Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 User manual

Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and
Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Reference Guide

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Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ..........................................................1
Chapter 2 Meter Overview ......................................................3
Connections.......................................................... 3
DisplayInformation ................................................... 4
KeypadInformation ................................................... 5
MeterMaintenance................................................... 5
Chapter 3 Meter Setup ..........................................................7
NavigatingtheSetupMenu ............................................ 7
SetupExamples...................................................... 10
AutomaticpHBufferRecognitionSelection............10
ReadTypeSelection..............................10
ReviewingpHCalibrationSlopeData .................10
Chapter 4 Calibration and Measurement .........................................11
pHCalibrationandMeasurement...................................... 11
pHCalibration...................................11
pHMeasurement ................................11
mVMeasurementandRmV&ORPCalibrationandMeasurement.......... 12
mVMeasurement................................12
RmVandORPCalibration..........................12
RmVandORPMeasurement.......................12
Temperature Measurement and Calibration ............................. 13
TemperatureMeasurement.........................13
TemperatureCalibration ...........................13
Chapter 5 Data Storage and Review .............................................15
Manual Datalog with Continuous Read Mode ........................... 15
Automatic Datalog with AUTO-READ™Mode............................ 15
ViewingtheDatafromtheLastCalibration ............................. 16
ViewingStoredReadings(theDataLog)................................ 16
Chapter 6 Customer Services ...................................................17
MeterErrorCodes.................................................... 17
TroubleshootingGuide................................................ 18
Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Warranty and Registration ............................................ 18
WEEECompliance ................................................... 18
Declaration of Conformity ............................................. 19
MeterSpecifications................................................. 20
OrderingInformation................................................. 21
Chapter 7 Appendix ...........................................................23
AutomaticpHBufferRecognitionFeature..............23
ElectrodeConditionIcon...........................23
Notes............................................................... 24

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1
Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Chapter 1 Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Orion Star A111 benchtop pH or Star A121 portable pH meter. These meters
are capable of measure pH, raw millivolts (mV), relative millivolts (Rmv), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and
temperature.
The Orion Star A111 benchtop pH meters are IP54-rated. The Orion Star A121 portable pH meters feature a
waterproof, IP67-rating.
Please read this reference guide thoroughly. Any use outside of these instructions may invalidate your warranty and
cause permanent damage to the meter.

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3
Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Chapter 2 Meter Overview
Connections
1. Power source:
a. Power adapter (included with Orion Star A111 benchtop pH meters, sold separately for Star A121
portable pH meters) – Select the appropriate wall socket plug. Slide off the clear plastic cover, and slide
on the plug plate into the groove on the back of the adapter.
b. Batteries (included with and factory installed on Star A121 portable meters, sold separately for Star
A111 benchtop meters) – Select four AA batteries. Confirm that the meter is off and remove the battery
compartment cover.
To remove the battery compartment cover:
i. Loosen the screws.
ii. Release the top portion of the battery compartment from the meter (using a coin
or your finger.)
iii. Release the bottom portion of the battery compartment (using a coin
or your finger).
Insert batteries as shown in the battery compartment housing.
2. Prepare the pH electrode according to
the electrode instructions.
3. Connect the appropriate items as
labeled on the meter and as shown in
figure 1.
Push down on tab and lift the
battery cover
Orion Star A111 Benchtop
Remove screws
Orion Star A121 Portable
Figure 1

4Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Display Information
Display Icon Description
MEAS Indicates that the meter is in the measurement mode.
SETUP Indicates that the meter is in setup mode.
CAL Indicates that the meter is the calibration mode.
MAN Shown when a manual calibration is being done and complete.
AUTO Shown when using automatic buffer calibration (default setting) and has been completed.
Shows the battery status (more bars = more power remaining).
Blinks when power is low and the battery needs to be changed.
Batteries included with and factory installed in the Orion Star A121 portable pH meter.)
Shown when the meter is running on AC power.
(Adapter included with the Orion Star A111 benchtop pH meter.)
Shown when the meter is on AUTO-READ mode. Default setting. AR and unit of measurement will blink until the
reading is stable. When the reading is stable it is held on the screen and AR is lit. Press to take a
new reading.
READY Unit of measurement will blink until the reading is stable. When the reading is stable, READY is lit.
2,4,7,9,10,12 Buffer points that have been calibrated are displayed as follows:
DisplayedBufferValue 24791012
Calibrated USA Buffer Value (at 25°C) 1.68 4.01 7.00 - 10.01 12.46
Calibrated DIN Buffer Value (at 25°C) 1.68 4.01 6.86 9.18 - -
Appears after a complete calibration.
Shows the electrode condition. If the icon has a slash through it, the electrode condition is bad. Consult the
electrode user guide.
Displayed when a reading is stored into the memory.
Displayed when viewing stored readings.
Secondary
display Shows temperature reading in measurement mode and setup menu in setup mode.
Primary display Larger, lower display shows measured value in selected mode.
Instructions Located below the primary display. These phrases aid in the setup menu and calibration modes.

5
Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Keypad Information
Meter Maintenance
For routine meter maintenance, dust and wipe the meter with a damp cloth. If necessary, warm water or a mild water-
based detergent can be used. Meter maintenance can be performed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, as required by
the environment in which the meter is operated. Immediately remove any spilled substance from the meter using the
proper cleaning procedure for the type of spill.
In the measurement screen: Press to take a measurement.
In the setup screen: Press to escape the setup menu.
In the calibration screen: Press to abort calibration.
Press to turn the meter on or off.
In the measurement screen:
Press to switch between modes.
In the setup screen:
Press to confirm the selection.
Press to enter the calibration mode. Press to enter the setup mode.
In the measurement screen:
Press to store the data on the screen in continuous
read mode and with data logging on.
In the setup screen:
Press to scroll up in the list of options.
In the measurement screen:
Press to see the stored data.
In the setup screen:
Press to scroll down in the list of options.

6Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
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7
Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Chapter 3 Meter Setup
Pressing will take you to the setup menu.
Navigating the Setup Menu
A complete chart showing the main setup levels and submenus is shown after these steps.
1. In the setup menu, press or until the desired main setup level is shown on the top line.
2. Press to enter into the submenu options.
3. For main setup options with more than one submenu:
1.0 Configuration
3.0 Temperature Settings
6.0 Calibration Data
a. Press or until the desired submenu is shown.
b. Press to enter into the submenu.
c. Press or until the desired option is shown.
d. Press to save your selection.
For main setup options with one submenu:
2.0 General Meter Setup
4.0 Read Type
5.0 Datalog Clear
7.0 Factory Reset
a. Press or until the desired option is shown.
b. Press to save your selection.
4. Press to exit the setup menu and return to measurement mode.

8Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Meter Setup
Setup
Menu
Level
Secondary
Display
Primary Display Description Information
Main 1.0 CONF Configuration Select measurement resolution and buffer set
Submenu RES 0.1, 0.01 Measurement
Resolution
0.01 is the default.
Submenu CAL AUTO, MAN To select AUTO or
MANUAL calibration
Note: If CAL AUTO is selected, then go to BUF submenu.
Submenu BUF USA, DIN Buffer Set for
Automatic pH Buffer
Recognition
USA buffers are: 1.68, 4.01, 7.00, 10.01 & 12.46. DIN
buffers are 1.68, 4.01, 6.86 & 9.18. USA buffers are the
default.
Main 2.0 GEN General Meter Setup Automatic meter shut-off
Submenu AUTO ON, OFF Automatic Meter
Shut-Off
To save battery life, the meter will turn off after 15
minutes without any key presses. On is the default
setting.
Main 3.0 TEMP Temperature Settings Select temperature units and the temperature used for
manual temperature compensation
Submenu UNIT DEGC, DEGF Temperature Unit The default setting is for temperature readout to be
displayed in °C.
Submenu DEGC or
DEGF
-5.0 to 105.0 Manual Temperature
Compensation Value
This value is used when there is no ATC probe
connected, and can be set with the meter’s temperature
ranges. The temperature unit for this value will match
the temperature unit already selected. The default
setting is 25.0°C.
Submenu READ AUTO, CONT AUTO is for AUTO-
READ. CONT is for
continuous read.
In AUTO-READ mode, the meter will display the
measurement as it stabilizes and lock and hold the
measurement when it is stable. Press to take a
new measurement.
In Continuous read mode, the meter will continuously
measure and update the display. The unit of measure will
flash. When the reading has been stable, “READY” will
stop flashing. The default setting is AUTO-READ.
Main 5.0 LOG Datalog Clear
Submenu DATA ON, OFF To enable data storage The default is off.
Submenu DEL NO, LAST, ALL Clears any stored
readings in the
datalog.
The default is no.
"NO" does not delete any readings.
"LAST" deletes only the last reading.
"ALL" deletes all of the logged data.
Main 6.0 CAL Calibration Data Allows for review and clearing of saved data.
Submenu SLP.1,
SLP.2,
SLP.A
80.0 to 120.0 Slope Information This is the slope data from the last calibration.
SLP.2 and SLP.A (average slope) will only show
if 3 points are calibrated.
Press and to scroll between them.

9
Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Meter Setup (continued)
Setup
Menu
Level
Secondary
Display
Primary Display Description Information
Submenu BUF.1,
BUF.2,
BUF.3
Varies according to
buffers used.
Calibrated pH Buffer
Values
Shows the buffer values used in the last calibration.
Press the and arrows to scroll between
them.
Note: It will only show the values used. For example,
if there was only one calibrated value, BUF.2 and
BUF.3 will not show.
Submenu CLR NO, YES Clears the
calibration data.
The default is no.
Main 7.0 RST Factory Reset
Submenu RST NO, YES Returns all meter
settings to the
factory defaults and
deletes all stored
data (calibration and
datalog).
The default is no. Before selecting yes, please make
sure any data that you would like to keep has been
recorded.

10 Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Setup Examples
Automatic pH Buffer Recognition Selection
1. In pH measurement mode, press .
2. Press twice.
3. Press to select automatic buffer recognition (AUTO) or manual calibration (MAN).
4. If automatic buffer recognition was chosen, press . Press to select USA or DIN buffer set
for automatic buffer recognition.
5. Press to save configuration and to return measurement mode.
Read Type Selection
1. In measurement mode, press .
2. Press in setup until “4.0” is shown on the top line and “READ” is shown on the lower line.
Press .
3. Press or to select the measurement mode:
CONT = Continuous
AUTO = AUTO-READ™
4. Press to save selection. Press the key to return to measurement mode.
Note: In AUTO-READ mode, the meter will display the measurement as it stabilizes and lock and hold the
measurement when it is stable. AR and unit of measure will blink until the reading is stable. When the
reading is stable it is held on the screen and AR is lit. Press to take a new measurement.
In Continuous read mode, the meter will continuously measure and update the display. The unit of
measure will flash. When the reading is stable, “READY” will appear. This read type is useful when
performing an experiment that requires continuous measurements to be taken, regardless of the
measurement stability.
Reviewing pH Calibration Slope Data
1. In pH measurement mode, press . Press five times so that "6.0" is on the top, secondary
display and "CAL" is on the larger, primary display.
2. Press to view slope. If a 3-point calibration was done, press to view the second slope
segment, and again to display the average slope (SLP.A).
3. Press to return to measurement mode.

11
Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Chapter 4 Calibration and Measurement
pH Calibration and Measurement
pH Calibration
1. Press to display pH for pH measurement mode.
2. Select fresh pH buffers. If calibrating more than one point (highly recommended), select pH buffers that bracket the
expected sample pH and are at least one pH unit apart.
3. Press . Rinse the electrode (and ATC probe, if separate) with distilled water, blot dry and place into the buffer.
4. Wait for “READY” to appear.
a. With automatic buffer recognition (default, AUTO CAL appears at the top of the display): to calibrate
additional points, repeat steps 3 and 4a.
b. With manual calibration (MAN CAL appears at the top of the display): press or to set value.
To calibrate additional points repeats steps 3 and 4b.
5. When finished, press to save and end calibration.
a. For one-point calibration, press or to edit the slope and press the enter key to save and
return to measurement mode.
b. For two- or three-point calibration, the slope will be displayed and the meter will automatically proceed
to measurement mode.
pH Measurement
1. Prepare the pH electrode according to the electrode instructions. Press to display pH for pH measurement mode.
2. Rinse the electrode (and ATC probe, if separate) with distilled water, blot dry and place into the sample.
3. If the meter is in AUTO-READ mode (meter default) press . If the meter is in continuous read mode, the meter
will immediately start taking readings. Record the pH and temperature of the sample when “READY” is displayed and
“pH” stops blinking.
Note: If in AUTO-READ mode and memory storage is enabled, the reading will automatically be stored when the “AR”
appears. If in continuous read mode and memory storage is enabled, press to store into the meter’s memory.
4. Remove the electrode (and ATC probe, if separate) from the sample, rinse with distilled water, and blot dry. To continue
taking measurements , place electrode (and ATC probe, if separate) into the next sample and repeat steps 3 and 4.
5. When finished measuring all samples, store electrode according to electrode instructions.

12 Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
mV Measurement and RmV & ORP Calibration and Measurement
mV Measurement
1. In the measurement mode, press to display mV.
2. Rinse the electrode (and ATC probe, if separate) with distilled water, blot dry and place into the sample.
3. If the meter is is AUTO-READ mode (meter default), press .
If the meter is in continuous read mode, the meter will immediately start taking readings.
Record the mV reading and temperature of the sample when “READY” is displayed and “mV” stops blinking.
Note: If in AUTO-READ mode and memory storage is enabled, the reading will automatically be stored when the
"AR" icon appears. If in continuous read mode and memory storage is enabled, press to store the reading
into the meter's memory.
4. Remove the electrode (and ATC probe, if separate) from the sample, rinse with distilled water, blot dry. To continue
taking measurements repeat steps 2 through 4.
5. When finished measuring all samples, store electrode according to electrode instructions.
RmV and ORP Calibration
1. In the measurement mode, press to display RmV.
2. When the electrode(s) are ready, press . Rinse the electrode (and ATC probe, if separate) with distilled water,
blot dry and place into the standard.
3. Wait for “READY” to stop flashing. Press or keys to set the value.
4. When finished, press to save and end calibration.
RmV and ORP Measurement
1. In the measurement mode, press to display RmV.
2. Rinse the electrode (and ATC probe, if separate) with distilled water, blot dry and place into the sample. If the meter
is is AUTO-READ mode (meter default), press . If the meter is in continuous read mode, the meter will
immediately start taking readings.
3. Record the RmV reading and temperature of the sample when “READY” is displayed and “RmV” stops.
Note: If in AUTO-READ mode and memory storage is enabled, the reading will automatically be stored when
the "AR" icon appears. If in continuous read mode and memory storage is enabled, press to store the reading
into the meter's memory.
3. Remove the electrode (and ATC probe, if separate) from the sample, rinse with distilled water, blot dry. To continue
taking measurements repeat steps 2 through 4.
4. When finished measuring all samples, store electrode according to electrode instructions.

13
Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Temperature Measurement and Calibration
Temperature Measurement
The meter ATC temperature display is automatically shown for at the top, secondary display on the meter. To read only
temperature and see the temperature on the primary, lower display, follow the instructions below.
1. In the measurement mode, press to display the temperature value on the primary display. (The temperature
value at the top of the meter will match that of the lower, larger display field.)
2. Rinse the ATC probe with distilled water, blot dry and place into the sample. If the meter is is AUTO-READ mode
(meter default), press . If the meter is in continuous read mode, the meter will immediately start taking
readings.
3. Record the temperature of the sample when “READY” stops .
Note: If in AUTO-READ mode and memory storage is enabled, the reading will automatically be stored when
the "AR" icon appears. If in continuous read mode and memory storage is enabled, press to store the reading into
the meter's memory.
4. Remove the ATC probe from the sample, rinse with distilled water, blot dry. To continue taking measurements repeat
steps 2 through 4.
5. When finished measuring all samples, store electrode according to electrode instructions.
Temperature Calibration
The meter ATC temperature display has a relative accuracy of ± 0.1 °C. ATC probes have varying temperature accuracies,
usually ± 0.5 °C to ± 2 °C. Use this function only if it is necessary to calibrate the temperature readings. Since the
temperature offset calculated during the calibration is applied to all future temperature measurements, recalibrate if a
different ATC probe is used.
1. In the , press to display the temperature reading.
2. When the ATC probe is ready, press Rinse the ATC probe and NIST-traceable thermometers with distilled water,
blot dry and place into a solution with a known, stable temperature. It is recommended that two NIST-traceable
thermometers be used to measure and verify the temperature of the solution.
3. Wait for the readings to stabilize (about 5 to 10 minutes) and “READY” to stop flashing. The meter will display the
original temperature read by the ATC probe. Press or keys to enter the temperature value read by the
thermometer.
Note: The calculated offset will be applied to all future temperature readings. To abort, press to end without
saving and return to the measurement mode.
4. When finished, press to save and end calibration.

14 Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
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15
Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Chapter 5 Data Storage and Review
Orion Star A111 benchtop pH and Star A121 portable pH meters have a 50 point datalog.
Manual Datalog with Continuous Read Mode
1. In measurement mode, press .
2. Press three times until “4.0” is shown on the top line and “READ” is shown on the lower line. Press .
3. Press or key to show “CONT” on the second line. Press to save selection.
4. Press to show “5.0” on the top line and “LOG” on the lower line. Press .
5. Press to show “ON” on the second line. Press to save selection.
6. Press to return to measurement mode.
7. In the measurement mode, press to store the reading into the meter’s memory.
Automatic Datalog with AUTO-READ™Mode
1. In measurement mode, press .
2. Press three times until “4.0” is shown on the top line and “READ” is shown on the lower line. Press .
3. Press or to show “AUTO” on the second line. Press to save selection.
4. Press to show “5.0” on the top line and “LOG” on the lower line. Press .
5. Press to show “ON” on the second line. Press to save selection.
6. Press to return to measurement mode. Each time the reading is locked onto the screen with the “AR” icon.
The reading will automatically be stored in the datalog.

16 Thermo Scientific Orion Star A111 Benchtop and Star A121 Portable pH Meters
Viewing the Data from the Last Calibration
1. In measurement mode, press .
2. Press until “6.0” is shown on the top, secondary display and "CAL" is shown on the larger, primary display.
a. To view the slope, press . SLP.1 will be on the top, secondary display. The slope percentage will
be on the larger, primary display. If a 3-point calibration was done, press to view the second slope
segment (SLP.2), and again to display the average slope (SLP.A).
b. To view the calibration points press and then, press or until BUF1, BUF2 or BUF3 is
shown at the top of the display. The corresponding buffer value will be shown in the lower, primary
display.
Note: It will only show the values used. For example, if there was only one calibrated value, BUF2 and
BUF3 will not show.
3. Press to exit the setup menu and return to measurement mode.
Viewing Stored Readings (the Data Log)
1. In measurement mode, press .
2. Press or to scroll through the memory points.
3. Press to review the reading stored at that point.