QIS SenseLine Plus F470 User manual

Operating Instructions
SenseLine Plus
pH / ORP/ Ion meter F470

SenseLine Plus pH 1
Contents
Contents
1. Introduction 3
2. Safety measures 3
3. Installation 5
3.1 Installing the batteries 5
3.2 Fitting the wrist strap 5
4. Operating the F470 pH meter 6
4.1 The display 6
4.2 Key controls 7
4.3 Operation with softkeys 8
4.4 Calibration 8
4.4.1 pH settings 8
4.4.2 Setting a customized buffer group 9
4.4.3 Setting ion concentration standards 9
4.4.4 Performing a calibration 9
4.5 Sample measurement 10
4.5.1 Performing a pH measurement 10
4.5.2 Performing a mV/rel. mV measurement 10
4.5.3 Performing an ion measurement 10
4.6 Menus for pH/mV/Rel. mV/Ion measurement 11
4.7 Handling your stored data 16
4.7.1 Menu structure 16
4.7.2 Infrared interface 16
4.8 Working in the routine mode 17
4.9 Error messages 17
5. Maintenance 18
5.1 Meter maintenance 18
5.2 Electrode maintenance 18
5.3 Disposal 19
6. Accessories 20
7. Specifications 21
8. Appendix 22
8.1 Buffer tables 22
8.2 Error Limits 23

SenseLine Plus pH2

SenseLine Plus pH 3
Introduction / Safety precautions
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this high quality QiS portable meter. SenseLine Plus is much more than just a
series of portable meters with an excellent price/performance ratio. It is an ingenious concept that includes
many exciting new features:
- IP67 rating: this applies to the instrument itself as well as to the sensors and the connections;
- optimum ease of use, making the operating instructions primarily a source of reference;
- excellent ergonomics, as if the instrument were part of you;
- option for regular equipment qualification, giving you full confidence that your measurement results are
always accurate;
2. Safety measures
Measures for your protection
- Never work in an environment subject to explosion hazards! The housing of the instrument is
not gas tight (explosion hazard due to spark formation, corrosion caused by the ingress of
gases).
- When using chemicals and solvents, comply with the instructions of the producer and the
general lab safety rules!
Measures for your operational safety
- Do not unscrew the two halves of the housing.
- Have the instrument serviced only by QiS Service!
- Dry off any liquids sprayed immediately! The instrument is not watertight.
- Exclude the following environmental influences:
- powerful vibrations,
- direct sunlight,
- atmospheric humidity greater than 80%,
- corrosive gas atmosphere,
- temperatures below 5 °C and above 40 °C,
- powerful electric or magnetic fields!

SenseLine Plus pH4
Installation
a BNC socket for mV/pH signal input
b Cinch socket for temperature signal input
cSlots for attaching the wrist strap
d Fixing points
e Infrared (IrDA) window
f Display
g Battery cover
h Rubber key pad
i Bottom cap
k Rubber feet fixing points

SenseLine Plus pH 5
Installation
3. Installation
Carefully unpack the meter. Keep the calibration certificate in a safe place.
3.1 Installing the batteries
1. Push the button on the Battery cover in the direction of the arrow, hold the lid with two fingers and
remove it;
2. Insert the batteries in the battery compartment, as shown;
3. Replace the Battery cover, and push back the button to fix the lid in place.
Note
The IP67 rating requires the battery compartment to be perfectly sealed. The sealing ring around the Battery
cover must be replaced if it is damaged in any way (SenseLine Sealing Kit, QA8110X).
3.2 Fitting the wrist strap
Fit the wrist strap as shown in the diagram.

SenseLine Plus pH6
4. Operating the F470 pH meter
4.1 The display
1 Battery status shows the condition of the batteries – fully charged, half-charged or fully discharged.
(To replace batteries see Section 3.1)
2Auto-off override, in default operation, the meter switches itself off after 15 minutes to prolong battery
life. After switching off/on the auto-off is active again
3IrDA infrared interface for data transfer to printer or PC (See Section 4.7)
4GLP print-out is acitvated (See end of Section 4.6)
5Data Logging, timed interval reading is active, data is transferred to memory at a user-defined interval
6Backlighting, meter switches on backlighting when any key is pressed
7Electrode condition (for electrode maintenance, see Section 5.2)
Slope: 80-125% Slope: 70-80% Slope: 60-70%
Offset: ±(0-15) mV Offset: ±(15-35) mV Offset: ±(>35) mV
Electrode is in Electrode needs Electrode is faulty
good condition cleaning
The frame blinks when the calibration reminder is on and a calibration is due.
8pH/mV/concentration reading
9Temperature
10 Dot matrix area
Operation

SenseLine Plus pH 7
Operation
4.2 Key controls
Press and release Press and hold for 2 seconds
- Meter on/off - Switch on/off auto-off override (switch-
es off the meter after 15 minutes)
- Start or endpoint measurement
- Back to measurement mode
(ignore the input)
- Start calibration
- Switch between pH, mV, rel. mV and
ion concentration modes
- Backlighting: on/off (when backlighting
is on, the meter switches on back-
lighting at the stroke of any key for a
user defined period of 10, 15 or 30
seconds.)
Softkeys
Measure

SenseLine Plus pH8
4.3 Operation with softkeys
The SenseLine Plus F470 pH meter has three softkeys. The functions assigned to them change during opera-
tion depending on the application. The assignment is shown on the bottom line of the screen.
Example: In the a measurement screen, the three softkeys are assigned as follows:
Menu Store Data
Activate menu setting Store an endpointed Activate “Data” menu
measurement
The other soft key functions are as follows:
gMove one digit to the right + Increase value by one
Enter Enter the highlighted menu Exit One level up in the menu tree
Accept the entered value
Select Select the highlighted function i Scroll through the menu
Edit Change the settings Back One step back in the procedure
End Store and quit menu Next One step forward in the procedure
Save Save the calibration data Tran s Transfer data to printer or PC
Delete Delete the selected data Yes Confirm deletion
4.4 Calibration
The SenseLine Plus F470 pH/ORP/ION Meter allows you to perform calibrations with up to five points.
4.4.1 pH settings
If you select your calibration buffer group from one of the six predefined buffer groups in the meter, the buffers
are automatically recognized and displayed during calibration (auto buffer recognition).
The six predefined buffer groups are:
11.68 4.00 7.00 10.01 (at 25 °C)
22.00 4.01 7.00 9.21 11.00 (at 25 °C)
32.00 4.00 7.00 9.00 12.00 (at 20 °C)
41.679 4.008 6.865 9.180 (at 25 °C)
51.679 4.006 6.865 9.180 12.454 (a t 25 °C)
61.09 4.65 6.79 9.23 12.75 (at 25 °C)
Tables (B1...B6) for automatic temperature compensation are programmed in the meter for each buffer (see
also Appendix).
You can also follow the buffer setting procedure described below to define your own buffer group , but in this
case auto buffer recognition does not work during calibration.
Operation / Calibration

SenseLine Plus pH 9
4.4.2 Setting a customized buffer group
- In the pH menu enter “4. Set Cal”, enter “1. Buffer” and select “7. Customized”.
- Edit the temperature of the pH buffers.
- Press Enter to save the value.
- Enter the pH value of your first buffer. Press Enter to save the value.
- Press Next to enter the next buffer, press Back to re-enter the current buffer value or press End to finish
setting.
- After you have made the settings, the temperature and buffers entered are shown on the display. Quit
the menu and start the calibration.
4.4.3 Setting ion concentration standards
SenseLine Plus F470 pH/ORP/ION Meter allows you to calibrate using one of the following concentration
units:
1. m mo l / L
2. mol/L
3. ppm
4. mg/L
5. %
- In the ion menu enter “4. Set Cal”, enter “1. Standard” and press Edit to start setting.
- Select the concentration unit in which you have prepared the standards.
- Enter the temperature of the standards.
- Press Enter to save the value.
- Enter the concentration of the standards.
- Press Enter to save the value
- Press Next to enter the next standard, press Back to re-enter the current standard or press End to finish
setting.
- After you have made the settings, the temperature and buffers entered are shown on the display. Quit
the menu and start the calibration.
4.4.4 Performing a calibration
- Place the electrode in a calibration buffer and press Cal.
- The meter endpoints according to the preselected endpoint format or after pressing Measure.
- Rinse the electrode with deionized water.
- Place the electrode in the second calibration buffer and press Cal.
- Repeat the procedure for all of your calibration buffers.
- End the calibration by pressing the End softkey. The calibration data is shown on the display.
- To use the calibration data for later measurements, press Save. To discard the calibration data, press
Cancel.
Calibration

SenseLine Plus pH10
Note
- To ensure accurate pH or ion concentration readings, you should perform a calibration regularly.
- We recommend the use of a temperature sensor or an electrode with a built-in temperature probe.
- For ion measurements, or some cases in pH measurements, you can use the MTC mode. You should
then keep all buffers or standard solutions and sample solutions at the same set temperature.
4.5 Sample measurement
4.5.1 Performing a pH measurement
Place the electrode in the sample and press Measure to start the measurement: the decimal point blinks.
The display shows the pH of the sample. The automatic endpoint Ais the default setting of the meter.
Select the automatic, manual or timed endpointing method in the menu under “2. Set meas.” in “1. EP
Format”.
To manually endpoint a measurement press Measure, the display freezes and appears.
If the timed endpointing method is selected, the display freezes automatically after the set time has elapsed
and appears.
Note
For stability criterion of automatic endpoint algorithm (A) see Section 4.6.
4.5.2 Performing a mV/rel. mV measurement
To change to mV mode press Mode repeatedly until the mV or rel. mV unit is shown.
To perform a mV measurement, follow the same procedure as for pH measurement.
4.5.3 Performing an ion measurement
To change to ion measurement mode press Mode repeatedly until the preset unit for ion measurement is
shown.
To perform an ion measurement, follow the same procedure as for pH measurement.
Calibration / Sample measurement

SenseLine Plus pH 11
Menus
4.6 Menus for pH/mV/Rel. mV/Ion measurement
The SenseLine Plus F470 pH meter allows you to perform four different types of measurement: pH, mV, Rel.
mV and Ion. To switch to the measurement mode required, press Mode.
Menu structure
pH mV Rel. mV Ion
1. Set temp. 1. Set temp. 1. Set temp. 1. Set temp.
1. MTC temp. 1. MTC temp 1. MTC temp 1. MTC temp
2. Temp. unit 2. Temp. unit 2. Temp. unit 2. Temp. unit
1. °C 1. °C 1. °C 1. °C
2. °F 1. °F 1. °F 1. °F
2. Set. meas. 2. Set. meas. 2. Set. meas. 2. Set. meas.
1. EP form a t 1. EP form a t 1. EP form a t 1. EP form a t
1. Au t o 1. Au t o 1. Au t o 1. Au t o
2. Manual 2. Manual 2. Manual 2. Manual
3. Timed 3. Timed 3. Timed 3. Timed
2. Resolution 2. Resolution 2. Resolution 2. Ion type
1. X.X 1. X 1. X 1. Na +
2. X.XX 2. X.X 2. X.X 2. K+
3. X.XXX 3. R. mV offset 3. NO3-
4.Cl
-
5.F
-
6.NH4
+
7.Ion
+
8.Ion
-
9.Ion2
+
10.Ion2
-
3. Sensor ID 3. Sensor ID 3. Sensor ID 3. Sensor ID
4. Set cal. 4. Set cal.
1. Bu f fer 1. S ta nd ard
1. MT U S
2. MT Europe
3. Merck
4. JIS Z 8802
5. DIN / NIST
6. DIN 19267
7. C u s t o m i z e d
2. Cal. Remind 2. Cal. Remind
1. O f f 1. O f f
2. On 2. On
3. Cal. Mode 3. Cal. Mode
1. Segment 1. Segment
2. Linear 2. Linear
5. Data log 4. Data log 4. Data log 5. Data log
1. Au t o save 1. A u to save 1. Au to save 1. Au to save
1. Of f 1. Of f 1. Of f 1. Of f
2. On 2. On 2. On 2. On
2. T- int. read 2. T- int. read 2. T- int. read 2. T- int. read
1. Of f 1. Of f 1. Of f 1. Of f
2. On 2. On 2. On 2. On

SenseLine Plus pH12
6. Data output 5. Data output 5. Data output 6. Data output
1. To printer 1. To printer 1. To printer 1. To printer
2. To PC 2. To PC 2. To PC 2. To PC
7. GLP 6. GLP 6. GLP 7. GLP
1. On 1. O n 1. On 1. O n
2. Off 2. Off 2. Off 2. Off
8. System 7. System 7. System 8. System
1. Time 1. Time 1. Time 1. Time
2. Date 2. Date 2. Date 2. Date
3. Light off 3. Light off 3. Light off 3. Light off
4. Self test 4. Self test 4. Self test 4. Self test
Set temp.
Set MTC temperature
If the meter does not detect a temperature probe, it automatically switches to the manual temperature com-
pensation mode and MTC appears. In this case the temperature of the sample has to be entered in the Set
MTC menu (-30 °C to 130 °C). The meter calculates the temperature-adjusted electrode slope using this
temperature and shows the temperature-compensated value in the measurement display.
Note
For better accuracy, we recommend the use of either a built-in or a separate temperature probe. If a tempera-
ture probe is used, ATC and the sample temperature are displayed.
Set meas.
EP format
With this menu you can choose between one of three different types of endpoint formats:
“Auto”
Automatic endpoint is a special algorithm that determines the end of an individual reading, depending
on the behavior of the sensor used.
Stability criterion for resolution of 0.1 pH units
The signal of the sensor input must not change by more than 0.6 mV in 4 seconds.
Stability criterion for resolution of 0.01 pH units
The signal of the sensor input must not change by more than 0.1 mV in 6 seconds.
Stability criterion for resolution of 0.001 pH units and ion measurement
The signal of the sensor input must not change by more than 0.03 mV in 6 seconds.
Stability criterion for resolution of 1 mV, rel. mV units
The signal of the sensor input must not change by more than 0.5 mV in 4 seconds.
Stability criterion for resolution of 0.1 mV, rel. mV units
The signal of the sensor input must not change by more than 0.05 mV in 4 seconds.
“Manual”
Manual endpoint means the meter never endpoints the reading unless the user manually presses
Measure.
“Timed”
With the timed endpoint , the reading is ended automatically when the set time period has elapsed.
Menus

SenseLine Plus pH 13
Note
Every measurement can be endpointed manually by pressing Measure. The meter then displays .
The table below shows how the endpoint format is displayed in the course of the measurement.
Preselected format Start of measurement Signal stability Endpointed measure-
ment 1)
Auto endpoint
Measure
Manual endpoint Measure
Measure
Timed endpoint
Measure
1) The endpoint format actually used (last column) and not that preselected is stored with the data.
Sensor ID
You can set an 8-digit, numerical sensor ID. In the GLP mode, the sensor ID will be assigned to each calibra-
tion and measurement value. This allows you to trace back data.
Set cal.
Buffer
In pH mode you can choose one of 6 different predefined buffer groups. You can also define your own buffer
group (up to 5 buffers).
In the ion mode, you can define temperature, units and concentrations for up to 5 ion standards. For more
details, see Section 4.4.
Note
When using a user-defined buffer group in the calibration, the screen will display the buffer value you set.
Make sure that you use the correct buffer. You should also keep the buffer temperature at the set value. When
using a temperature probe, if the temperature measured differs by more than 0.5 °C from the set value, an
error message is shown.
Calibration Reminder
If you choose calibration reminder “ON”, you are reminded to perform a new calibration after a certain user
defined interval (maximum 9999 h) has elapsed. In this case blinks.
Calibration mode
If high pH accuracy is required, the segment method is recommended. The calibration curve is made up of
linear segments joining the individual calibration points.
With the linear method, the calibration curve is determined using linear regression. This method is recom-
mended for samples with widely varying pH values.
Menus

SenseLine Plus pH14
Data log
The F470 is designed to store up to 200 sets of measurement data in the memory.
Auto Save
“Auto Save” logs automatically every endpointed reading , and to the memory.
If “Auto Save” is set to Off, the Store softkey appears in the measuring screen. You can then manually store
endpointed data by pressing this softkey.
T-int. read (Timed-interval reading)
With timed-interval reading, a reading is stored to memory every time after a certain interval (3 – 9999 s)
defined in the menu has elapsed. You may stop the reading by pressing Measure. When timed-interval
reading is “on”, DL is shown on the display.
For readings lasting longer than 15 minutes, switch off the auto-off function by pressing and holding down
for two seconds.
When working in the timed-interval reading mode, you can define the length of the measurement period by
selecting the appropriate endpoint mode ( , and ) in the menu “2. Set. meas.” under the item “1. EP
format”.
Data output
Data stored in the instrument’s memory can be transferred to the QiS printer or PC via the infrared inter-
face.
GLP
You can choose between two different data formats when outputting the data from memory: GLP ON or
GLP OFF:
Examples
GLP format
GLP On
Date 01-JAN-07 / JAN-01-07
Time 09:31:03
Sample_ID 040914
Result pH 6.986
mV 5.3 mV
Temperature 25.3 °C
ATC/MTC ATC
Endpoint Auto
Sensor_ID 04091401
Last_cal. 09-13-06
Signature ________
Non-GLP format
GLP Off
Result pH 6.986
Temperature 25.3 °C
ATC/MTC ATC
Endpoint Auto
Menus

SenseLine Plus pH 15
System
Light off
You can define the time (10 s, 15 s, 30 s) after which backlighting automatically switches off.
Note
The light function can be turned on/off by pressing and holding down .
Self test
This menu item starts the self-diagnosis routine. The meter displays t he full screen first, then each icon blinks
one after the other. This allows you to check whether all the icons are correctly diplayed. The final step is to
check that the function keys are working properly. This requires user interaction.
You are now requested to press the seven function keys on the keypad one by one in any order. Each time
you press a key, an icon disappears from the display. Continue to press the other keys until all the icons
have disappeared.
When self-diagnosis has been successfully completed, the meter returns to the system menu. If error mes-
sages appear, contact QiS Service.
Note
You have to finish pressing all the seven keys within two minutes, otherwise “Self test failed!” appears, and
you will have to repeat the procedure.
Menus

SenseLine Plus pH16
4.7 Handling your stored data
4.7.1 Menu structure
To access the memory, press the Data softkey.
1. Meas. Data (Enter measurement database)
1. Review (Review data)
2. Transfer (Transfer data)
1. Partial (Set parameter to transfer part of data from memory)
2. All (Transfer all data from memory)
3. Delete (Delete data)
1. Partial (Set parameter to delete part of data from memory)
2. All (Delete all data from memory)
2. Cal. Data (Enter calibration database)
1. pH
1. Current (Review/transfer current calibration data)
2. 5 latest (Review/transfer 5 latest calibration data)
2. Ion
1. Current (Review/transfer current calibration data)
2. 5 latest (Review/transfer 5 latest calibration data)
4.7.2 Infrared interface
With SenseLine Plus it is possible to transfer either all data or a user defined set of data from the memory to
a QiS printer or to a PC. The data is transferred via the IR interface on the left side of the meter.
The following descrpitions describes how to proceed with the different configurations:
- Data transfer from SenseLine Plus to a printer is done using an IR-RS232 adapter (QA8580X). To
prepare for data transfer connect the RS232 plug to the corresponding interface on the backside of the
printer. Point the instrument‘s IR window toward the IR receiver on the other end of the adapter cable.
Start data transfer in the data menu.
- For data transfer from SenseLine Plus to a PC, there are two different possibilities:
- direct transfer via an IrDA interface on your PC
- transfer via IR-RS232 adapter (QA8580X)
Open Hyperterminal or BalanceLink. Adjust the settings for data transfer as follows:
Baud rate: 1200 IR-USB / 9600 IR-RS232
Data bits: 8
Parity: none
Stop bits: 1
Handshake: none
Connect the adapter to the PC and/or point the IR window of the meter to the IR receiver. Start the data transfer
by selecting the transfer item in the data menu.
Handling your stored data

SenseLine Plus pH 17
4.8 Working in the routine mode
The SenseLine Plus meter has two working modes:
Expert mode The default setting enables all functions of the meter
Routine mode All system and calibration settings are fixed according to what was defined in the
expert mode.
In the routine mode the meter only allows the following functions:
- Calibrating and measuring
- Editing the MTC temperature
- Storing, viewing and printing data
Activation of the routine mode
To change to the routine mode, switch off the meter. Press Measure, Mode and the right softkey simultane-
ously. The meter now allows you to select the working mode.
Select “1. Routine” and confirm by pressing Select. The meter switches itself off automatically. Switch on
the meter by pressing On/Off. From now on you can work safely without the risk of unintentionally changing
settings or deleting data.
Activation of expert mode
To enable all functions, switch off the meter and press Measure, Mode and the right softkey simultane-
ously.
Select “2. Expert” and confirm by pressing Select. The meter switches itself off automatically.
Switch on the meter by pressing On/Off. You now have access to all menu functions again.
Note
The concept of the two working modes is a GLP feature that ensures that important settings or stored data
cannot be unintentionally changed under routine working conditions.
4.9 Error messages
Self test failed! Repeat the self-diagnosis procedure and make
sure that you finish pressing all seven keys within
two minutes. If “Self test failed!” still appears, call
QiS Service.
Meas. out of range! Measured value out of
range
Make sure the electrode wetting cap has been
removed and that the electrode is properly con-
nected and placed in the sample solution.
If no electrode is connected, put the shorting clip
in the socket.
Full! Data memory is full Go to “Data” to delete data, otherwise you will not
be able to store new measurement data.
Invalid value! The value you entered is
invalid
Reenter a value.
Offset out of range! Make sure you have the correct buffer and that it
is fresh.
Clean or replace the electrode.
Routine mode / Error messages

SenseLine Plus pH18
Slope out of range! Make sure you have the correct buffer and that it
is fresh.
Clean or replace the electrode.
Wrong buffer! Meter cannot recognize the
buffer or standard
Make sure you have the correct buffer and that it
is fresh.
Make sure that the buffer has not been used more
than once during the calibration.
T differs from setting! ATC measured temperature
differs by more than 0.5 °C
from the user-defined value
Keep the buffer or sample at the set temperature
or change the temperature setting.
Temp. out of range! ATC measured temperature
is out of pH calibration
buffer range: 5 ºC…50 ºC
Keep the buffer temperature within the range.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Meter maintenance
Never unscrew the two halves of the housing.
The SenseLine Plus series instruments do not require any maintenance other than an occasional wipe with
a damp cloth and the replacement of dead batteries.
The housing is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/polycarbonate (ABS/PC). This material is attacked
by some organic solvents, such as toluene, xylene and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Any spillage should be
immediately wiped off.
5.2 Electrode maintenance
Make sure the electrode is always stored in an appropriate storage solution.
For maximum accuracy, any filling solution that may have “crept” and encrusted the outside of the electrode
should be removed with deionized water.
Always store the electrode according to the manufacturer’s instructions and do not allow it to dry out.
If the electrode slope falls rapidly, or if the response becomes sluggish, the following procedures may help.
Try one of the following, depending on your sample.
1. For fat or oil build-up, degrease the membrane with cotton wool soaked in either acetone or a soap
solution.
2. If the sensor membrane has dried out, soak the tip of the electrode in 0.1 M HCl overnight.
3. If protein build-up has occurred in the diaphragm, remove deposits by soaking the electrode in an HCl
/pepsin solution (QS941X).
4. If silver sulfide contamination has occurred, remove the deposits by soaking the electrode in a solution
of thiourea (QS901X).
After treatment a new calibration should be performed.
Note
Cleaning and filling solutions should be handled with the same care as that given to toxic or corrosive
substances.
Error messages / Maintenace

SenseLine Plus pH 19
5.3 Disposal
In conformance with the European Directive 2002/96/ EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) this device may not be disposed of in domestic waste. This also applies to
countries outside the EU, per their specific requirements.
Please dispose of this product in accordance with local regulations at the collecting point specified
for electrical and electronic equipment.
If you have any questions, please contact the responsible authority or the distributor from which you pur-
chased this device.
Should this device be passed on to other parties (for private or professional use), the content of this regula-
tion must also be related.
Thank you for your contribution to environmental protection.
Maintenace