via the included USB adapter cable with
the simple and user-friendly Windows software Pyro Workbench, which is
typically used by end-users. This software offers comfortable settings and
calibration wizards, as well as advanced logging features. Several modules can
be operated in parallel within a single window (see chapter 3).
Option B: The software Pyro DeveloperTool enables more configuration
possibilities for advanced user. It offers simple settings and calibration
procedures, as well as basic logging features. Furthermore, additional advanced
settings offer full control of all features of the transmitter (see chapter 4).
Option C: The AquapHOx® Transmitter also features analog outputs (4-20mA or
0-5V). Configuration of the analog outputs, sample rate, as well as calibration of
the sensors can be performed using the software Pyro Workbench or Pyro
DeveloperTool. (see chapter 5).
Option D: The AquapHOx® Transmitter features a standard RS485 interface with
Modbus RTU protocol, supporting robust bus systems, supporting up to 247
devices at a single bus with several 100m cable lengths. This very popular
communication protocol allows easy integration of the AquapHOx® Transmitter
into third party systems (see chapter 6).

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2OVERVIEW
The front of the AquapHOx® Transmitter provides the port for connecting optical sensors
using the PyroScience SUB-connector, the fixed NTC temperature sensor for automatic
temperature compensation, and a mounting thread for calibration caps or protective
caps for deployment. The backside of the device provides the connector for power
supply, RS485-Modbus-communication, and 4 analog outputs (2x 0-5V, 2x 4-20mA).
The housing is dependent on the chosen device. APHOX-TX comes with a titanium
housing for deployments down to 4000m. APHOX-T-PH and APHOX-T-O2 come with a
POM housing capable for deployments down to 100m.
2.1 Optical Port
The AquapHOx® Transmitters are compatible with special PyroScience sensors for
underwater applications designated by the appendix ‘-SUB’ in the item number. Any of
these sensor heads can be connected to the SUB-connector (“optical port”) of the
AquapHOx® Transmitter. However, the shallow water versions APHOX-T-O2 and APHOX-
T-PH only support sensor heads for the analytes oxygen and pH, respectively. The deep-
sea version APHOX-TX supports oxygen as well as pH sensor heads. Note, all versions
support optical temperature sensor heads (not to mixed up with the fixed NTC
temperature sensor).
2.2 Temperature Sensor
Optical oxygen and pH sensors show generally a temperature dependency, which can be
automatically compensated by the device. For this purpose, the AquapHOx® Transmitter

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offers a high-precision, fast responding NTC temperature sensor. This sensor is fixed to
the housing, it cannot be removed.
2.3 Air Pressure Compensation
For APHOX devices, the Pyro Workbench offers two ways to compensate for deviating
ambient air pressure at the water surface. The ambient air pressure can either be
entered in hPa as fixed pressure (measured at the water surface), or in approx. meters
above sea level.
2.4 Included Accessories
1x USB configuration cable: allows easy calibration and setup with the powerful
Windows software packages Pyro Workbench or Pyro DeveloperTool. Not intended for
deployment during sampling.
1x Protection Cap: provides protection of the sensor ports during deployment or
transport.
2x Calibration Caps: used for calibration liquids during sensor calibration.
Calibration Capsules: used for preparation of calibration liquids.

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3OPTION A: OPERATING THE TRANSMITTER
WITH PYRO WORKBENCH
The AquapHOx® Transmitter can be operated with the user-friendly software Pyro
Workbench. This software offers comfortable settings and calibration wizards, as well as
advanced logging features. Several transmitters can be operated in parallel within a
single window.
System requirements: PC with Windows 7/8/10 and min. 1000 MB free disk space.
Do not connect the USB adapter cable to your PC before the software has been installed!
The software will automatically install the appropriate USB-drivers.
Installation steps:
•Download the Pyro Workbench from
https://www.pyroscience.com/en/downloads/underwater-devices
•Unzip and start the installer and follow the instructions.
•Connect the Transmitter to your PC with the included USB adapter cable.
•Start the Pyro Workbench software.
•Follow the handling instructions in chapter 7.
For more information on the software, please refer to the Pyro Workbench manual
available at https://www.pyroscience.com/en/downloads/underwater-devices .

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4OPTION B: OPERATING THE TRANSMITTER
WITH PYRO DEVELOPERTOOL
The software Pyro DeveloperTool offers simple settings and calibration procedures, as
well as basic logging features. Furthermore, additional advanced settings offer full
control over all features of the module.
System requirements: PC with Windows 7/8/10 and min. 1000 MB free disk space.
Do not connect the USB adapter cable to your PC before the software has been installed!
The software will automatically install the appropriate USB-drivers.
Installation steps:
•Download the Pyro DeveloperTool from
https://www.pyroscience.com/en/downloads/underwater-devices
•Unzip and start the installer and follow the instructions.
•Connect the Transmitter to your windows PC using the USB adapter cable.
•Start the Pyro DeveloperTool software.
•Follow the handling instructions in chapter 7.
For more information on the software, please refer to the Pyro DeveloperTool manual
available at https://www.pyroscience.com/en/downloads/underwater-devices .

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5OPTION C: READ-OUT USING THE ANALOG
OUTPUTS
The AquapHOx® Transmitter offers read-out using analog outputs. This can be realized
by adjusting the settings and performing sensor calibrations using the PyroScience
software Pyro Workbench or Pyro DeveloperTool.
Analog Output
2x 0-5V, 2x 4-20mA (16 bit each)
The configuration of the device must be done either with the software Pyro Workbench
or with Pyro DeveloperTool as described in the chapters 3 or 4. Please follow the
complete instructions given in these chapter.
The configuration window for adjusting the Analog Outputs appears automatically, when
you close the PyroScience software. There you can adjust which parameter should be
output at which analog output, and you can adjust the scaling. And you have to adjust
the so called “broadcast interval”, which represents the sample interval of the
measurements given at the analog outputs.
Alternatively in the case of the Pyro Workbench, you can open this configuration
window by clicking on the top menu bar: settings -> respective device -> Analog output/
broadcast mode.

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6OPTION D: RS485-MODBUS-INTERFACE
The RS485 interface of the module can be connected to a standard Modbus bus. Up to
247 devices can be connected to a single bus consisting of the 4 wires required by the
RS485 interface. The Modbus protocol is a popular industrial communication protocol
reckoned by its simplicity and robustness. Modbus libraries are available for virtually
any programming language. Numerous data logging systems support the Modbus
protocol.
Please refer to chapter 8.3 for the electrical specifications and the pin assignment of the
RS485-Modbus-interface.
6.1 Modbus RTU
An essential element of the Modbus protocol are slave addresses and registers. Every
Modbus device possesses a configurable slave address (range 1-247) and a certain set of
registers, which contain e.g., integer numbers. There exist read-write registers (e.g.,
temperature offset) and read-only registers (e.g. the result of a temperature
measurement). The Modbus RTU protocol provides commands, allowing a “master
device” (e.g., a PC) to read or write specific registers from a device with a specific slave
address.
The AquapHOx® Transmitter complies with the “BASIC Implementation Class” of Modbus
using the RTU mode. Details can be found in the official documentation “Modbus over
serial line specification and implementation guide” provided by the Modbus -
Organization, Inc. Please refer to the homepage: https://www.modbus.org/. Here you can
get all information e.g., how to read and write Modbus registers.
6.2 PyroScience Unified Protocol
All optical meters from PyroScience with firmware generation 4 (i.e., firmware version
>= 4.0, introduced in 2020) comply to the so called PyroScience Unified Protocol (PSUP).
All further details, especially the Modbus register map, can be found in the reference
manual PyroScience Unified Protocol available for download on the PyroScience website
here:
https://www.pyroscience.com/en/downloads/underwater-devices

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7HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS
This chapter provides general handling instructions, assuming that usage of a PyroScience
software (refer to 3 or 4).
For in-depth information especially on sensor settings and sensor calibration, please refer
to the respective Analyte Sensor Manual for oxygen, pH or optical temperature sensors
available at https://www.pyroscience.com/en/downloads/underwater-devices .
7.1 Connecting the Sensor Head
An index matching liquid
inside the connector
enhances the sensor
signals. Before connecting
a sensor, insert a syringe
needle to the bottom of
the connector and fill it
completely with deionized
water (NOT seawater).
Alternatively, and
mandatory for the optical
fiber with lens (item no.
SPFIB-LNS-SUB/SPFIB-
LNS-CL2-SUB) for read-out
of sensor spots, insert a
syringe needle to the
bottom of the connector
and fill with silicone oil.
The sensor is inserted and
secured with the cap nut.
Do not use a wrench. It is
sufficient to tighten the
nut by hand.

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7.2 Sensor Settings
Open the settings Window in Pyro Workbench or Pyro DeveloperTool. Enter the Sensor
Code of the connected sensor and adjust all further required settings as requested by
the respective software.
7.3 Calibration Setup
When using sensor caps, calibration can be performed by screwing
the included calibration caps onto the AquapHOx® device.
When using fiber-based sensors, please ensure that the temperature
sensor of the AquapHOx® has the same temperature as your
calibration solution.
7.4 Calibration of Oxygen Sensors
The sensor needs to be calibrated in air-saturated water or in air
with 100% relative humidity (upper calibration) and optionally in de-
oxygenated water (0% calibration).
1-point calibration
•For calibration in air saturated water, it is very important that the water is indeed
100% saturated with air. Fill an appropriate amount of demineralized water into a
flask. Stream air through the water with an air stone connected to an air pump
(available as commercial equipment for fish aquaria) for about 10 minutes.
•When using the calibration cap, it is possible to put wet paper tissues or a sponge
onto the bottom of the calibration cap and screw it on the AquapHOx® device to
perform a calibration at air with 100% relative humidity.
•Enter all required parameters in the software, and perform a sensor calibration.
2-point calibration
•For 0% calibration, use the 0% calibration capsules from PyroScience, giving 50mL
0% calibration standard (item no.: OXCAL).
•For calibration using the calibration cap, please dissolve 2 capsules in 100ml
deion. water (NOT seawater). Screw the calibration cap onto the device and
perform the 0% calibration.

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7.5 Calibration of pH Sensors
•A one-point calibration is obligatory to start measurements.
•A two-point calibration is highly recommended before every measurement.
•A pH offset-adjustment is recommended only for advanced applications, e.g.
measurements in complex media.
If the sensor was previously stored under dry conditions or used for the first time, wait
for at least 60 min to achieve wetting of the sensor membrane. This is the minimum
time. For higher accuracy, it is necessary to condition the sensor for several hours
(overnight) in e.g., seawater.
1-point calibration
•Screw the calibration cap onto the device (in case of using a PHCAP) and let the
sensor equilibrate (at least 15 min) in the stirred pH 2 buffer solution (freshly
prepared using item no. PHCAL2). For more information see the pH sensor
manual.
•Calibrate the pH sensor.
Important: The pH sensor must stay wet all the time between calibration and
measurement. For this purpose, you might keep the calibration cap attached to the device.
2-point calibration
•Perform the 1-point calibration as described above.
•Immerse the pH sensor and the temperature sensor into the stirred pH 11 buffer
solution (freshly prepared using item no. PHCAL11). For more information see the
pH sensor manual.
•Calibrate the pH sensor.
pH offset adjustment
The pH offset adjustment does NOT replace the required calibration steps as described
above. It offers an additional pH-offset adjustment using a buffer solution with exactly
known pH value. This can be used if a reference measurement (e.g., spectrophotometric
measurement) is available. The pH of this sample needs to be at the PK value of your
sensor (pH 7.5 –8.5 in case of a PK8 sensor). Please refer to the pH sensor manual for
more information.

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7.6 Calibration of Optical Temperature Sensors
All AquapHOx® devices are capable of using PyroScience optical temperature fiber
sensors. Calibration of these sensors can be performed by using the internal temperature
sensor.
•Click on Calibrate and follow the calibration instructions.
•Select the desired calibration against the integrated NTC Temperature Sensor or
against a Fixed Reference Temperature.
•Calibrate the optical temperature sensor.
Important: When using the integrated NTC temperature sensor for the reference
temperature, ensure that the connected optical temperature sensors is exposed to the
same temperature as the NTC temperature sensor.
7.7 Deployment
If you are using sensors caps (and not fiber-optic sensor heads): Before the actual
deployment, it is recommended to keep the sensor caps immersed in the calibration cap
filled with the respective calibration liquid. This is especially important for pH sensors in
order to keep them wet.
Close any software used for configuring and calibrating the device (e.g. Pyro Workbench,
Pyro DeveloperTool). Then disconnect the USB adapter cable.
Remove the calibration cap shortly before the deployment, and replace it with the
protective cap.
Now attach the connector to your setup, either via the RS485-Modbus-interface or via the
analog outputs.
Protection Cap

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8APPENDIX
8.1 Dimensions
8.2 Electrical Connector
The pin assignment of the Subconn
connector MCBH8M is as follows:
Subconn
Pin Nr.
Name
Subconn wire
color
Function
1
GND
black
Ground
2
RS485B
white
RS485 Data B
3
VCC
red
Supply voltage
4
U1
green
Analog voltage out 1 (0-5V)
5
RS485A
orange
RS485 Data A
6
U2
blue
Analog voltage out 2 (0-5V)
7
I1
white/black
Analog current out 1 (4-20mA)
8
I2
red/black
Analog current out 2 (4-20mA)

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8.3 Device Specifications
For sensor specifications and response times, please refer to the webpages of the
different sensor types.
Specifications
Item No.
APHOX-TX
APHOX-T-PH / APHOX-T-O2
Dimensions
63 x 300 mm
63 x 300 mm
Weight in air
1.31 kg
0.406 kg
Housing Material
Titanium
Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Max. hydrostatic pressure
400 bar (4000m)
10 bar (100m)
Supported analytes
pH, O2and optical
temperature
APHOX-T-PH: pH and optical
temperature
APHOX-T-O2: O2and optical
temperature
Optical sensor connector
PyroScience underwater connector (-SUB)
Optical sensor port
1
Compatible optical sensors
Portfolio of optical sensors with underwater connector
(-SUB) from PyroScience
External temperature sensor
Resolution
Accuracy
Typical response time
NTC thermistor for temperature compensation
0.005°C
0.05°C
0.5 s
Software
Pyro Workbench or Pyro DeveloperTool
Digital interface
RS485 (USB 2.0 adapter cable included)
Electrical Connector
Subconn MCBH8M
Power Supply
5-15VDC (only RS485 / USB)
10-15 VDC (Analog Outputs)
Analog Output
2x 0-5V, 2x 4-20mA (16 bit each)
Digital Protocols
Modbus RTU or PyroScience protocol (switchable)
Data storage
No internal data storage

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Max. sample rate
40 Hz (0.025 s interval)
Power consumption
max. 30mA (+ currents used by analog current outputs)
Operating / storage
temperature
-10 –60 °C Storage
0-50°C Operating
Oxygen sensors
Refer to the separately available specifications for the
connected oxygen sensor
pH sensors
Refer to the separately available specifications for the
connected pH sensor
Optical temperature sensors
Refer to the separately available specifications for the
connected optical temperature sensor
*Please note, that the optical sensors have a different temperature range

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8.4 Warnings & Safety Guidelines
In case of problems or damage, disconnect the device and mark it to prevent
any further use. Consult PyroScience for advice! There are no serviceable parts
inside the device. Please note that opening the housing will void the warranty.
Follow appropriate laws and guidelines for safety in the laboratory, like EEC
directives for protective labor legislation, national protective labor legislation,
safety regulations for accident prevention and safety data-sheets from
manufacturers of chemicals used during the measurements and of PyroScience
buffer capsules.
Handle the sensors with care especially after removal of the protective cap!
Prevent mechanical stress to the fragile sensing tip! Avoid strong bending of
the fiber cable! Prevent injuries with needle-type sensors!
The sensors are not intended for medical or military purposes or any other
safety-critical applications. They must not be used for applications in humans;
not for in vivo examination on humans, not for human-diagnostic or any
therapeutic purposes. The sensors must not be brought in direct contact with
foods intended for consumption by humans.
The device and the sensors must be used by qualified personnel only, following
the user instructions and the safety guidelines of the manual.
Handle the device with extreme care if there is any suspicion that it was
flooded during deployment. Internal pressure might have built up as a
consequence. Point the sensor side of the device away from people and
material assets at all times, and carefully loosen the Subcon connector to
relieve potential internal pressure before sending the instrument to
PyroScience for service.
Keep the sensors and the device out of reach of children!

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CONTACT
www.pyroscience.com
PyroScience GmbH
Hubertusstraße 35
52064 Aachen
Deutschland
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.pyroscience.com