Spectrum Field Scout EC 450 User manual

EC 450 Meter
Data Logger
PRODUCT MANUAL
Item # 2220WP

2
CONTENTS
This manual will familiarize you with the features and operation
of your new data logging EC 450 meter. Please read this manual
thoroughly before using your instrument. For customer support,
or to place an order, call Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
[phone] or [phone]
between 7:30 am and 5:30 p.m. CST,
FAX [phone],
e-mail: specmeters.com.
www.specmeters.com
Spectrum Technologies, Inc
3600 Thayer Court
Aurora, IL 60504
General Overview 3
Data Logger Operation 4
Identifying the Correct Com Port 6
Connecting to a PC 7
Logger Software 8
GPS Connection 10
Data Files 12
Specifications 13
Service and Support 14
Warranty 15

3
General Overview
Thank you for purchasing the data logging EC 450
meter from Spectrum Technologies, Inc. This us-
er’s guide deals with the features that are unique
to the data logging EC 450 meter. Information on
general meter operation is contained in the ac-
companying Instruction manual.
The integrated data logger allows the user to easi-
ly collect field data with the EC 450 meter. The
logger can be used with or without GPS/DGPS.
After a set of data has been collected, it is
transferred to a PC using the included software.
The data is in ASCII text file format and can be
exported into mapping software or popular
spreadsheet software for analysis.
NOTE: THIS BOOKLET CONTAINS INSTRUC-
TIONS ON OPERATING THE GPS-
COMPATIBLE DATALOGGER AND MAINTAIN-
ING THE EC PROBE. INFORMATION REGARD-
ING THE METER’S GENERAL OPERATION,
CALIBRATION PROCEDURE, AND DESCRIP-
TIONS OF ERROR MESSAGES ARE DETAILED
IN THE ACCOMPANYING MANUAL.

4
The data logger has two modes of operation: Com-
munication and Measurement. These modes are
indicated by the PRINT button at the
bottom of the keypad. When the but-
ton is flashing, the meter is in Com-
munication mode. When the button
glows steadily, the meter is in Meas-
urement mode.
Communication Mode
When the meter is turned on, it will be in Communi-
cation mode for approximately 10 seconds. While in
this mode, the PRINT button will flash. It is only in
this mode that a user can initiate a logger communi-
cation (download or reconfiguration). If communica-
tion between the logger and software is attempted
during this 10-second period, the logger will remain
in Communication mode indefinitely. The meter
must be turned off and then on to change to Meas-
urement mode (see following section).
Measurement Mode
Approximately 10 seconds after turning on the meter,
the PRINT button will glow steadily. This indicates
the logger is in Measurement mode. In this mode,
you can calibrate the meter and record data. When
you are finished collecting data, the meter must be
put into Communication mode by turning it off and
back on (see previous section). If you are collecting
data from several sites and need to turn off the meter
between data collection sessions, wait until the me-
ter transitions from Communication to Measure-
ment mode after turning the meter back on.
Data Logger Operation
PRINT button

5
Calibration
The procedure for calibrating the meter is given in
the accompanying meter instruction manual.
Taking and Data Logging Measurements
Note: Spectrum Technologies installs a GPS-
compatible data logger that is distinct from the data
logger built into the meter. The latter uses the SAVE
button to store values. These values are also re-
tained within the meter but cannot be downloaded
with FieldScout software. The GPS-compatible log-
ger is operated as follows:
When the probe is inserted in soil or water, the me-
ter’s LCD will immediately begin indicating the EC.
When this value stabilizes, the meter
locks on to that value and the LCD
will display READY in the lower left
portion of the screen. To capture this
value with the data logger, press the
ENTER/HOLD button followed by the
PRINT button. The PRINT button is
the illuminated button at the very bot-
tom of the keypad.
The PRINT button also indicates whether the data
logger is receiving the GPS signal. See GPS Con-
nection (p. 10) for more details.

6
Identifying the Correct
Com Port
Use FieldScout software
to identify the computer’s
Communications Port.
This is the port to which
the cable is connected
and can be identified by
using a paper clip.
1. Disconnect the serial
cable from the meter.
2. To bring up the Port Selection screen, click on the
Com Port button, select the com port to be tested and
click the Port Test button. Click the Test Port Now
button. If the message “Connection OK” is displayed,
another device (such as a modem) is probably connected
to that port. If the message “No Connection” is displayed,
this port may be the one connected to your serial cable
and you can proceed to the next step.
3. Place a paperclip on the end of the serial pin so that it
touches both the tip of the pin and the metal area
between the two black rings. Again click on the Test Port
Now button. If the message “Connection OK” now
appears, this is the com port connected to your serial
cable.
paper clip
or wire
NOTE: The meter does not short-circuit the serial pin.
Therefore, when the Test Port Now button is clicked
while the meter is connected, the “No Connection”
message will be displayed.

7
The EC 450 Meter software comes with a black PC inter-
face cable. This cable connects to the USB port of your
computer to the meter’s computer port. The port is locat-
ed at the base of the meter behind a rubber cover marked
OUTPUT. The meter’s configuration can be modified by
clicking on the Meter Settings button (see Meter Set-
tings, p. 8). The Com Port, Meter Type, Download,
Clear Memory and Meter Settings buttons are explained
in the Logger Software section (p. 8).
Connecting to a PC

8
Meter Type
The Field Scout software
supports all of Spectrum
Technologies’ portable
data logging meters. Be
sure to select the EC
110 Meter from the Se-
lect Meter Type screen
Meter Settings
Clicking on this button will bring up the Meter Set-
tings screen. This screen allows you to configure the
data logger. The Meter Name will be the title on the
first line of the downloaded files.
If the box below the logger name field is checked,
the logger will store GPS data only if it has been dif-
ferentially corrected. If the differential correction is
not found, only the EC reading will be stored in the
data file. It is recom-
mended that this box
be left unchecked. An
adjustment for the
time zone should be
entered in the last
box.
Logger Software

9
Download
After clicking the Download button, a progress bar
will confirm that data is being extracted from the log-
ger. When completed, the Save Data As box will ap-
pear. From here you can give the data file a descrip-
tive name and select a folder in which to save it. The
folder selection field on the right allows you to
browse to any folder in your system.
When the file has been saved, the software will give
you the option of immediately viewing the file. The
data file is stored as a comma-delimited text file and
may be viewed in any text editor or spreadsheet soft-
ware.
Clear Memory
Data is not automatically removed from the logger
memory after a download. The Clear Memory button
clears all data from the memory.

10
GPS Connection
Cable Connections
A GPS/DGPS cable (item # 2950CV5) is required to
connect the EC 450 meter to a GPS unit. his cable
has a 9-pin male connection and a stereo pin that
connects to the meter’s data port. You will also need
a cable that allows the GPS unit to connect to a 9-pin
male serial port. If this cable doesn’t come standard
with your GPS unit, it should be available from the
manufacturer. This cable is generally used to upload
information from a computer to the GPS unit. These
components should be connected as shown in the
figure below.
GPS Setting
Your GPS unit must be set for NMEA 0183 input/
output messages. If the meter has trouble receiving
the GPS signal, check that it has the following set-
tings:
Data bits: 8 Stop bits: 1
Baud rate: 4800 bps Parity: None
Timing: 1 second GGA data string
Spectrum
GPS/DGPS
Cable
SPAD
Meter GPS
Unit
GPS computer
interface cable
EC450
Meter