Thermo Scientific Elite PCTS User manual

Elite PCTS Tester Operating Instructions
68X001281 Rev.0 June, 2017

To Insert battery plate,
align the small taps into
the guide ribs on the
housing
To lock the battery plate,
press down and slide in To Release the battery plate,
Push away this tap.
Battery Plate Unlock position Battery Plate locking position
To Insert battery plate,
align the small taps into
the guide ribs on the
housing
To lock the battery plate,
press down and slide in To Release the battery plate,
Push away this tap.
Battery Plate Unlock position Battery Plate locking position
To Insert battery plate,
align the small taps into
the guide ribs on the
housing
To lock the battery plate,
press down and slide in To Release the battery plate,
Push away this tap.
Battery Plate Unlock position Battery Plate locking position
Figure 1: Removing Battery
cover
Figure 2: Push to unlock Figure 3: Align tabs Figure 4: Push down to lock
Figure 5: Battery plate unlock position Figure 6: Battery plate lock position
To Insert battery plate,
align the small taps into
the guide ribs on the
housing
To lock the battery plate,
press down and slide in To Release the battery plate,
Push away this tap.
Battery Plate Unlock position Battery Plate locking position
To Insert battery plate,
align the small taps into
the guide ribs on the
housing
To lock the battery plate,
press down and slide in To Release the battery plate,
Push away this tap.
Battery Plate Unlock position Battery Plate locking position
2 Elite PCTS Tester Operating Instructions
This instruction manual is applicable for Elite PCTS Tester.
Replacing the Batteries
The Elite PCTS tester uses four AAA 1.5 V batteries.
1. To remove the battery cover, See Figure 1. Clear the front catch and then the back
catch, before sliding the cover off.
2. To remove the battery plate, push the center tab towards the front of the tester as
show in Figure 2. Once unlocked, remove the plate to access the batteries.
3. Invert the tester upside down to remove the batteries. Each side uses two
AAA batteries. Orient each battery with positive terminal facing downward.
4. To lock the battery plate, align the small taps into the guide ribs
on the housing and then press down. See Figure 4.
Getting Started
The Elite PCTS tester has been factory calibrated and usually works well out of the box. However, after extended
periods of non-use, it is best to remove the sensor cap and soak the sensor in warm tap water for 10 minutes or so.
Prior to taking the measurements, periodic calibration with certied standards is recommended for best accuracy.
Measurement Parameter Setting
1. Press to power the tester on.
2. Press to enter setup window. Press to select Measure. The display shows pH, Cond, TDS and Salinity.
3. Scroll down by pressing to toggle between pH, Cond, TDS and Salinity. Press to select pH.
4. The display shows the selected measure with a .
Settings
Temp Set
Reset
Key Info
Scroll
Accept
EXIT
Cond
TDS
Salinity
pH
Measure pH

3
Elite PCTS Tester Operating Instructions
pH Buffer Set Selection
Elite PCTS tester features USA (pH 4.01, pH 7.00 and pH 10.01) or NIST (pH 4.01, pH 6.86, and pH 9.18) stand-
ards. Select either one to suit your requirements.
1. Press to enter setup window. Press to select Settings. The display shows Buffer, TDS Factor and
Backlight.
2. Press to select Buffer. The display shows USA and NIST.
3. Press to select USA or scroll down by pressing to toggle between the two buffer standards.
4. The display shows the selected buffer with a .
TDS Factor Setting
1. Press to enter setup window. Scroll down by pressing to select Settings.
2. Press to select settings. The display shows Buffer, TDS Factor and Backlight.
3. Scroll down by pressing to toggle between the Buffer, TDS Factor and Backlight. Press to select the TDS
Factor.
4. Press to select the default TDS factory setting or to adjust the setting.
5. Press to conrm the selection of the setting. The display shows the selected temperature setting with a .
Backlight Settings
1. Press to enter setup window. Scroll down by pressing to select Settings.
2. Press to select Settings. The display shows Buffer, TDS factor and Backlight.
3. Scroll down by pressing to toggle between Buffer, TDS Factor and Backlight. Press to select Backlight.
4. The display shows ON and OFF. Scroll down by pressing to toggle between ON and OFF. Backlight ON
increases readability in low light conditions.
5. Press to select the desired backlight option. The display shows the selected backlight option with a .
Key Info
Scroll
Accept
EXIT
NIST
USA
USA
Settings
Temp Set
Reset
Measure
TDS Factor
Backlight
Buffer
Key Info
Scroll
Accept
EXIT
0.66
Settings
Temp Set
Reset
Measure
Backlight
TDS Factor
Buffer Adjust
TDSFactor
0.71
Key Info
Scroll
Accept
EXIT
OFF
Measure
Settings
Temp Set
Reset
Backlight
ON
OFF
Buffer
TDS Factor
Backlight

4 Elite PCTS Tester Operating Instructions
Temperature Settings
1. Press to enter setup window. Scroll down by pressing to select Temp Set. Press enter to select Temp
set. The display shows Set °C/°F, Temp Cal and Temp Coeff.
2. Press to select Set °C/°F. Scroll down by pressing to toggle between °C and °F.
3. Press to select temperature unit. The display shows the selected temperature setting with a .
Temperature Calibration
1. Press to enter setup window. Scroll down by pressing to select Temp Set.
2. Press to select Temp Set. The display shows Set °C/°F, Temp Cal and Temp Coeff.
3. Scroll down by pressing to toggle between Set °C/°F, Temp Cal and Temp Coeff. Press to select
Temp Cal.
4. The lower display shows the current measured temperature reading based on the last set offset and the upper
display shows the current measured temperature reading based on factory default calibration.
5. Dip the tester into a solution of known temperature and allow time for the in built temperature sensor to stabilize.
6. Press to adjust the temperature value or press the to conrm the calibrated value as the new temperature
value of the solution.
Note: To exit this program without conrming the calibration, press .
Temperature Coefficient
1. Press to enter setup window. Scroll down by pressing to select Temp Set.
2. Press to select Temp Set. The display shows Set °C/°F, Temp Cal and Temp Coeff.
3. Scroll down by pressing to toggle between Set °C/°F, Temp Cal and Temp Coeff.
4. Press to select Temp Coeff or to adjust the Temp Coeff.
5. Press to conrm the Temp Coeff value. The new value is automatically conrmed with a .
Key Info
Scroll
Accept
EXIT
Temp Cal
Temp Coeff
°C
°F °C
Set °C/°F
Measure
Settings
Reset
Temp Set
Key Info
Scroll
Accept
EXIT
Set °C/°F
Temp Cal Adjust
Temp Coeff
2.00
2.00
Temp Coeff
Measure
Settings
Reset
Temp Set
Key Info
Scroll
Accept
EXIT
Set °C/°F
Temp Coeff
Temp Cal
23.4 °C
23.4 °C
23.4°C
Temp Cal
Measure
Settings
Reset
Temp Set

5
Elite PCTS Tester Operating Instructions
pH Calibration
Calibration should be done regularly, preferably once a week. Calibrate up to three points using either the USA or the
NIST buffer set standards.
1. Press to power the tester on if needed.
2. Dip electrode about 2 cm to 3 cm into the pH standard buffer solution.
3. Press the to enter calibration mode. The CAL indicator will be displayed. The upper display will show the
measured reading based on the last calibration while the lower display will indicate the pH standard buffer
solution.
Note: To abort calibration, press to escape.
4. Allow about 2 minutes for the tester reading to stabilize. The timer icon ashes during this time. Once the reading
is stabilized, the timer stops ashing. Automatic conrmation happens when the buffer is found and the display
returned to measurement window with reading calibrated to pH standard buffer solution.
5. Repeat with other buffers if necessary. Rinse electrode before dipping into next buffer.
Note: The calibration mode allows you to perform up to three calibration points. Calibration automatically is
conrmed with the buffer identication. No user interaction is required after starting the calibration by
pressing the .
.
Calibration for Conductivity, TDS, or Salinity
For best results, periodic calibration with an accurate standard is recommended prior to measurement. Use the
calibration standard value that is close to your intended sample value. The tester will retain one calibration value in
each mode (conductivity, TDS, salinity) when the instrument is powered off. The conductivity value can be calibrated
automatically or manually, while the TDS & salinity values require manual calibration. The tester will begin in the
measurement mode that was used when it was powered off. See “Measurement Parameter Setting” to change the
desired parameter.
Automatic Calibration for Conductivity
1. Remove the cap and press the to power on.
2. Dip the sensor in at least 30 mm of calibration standard.
3. Stir gently and press to begin the calibration.
4. The display will show CAL followed by the default value. CAL is indicated on the display during calibration mode.
5. If the reading is within the calibration range of the automatically recognized standards; 80 (84 µS/cm), 1410 (1413
µS/cm), or 12.90 (12.88 mS/cm), the icon is displayed when the automatic calibration standard value has
been detected.
6. Press to accept the auto conductivity standard and nish the calibration.
7. Display returns to Measurement window.
CAL
µS/cm
844
1413
CAL
Place the tester
in the calibration
STD to start
or press to
escape.
COND
µS/cm
844
23.5 °C
7.01
25.5°C
CAL
7.45
7.01
pH
CAL
Place the tester
in the buffer to
start or press
to escape.
pH pH

6 Elite PCTS Tester Operating Instructions
Manual Calibration
When the conductivity reading is outside calibration range of the automatic conductivity standards or when TDS or
salinity is used, the tester will require manual adjustment.
1. Repeat steps 1 to 4 from “Automatic Calibration for Conductivity”.
2. Press to manually adjust the value to the desired reading.
Note: The adjustment will decrease only, however the adjustment will eventually cycle to the highest available value
after decreasing by 40% of the initial value.
3. Press to accept and nish the calibration when the desired value is selected.
4. To abort calibration, press to escape.
5. Once the calibration is nished and user has accepted the changes, measurement window will now show the
calibrated reading.
Note: The auto conductivity standards are 84 µS/cm, 1413 µS/cm & 12.88 mS/cm.
Measurement
1. Press to power tester on if needed.
2. Dip the electrode about 2 cm to 3 cm into the test solution. Stir and let the reading stabilize. The timer icon will
blink during this time. Once the reading is stabilized, the timer stops blinkin and will appear to indicate the
stability of the reading.
CAUTION: Testing dry samples is not accurate and can lead to sensor damage or
breakage. Soils must be wet and free of particulates that may scratch the
glass sensor. Excessive force into dry samples can cause glass breakage.
3. Note the value or press to freeze the reading. To release the reading, press again.
4. Press to turn off tester. If you do not press a button for 8.5 minutes, the tester will automatically shut off to
conserve batteries.
User Reset
Reset to the user’s default settings by using the User Reset function. Buffer selection and temperature user
calibration are not affected by the user reset function.
1. Press to enter setup window. Scroll down by pressing to select Reset. Press to select Reset. The
display shows User Reset and Factory Reset.
2. Press to select User Reset.
3. The display automatically shows No and Yes. Scroll down by pressing to toggle between No and Yes.
4. Press to conrm either No or Yes. The display shows the user reset option with a .
CAL
µS/cm
844
1413
CAL
Place the tester
in the calibration
STD to start
or press to
escape.
CAL
µS/cm
844
820
COND
µS/cm
1413
23.5 °C
pH
4.01
25.5°C
pH
Measure
Settings
Temp Set
Key Info
Scroll
Accept
EXIT
Factory Reset
No
Yes
User Reset
Reset

7
Elite PCTS Tester Operating Instructions
Factory Reset
Reset to the Factory Reset default by using the Factory Reset function.
1. Press to enter setup window. Scroll down by pressing the to select Reset. Press to select Reset. The
display shows User Reset and Factory Reset.
2. Scroll down by pressing the to toggle between the resets. Press to select Factory Reset.
3. The display automatically shows No and Yes. Scroll down by pressing to togglebetween No and Yes.
4. Press to conrm either No or Yes. The display shows the factory reset option with a .
HOLD Function
This feature lets you freeze the display for a delayed observation.
1. Press button to freeze the measurement. 2. Press again to release the measurement.
Sensor Maintenance
1. Always keep the sensors electrodes clean. Rinse the electrodes with de-ionized water and wipe them dry with
clean cloth before storing with its protective cap. For cup type
electrodes, remove the white plastic cup and insert to thoroughly clean viscous solutions. Never scratch elec-
trodes with a hard substance.
2. For better performance, soak the electrode in alcohol for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with de-ionized water before
starting any measurement process. This is to remove dirt and oil stains on the electrode which may affect the
accuracy of the measurements.
Sensor Replacement
You can replace the sensor module at the fraction of the cost of a new tester. When the tester fails to calibrate or
gives uctuating readings in calibration standards, you need to change the electrode.
1. With dry hands, grip the ring with sensor facing you. Twist the ring clockwise. Save the ring for later use.
2. Pull the old sensor module away from the tester.
3. Align the four tabs on the new module so that they match the four slots on the tester.
4. Gently push the module onto the slots to sit it in position. Push the smaller O-ring fully onto the new sensor mod-
ule. Push the other O-ring over the module and thread it into place by rmly twisting counter clockwise.
Note: It is necessary that you recalibrate your tester prior to measurement after a sensor replacement.
Key Info
Scroll
Accept
EXIT
No
Yes
Reset
User Reset
Measure
Settings
Temp Set Factory Reset
COND
µs/cm
820
23.5 °C
µs/cm
820
23.5 °C
COND
Press to
release
COND
µs/cm
820
23.5 °C
COND
µs/cm
820
23.5 °C
Press to
release

Oring ID22XCS3
Ring
Oring ID21XCS2
Sensor
Small Tab
Insert Sensor Module
Turn anti-clockwise to release
8 Elite PCTS Tester Operating Instructions
Applications
The Elite PCTS tester can be used for the following:
• Agriculture • Drinking water Hydroponics • Printing industry
• Aquaculture • Ecology • Swimming pools
• Aquariums and sh farms • Electroplating rinse tanks • Verication of reverse osmosis system operation
• Boiler blow-down • Food Sectors • Water and wastewater treatment
• Car Washes • Labs • Others
Warranty
This instrument is supplied with a warranty against manufacturing defects for a period of one year from the date of
purchase.
Return of Items
Authorization must be obtained from your distributor before returning items for any reason. When applying for
authorization, please include information regarding the reason the item(s) are to be returned.
We reserve the right to make improvements in design, construction and appearance of products without notice.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Self Diagnostic Messages
Batteries are weak and need replacement soon.
stable error Appears when calibration is attempted but the reading is not yet stable. Wait for the reading
to stabilize or manually conrm the calibration by pressing enter.
buffer error The buffer is outside of the calibration range.
slope error The 2nd or 3rd calibration point is not within 80% to 120% slope range.
over range The reading is above the measuring range of tester.
under range The reading is below the measuring range of tester.

9
Elite PCTS Tester Operating Instructions
Specifications
Specication Elite PCTS
pH
pH range -1.00 to 15.0 pH
Resolution 0.01 pH
Relative accuracy ± 0.01 pH
Calibration points Up to 3 points
Buffer set standard selection USA 4.01/7.00/10.01NIST 4.01/6.86/9.18
Calibration window ±1.00 pH
Calibration type Point to Point
Conductivity
Conductivity range 0.0 to 200.0 µS, 200 to 2000 µS, 2.00 to 20.00 mS
Resolution 0.1 µS, 1 µS, 0.01 mS
Relative accuracy ±1% full scale
Normalization temperature 25.0ºC (77ºF)
Temperature Co-efcient 0.0% to 10.0%
Calibration Points Up to 3 points
TDS
TDS Range 0.0 to 100.0 ppm 100 to 1000 ppm 0.10 to 10.00 ppt (TDS factor 0.5)
Resolution 0.1 ppm, 1 ppm, 0.01 ppt
Relative accuracy ±1% full scale
Calibration points Up to 3 points
TDS Factor 0.40 to 1.00 ( Selectable)
Salinity
Salinity range 0.00 to 10.00 ppt
Resolution 0.10 ppt
Relative accuracy ±1% full scale
Calibration points One
Temperature
Temperature range 0°C to 60°C (32.0°F to 140.0°F)
Temperature resolution 0.1°C / 0.1°F
Temperature accuracy from 0°C to 50ºC (±0.5ºC / ±0.9ºF + 1 LSD); from 50ºC to 60ºC (±1.0ºC /
±1.8 ºF + 1 LSD)
Temperature compensation Yes (Automatic Temperature Compensation)

10 Elite PCTS Tester Operating Instructions
Specication Elite PCTS
General
Display Graphics, Dot Matrix 80X100 Pixel
Backlight Yes, Selectable ( 30sec from the last key press)
Auto off 8.5 minutes ( From Last Key press)
Reset User / Factory
Power requirement Four AAA 1.5 V batteries
Battey life >150 hours
Water proong IP67
Regulatory Certications CE, FCC
Environmental Operating Conditions
Ambient operating temperature 5°C to 45°C
Relative humidity 5% to 85% Non-Condensing
Storage temperature -20°C to 60°C
Storage humidity 5% to 85% Non-Condensing
Accessories
Ordering Code Product Description
PCTS Tester
ELITEPCTS pH/Conductivity/TDS/salinity pocket tester with batteries
Conductivity Standard Solutions and Sachets
ECCON100BT 100 µS/cm KCl, 480 mL
ECCON1413BT 1413 µS/cm KCl, 480 mL
ECCON1288BT 12.88 mS/cm KCl, 480 mL
ECCON1413BS 1413 µS/cm KCl, box of 20 x 20 mL sachets
TDS 442* Standard Solutions
EC442300BT 300 ppm 442, 480 mL
EC4421000BT 1000 ppm 442, 480 mL
Salinity (NaCl) Solutions
ECNACL5PPT 5 ppt NaCl, 480 mL
Other Accessories
ELITECAP Replacement sensor cap
TFLANYARD Tester lanyard