Thermo Scientific Orion Star A215 User manual

Thermo Scientific Orion Star A215
Benchtop pH/Conductivity Meter
Instruction Sheet
English
pH /
COND
Preparation
Power Source
1. Power adapter (included with meter)
a. Select the appropriate wall socket plug plate.
b Slide off the clear plastic cover from the plug plate.
c. Slide the plug plate into the groove on the back of the
power adapter.
d. Connect the power adapter to the meter and power outlet.
2. Batteries (sold seperately)
a. Select four AA alkaline batteries.
b. Confirm that the meter is powered off.
c. Remove the battery compartment cover – push down on
the battery compartment tab and lift the battery cover up.
d. Orientate the batteries as shown in the battery
compartment housing and insert batteries.
e. Replace the battery compartment cover.
Electrodes and Other Connections
1. Prepare the pH electrode, conductivity cell and any other
applicable electrodes according to the directions in the electrode
user guide.
2. Connect the appropriate items as labeled on the meter and as
shown in the figure to the right:
Electrode Arm
The electrode arm can be attached to either side of the
meter. Unpack the electrode arm and base. Choose the side
of the meter to attach the arm. Find a clean surface and turn
the meter over. Release the existing screw from the back
of the meter. Align the electrode arm base with the circles
at the bottom of the meter. The metal post on the electrode
arm base should be on the same side as the display. Take
the screw that was removed and use it to secure the
electrode arm base to the meter. Turn the meter over. Place
the hole at the base of the electrode arm onto the metal
post on the electrode arm base.
For additional information on meter setup and operation, refer to
the reference guide. The reference guide is on the included CD
and available at www.thermoscientific.com/water.
Push down on tab and lift the
battery cover
Orion Star A215 Benchtop
Ground
DO/RDO
Power Stirrer
ATC/CON
Ref.
USB
RS232
BNC

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Display Icon Description
Shown when the meter is running on AC power.
Shown when the meter has batteries installed.
Indicates data is being sent to a computer or printer.
Indicates data is being sent to the data log.
Shown when an alarm is set and the alarm value is reached.
Indicates the meter is set to be interfaced with a printer or computer via the RS232 port.
Indicates the meter is set to be interfaced with a printer or computer via the USB port.
Displays the time and date entered in the setup menu.
25.0˚C
ATC
Displays the current temperature based on the temperature probe reading or entered temperature value.
Shows the origin of the temperature as MAN (entered temperature) or ATC (temperature probe).
HOLD Shown when is pressed and the displayed measurement is frozen.
Indicates a calibration was successfully completed.
Indicates the pH electrode condition as good (two bars), fair (one bar) or bad (slash through it),
based on the last saved calibration and measurement stability.
M
100 Indicates a method is in use and the number of the method being used.
pH Indicates the type of measurement and determines the type of calibration that will be performed.
ready Specifies the stability of the electrode as stabilizing or ready.
Shown when the meter is in AUTO-READ mode. The icon will blink while the reading is
stabilizing and stop blinking when the reading is stable and the measurement is locked on the display.
7.000 pH Displays the measurement value based on the last saved calibration and current electrode reading.
Units are shown to the right of the value.
0.0mV Shows the raw millivolt reading of the electrode. pH mode only.
BUFFERS: 1.68, … Shows the buffer values used for the last saved calibration. pH mode only.
Cell Constant : 0.4750 Shows the cell constant in use from last saved calibration. Conductivity/TDS/Salinity/Resistivity
modes only.
Shows the operator assigned sample ID number.
Shows the operator assigned user ID number.
cal Displays the action that will be performed when f1 is pressed.
sample ID Displays the action that will be performed when f2 is pressed.
channel Displays the action that will be performed when f3 is pressed.
Display Information

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Keypad
1. Press to power the meter on. When the meter is on, press and quickly release to turn the
backlight on or off or press and hold for about three seconds to power the meter off.
2. Press to exit any meter function and return to the measurement mode.
3. The f1, f2, and f3 function keys perform a variety of meter operations. The menu-specific operation is
shown above each key. For example, press f1 in the measurement mode to start a calibration.
4. The , , or keys are used as navigation keys (up, right, down, left) when selecting from
a fixed list or grid of meter options. In the measurement mode, these keys are used to access the setup
menu, change the measurement mode, manually log or print a measurement and hold (freeze) a displayed
measurement.
5. Press to turn on or off the stirrer probe (Cat. No. 096019).
6. Press to access the calibration log and data log.
Press the f1, f2 and f3 function keys to perform the action shown above each key
on the display.
Press to turn the meter on.
When the meter is on, press and quickly release to turn the display backlight on or
off or hold down to turn the meter off.
In the measurement mode, press to take a measurement.
In the setup, calibration and other menus, press to escape the current menu and
return to the measurement mode.
In the measurement mode, press to enter the setup menu.
In the setup, calibration and other menus, press to scroll up through a list of options.
In the continuous measurement mode, press to freeze the displayed measurement and
press again to unfreeze the measurement.
In the setup, calibration and other menus, press to scroll left through a list of options.
In the single channel measurement modes, press to change the displayed measurement
mode. Options for channel 1 are pH, mV, RmV (relative mV), ORP and ISE. Options for
channel 2 are Cond (conductivity), TDS, Salinity and Res (resistivity).
In the setup, calibration and other menus, press to scroll right through a list of options.
In the measurement mode, press to log or print a measurement.
In the setup, calibration and other menus, press to scroll down through a list of options.
Press to view the data log and calibration log.
Press to start or stop the stirrer probe.
Keypad Display Information

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pH Calibration
One to five pH buffers can be used for calibration. Always use fresh pH buffers and select buffers that bracket
the sample pH and are one to four pH units apart. Prepare the pH electrode according to the instructions in the
electrode use guide. Connect the pH electrode and any other electrodes to be used (stirrer probe, ATC probe,
reference electrode) to the meter. Power on the meter and set the measurement mode to pH.
1. In the measurement mode, press f1 (cal). Press or to highlight pH-Channel and
press f2 (select).
2. Rinse the pH electrode and any other electrodes in use with distilled water, blot dry with a lint-free tissue
and place into the pH buffer.
3. When the electrode and buffer are ready, press f3 (start).
4. Wait for the pH value on the meter to stabilize and stop flashing and perform one of the following actions:
a. Press f2 (accept) to accept the displayed value.
b. Press f3 (edit) to access the numeric entry screen and edit the value.
i. Press , , or to highlight a number, decimal point or negative sign; press
f3 (enter) to select the highlighted item and repeat until the value at the measured temperature
is shown above the numeric entry screen.
ii. Press f2 (done) to exit the numeric entry screen.
iii. Press f2 (accept) to accept the entered value.
5. Press f2 (next) to proceed to the next buffer and repeat steps 2 through 4 or press f3 (cal done) to
save and end the calibration. If five buffers are used, the calibration will save and end once the fifth
value is accepted.
a. If a one point calibration is performed, press f2 (accept) to accept the displayed slope value or press
f3 (edit) to access the numeric entry screen, enter the slope value and press f2 (accept).
6. The meter will display the calibration summary including the average slope. Press f1 (meas) to export
the data to the calibration log or press f2 (print) to export the data to the calibration log and a printer or
computer. The meter will automatically proceed to the measurement mode.

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Conductivity Calibration
One to five conductivity standards can be used for calibration. Always use fresh standards and select standards
that are near the sample conductivity. Prepare the conductivity cell according to the instructions in the
conductivity cell use guide. Connect the conductivity cell and any other electrodes to be used (stirrer probe,
etc.) to the meter. Power on the meter and set the measurement mode to conductivity.
Note: For an automatic calibration, the nominal cell constant of the conductivity cell must be entered in the
setup menu before the calibration is performed and Thermo Scientific Orion 100 uS/cm, 1413 uS/cm and/or
12.9 mS/cm conductivity standards must be used.
Automatic and Direct Calibration
1. In the measurement mode, press f1 (cal). Press or to highlight Conductivity-Channel and
press f2 (select).
2. Rinse the conductivity cell and any other electrodes in use with distilled water, blot dry with a lint-free
tissue and place into the standard.
3. When the conductivity cell and standard are ready, press f3 (start).
4. Wait for the conductivity value on the meter to stabilize and stop flashing and perform one of the
following actions:
a. Press f2 (accept) to accept the displayed conductivity value.
b. Press
f3 (edit) to access the numeric entry screen and edit the conductivity standard value.
i. Press
, , or to highlight a number or decimal point, press f3 (enter) to select the
highlighted item and repeat until the standard value at the measured temperature is shown.
ii. Press
f2 (done) to exit the numeric entry screen.
iii. Press
f2 (accept) to accept the entered conductivity value.
5. Press f2 (next) to proceed to the next standard and repeat steps 2 through 4 or press f3 (cal done) to
save and end the calibration. If five standards are used, the calibration will save and end once the fifth
conductivity standard value is accepted.
6. The meter will display the calibration summary including the average calculated cell constant. Press
f1 (meas) to export the data to the calibration log or press f2 (print) to export the data to the calibration
log and a printer or computer. The meter will automatically proceed to the measurement mode.

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Measurement
The Orion Star A215 meter is capable of showing two measurements simultaneously on the display. The
first channel can be set to measure pH, mV, RmV (relative mV) or ORP. The second channel can be set to
measure Cond (conductivity), TDS, Salinity or Res (resistivity).
The meter can be set to display one or both of these measurement channels, depending on the operator’s
needs. In the measurement mode, press f3 (channel) to scroll through a single measurement display of
channel one or two or a dual measurement display of channel one and two. To change the measurement
mode of a channel, press f3 (channel) until the single measurement display of that channel is shown
and then press until the correct mode is shown.
Note: It is highly recommended that any unused channels not be shown on the meter display while
taking measurements, since the meter waits for all displayed channels to stabilize before logging the
measurement data.
Press while taking a measurement in the continuous measurement mode to freeze the display and
press a second time to unfreeze the display and continue the measurement. Press while taking
a measurement to manually export the measurement to the data log, if the data log is enabled in the
setup menu.
1. Rinse the pH electrode, conductivity cell and any other electrodes in use with distilled water, blot dry with
a lint-free tissue and place into the sample.
2. If the stirrer probe is in use, press to turn on the stirrer probe.
3. Start the measurement and wait for it to stabilize.
a. If the meter is in AUTO-READ mode (default setting), press to start the measurement. When
the icon stops flashing, record the applicable measurement parameters and temperature of the
sample. Press again to start a new measurement.
b. If the meter is in continuous mode, the meter will immediately start taking a measurement and
update the display whenever the measurement changes. Wait for the display to show ready and
record the applicable measurement parameters and temperature of the sample.
c. If the meter is in timed mode, the meter will log measurements at the preselected time interval,
regardless of the measurement stability. The meter will update the display whenever the
measurement changes, so the applicable measurement parameters and temperature of the sample
can be recorded when the display shows ready.
4. If the stirrer probe is in use, press to turn off the stirrer probe.
5. Remove the electrodes from the sample, rinse with distilled water, blot dry and place into the next sample.
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for all samples.
7. When all samples have been measured, store the electrodes according to their user guides.

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Setup Menu
Navigating the Setup Menu
1. In the measurement mode, press to enter the main setup menu.
2. Press , , or to scroll through the main setup menu options. Press f3 (select) to
select a main setup menu option.
3. Press or to scroll through setup submenu options. Press f3 (select) to select a setup
submenu option.
4. Perform the appropriate actions to set the desired parameter in the setup submenus.
a. To select a value from a list of options, press or to highlight the desired value and press
f3 (select) to set the value.
b. To enter a numeric value, use the numeric entry screen.
i. Select the value to be entered by pressing f3 (select) or f3 (edit). The numeric entry screen will
popup on the display.
ii. Press , , or to highlight a number, decimal place or negative sign; press
f3 (enter) to select the highlighted item and repeat until the desired value is shown on the top
of the numeric entry screen.
iii. Press f2 (done) to save the value and exit the numeric entry screen.
5. Press f1 (back) and then to return to the measurement mode at any time.

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Setup Menu Overview
pH Channel COND Channel Settings Log View Diagnostics
Method
Mode & Settings
tMeasure Mode
tRead Type
tResolution
tBuffer Group
tStability
tAveraging
tAlarm Settings
Temperature
tManual Temp Value
tTemperature Unit
tTemperature
Calibration
tTemperature Input
Method
Mode & Settings
tMeasure Mode
tRead Type
tCell K
tStability
tAveraging
tRef Temp
tTemp Comp.
tTemp Coeff
tAlarm Settings
Temperature
tManual Temp Value
tTemperature Unit
tTemperature
Calibration
tTemperature Input
tExport Data
tData Log
tDate / Time
tLanguage
tKey Press Beep
tAlarm Beep
tStirrer
tContrast
tAuto Shut Off
tUser ID
tSample ID
tData Log
tCalibration
Log
tMeter Self Test
tFactory Reset
tAbout Meter

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Read Type Selection
1. In the measurement mode, press .
2. Press , , or to highlight pH Channel or COND Channel and press f3 (select).
3. Press or to highlight Mode and Settings and press f3 (select).
4. Press or to highlight Read Type and press f3 (select).
5. Press or to highlight Auto, Continuous or Timed and press f3 (select).
a. If Timed is selected and the time interval needs to be changed – highlight Timed; press to highlight
hours (HH), minutes (MM) or seconds (SS); press f3 (edit) to access the numeric entry screen; use the
numeric entry screen to change the values and press f1 (back) when the time interval is correct.
6. Press to return to the measurement mode.
pH Buffer Group Selection
The selected buffer group allows for the automatic recognition of certain pH buffers during a pH calibration.
The USA buffer group includes pH 1.68, 4.01, 7.00, 10.01 and 12.46 buffers and the DIN buffer group includes
pH 1.68, 4.01, 6.86, and 9.18 buffers.
1. In the measurement mode, press
2. Press , , or to highlight pH Channel and press f3 (select).
3. Press or to highlight Mode and Settings and press f3 (select).
4. Press or to highlight Buffer Group and press f3 (select).
5. Press or keys to highlight USA or DIN and press f3 (select).
6. Press to return to the measurement mode.

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Conductivity Nominal Cell Constant Entry
The nominal cell constant value is used during an automatic conductivity calibration and allows the meter to
determine which Thermo Scientific Orion conductivity standard is being used for the calibration.
1. In the measurement mode, press .
2. Press or to highlight Mode and Settings and press f3 (select).
3. Press or to highlight Cell K and press f3 (select).
4. Press f3 (select) to access the numeric entry screen and enter the nominal cell constant of the conductivity cell.
a. Press , , or to highlight a number or decimal point, press f3 (enter) to
select the highlighted item and repeat until the nominal cell constant value is shown.
b. Press f2 (done) to exit the numeric entry screen.
5. Press f1 (back) and then press to return to the measurement mode.
Conductivity Reference Temperature Selection
The reference temperature is the temperature that all conductivity measurements will be reported at by the
meter if temperature compensation is enabled.
1. In the measurement mode, press .
2. Press or to highlight Mode and Settings and press f3 (select).
3. Press or to highlight Ref Temp. and press f3 (select).
4. Press or to highlight 5 °C, 10 °C. 15 °C, 20 °C or 25 °C and press f3 (select).
5. Press to return to the measurement mode.