TPS 900-I3 User manual

Congratulations !
You have purchased the latest in Benchtop Specific Ion-pH-mV-Temperature instrumentation. We
trust that your new 900-I3 will give you many years of reliable service.
The 900-I3 is a breeze to operate. This manual has been designed to help you get started, and also
contains some handy application tips. If at any stage you require assistance, please contact either
your local TPS representative or the TPS factory in Brisbane.
The manual is divided into the following sections:
1. Table of Contents
Each major section of the handbook is clearly listed. Sub-sections have also been included to
enable you to find the information you need at a glance.
2. Introduction
The introduction has a diagram and explanation of the display and controls of the 900-I3. It
also contains a full listing of all of the items that you should have received with unit. Please
take the time to read this section, as it explains some of items that are mentioned in subsequent
sections.
3. Main Section
The main section of the handbook provides complete details of the 900-I3, including operating
modes, calibration, troubleshooting, specifications, and warranty terms.
4. Appendices
Appendices containing background information and application notes are provided at the back
of this manual.
TPS Pty Ltd
4 Jamberoo Street
Springwood, Brisbane,
Australia, 4127
Phone : [phone]
International : 61 7 32 900 400
Fax : [phone]
International : 61 7 3808 4871
E-mail : [email protected]
Web Site : www.tpssite.com.au
900-I3
Three Channel Specific Ion-
pH-mV and Temp. Meter
Date :04-Sep-98
Author :MS
Version :3.0

2
Contents
1. Introduction...............................................................................................4
1.1 900-I3 Display and Controls................................................................................................ 4
1.2 900-I3 Rear Panel Connectors............................................................................................. 4
1.3 Menu and Function Keys..................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Numeric Keypad ................................................................................................................. 5
1.5 Enter Key............................................................................................................................ 5
1.6 Delete Key .......................................................................................................................... 5
1.7 80 Character Display........................................................................................................... 5
1.8 Unpacking Information ....................................................................................................... 6
1.9 Specifications...................................................................................................................... 7
2. 900-I3 Menu Structure..............................................................................8
3. Specific Ion Mode .....................................................................................9
3.1 Selecting Specific Ion Mode................................................................................................ 9
3.2 Setting Specific Ion Standards........................................................................................... 10
3.2.1 Setting Specific ion standards for ppM, ppK and % readouts................................................................10
3.2.2 Setting Specific ion standards for Exponential readout.........................................................................11
3.3 Specific Ion Calibration..................................................................................................... 12
3.4 Specific Ion Calibration Notes........................................................................................... 14
3.5 Specific Ion Calibration Messages..................................................................................... 14
4. pH Mode...................................................................................................15
4.1 Selecting pH Mode............................................................................................................ 15
4.2 Setting the pH Buffer Set .................................................................................................. 16
4.3 pH Calibration................................................................................................................... 17
4.4 pH Calibration Notes......................................................................................................... 18
4.5 pH Calibration Messages................................................................................................... 19
5. Absolute Millivolt Mode..........................................................................20
5.1 Selecting Absolute Millivolt Mode.................................................................................... 20
5.2 Absolute Millivolt Calibration........................................................................................... 20
6. Relative Millivolt Mode...........................................................................21
6.1 Selecting Relative Millivolt Mode..................................................................................... 21
6.2 Relative Millivolt Calibration............................................................................................ 21
6.3 Relative Millivolt Calibration Notes.................................................................................. 22
7. Temperature............................................................................................23
7.1 Temperature Calibration.................................................................................................... 23
7.2 Temperature Calibration Notes.......................................................................................... 23
7.3 Calibration Messages ........................................................................................................ 23
7.4 Manual Temperature Setting ............................................................................................. 24
8. Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).........................................................25
8.1 To recall GLP information on the display.......................................................................... 25
8.2 Failed Calibration.............................................................................................................. 27
8.3 Printing GLP Information to the RS232 Port..................................................................... 27
8.4 Instrument Serial Number.................................................................................................. 28
8.5 Additional GLP Features................................................................................................... 28

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9. Notepad Function ...................................................................................29
9.1 Recording Readings into the Notepad................................................................................ 29
9.2 Recalling Readings from the Notepad ............................................................................... 29
9.3 Erasing Records from the Notepad.................................................................................... 30
9.4 Printing Records from the Notepad to the RS232 Port....................................................... 30
10. Automatic Datalogging ..........................................................................31
11. RS232 Port...............................................................................................33
11.1 Setting the Baud Rate.................................................................................................... 33
11.2 Sending Readings to the RS232 Port ............................................................................. 33
11.3 RS232 Configuration..................................................................................................... 33
11.4 Communication and Statistical Software........................................................................ 33
11.5 Commands .................................................................................................................... 34
11.6 Data Format .................................................................................................................. 35
11.7 GLP Data Format.......................................................................................................... 36
11.8 RS232 Port Connections................................................................................................ 36
12. Recorder Port..........................................................................................37
12.1 Recorder Port Configuration in Specific Ion Mode........................................................ 37
12.2 Recorder Port Configuration in pH Mode...................................................................... 39
12.3 Recorder Port Configuration in Absolute or Relative mV Modes................................... 39
12.4 Recorder Port Specifications.......................................................................................... 40
12.5 Recorder Port Connections............................................................................................ 40
13. Setting the Clock.....................................................................................41
14. Initialising the 900-I3 ..............................................................................42
15. Instrument firmware version number...................................................42
16. Troubleshooting......................................................................................43
16.1 General Errors............................................................................................................... 43
16.2 Specific Ion, pH and mV Troubleshooting..................................................................... 43
16.3 Temperature Troubleshooting........................................................................................ 44
17. Appendices..............................................................................................45
17.1 pH Electrode Fundamentals........................................................................................... 45
17.1.1 Asymmetry of a pH Electrode ..............................................................................................................45
17.1.2 Slope of a pH Electrode.......................................................................................................................46
17.1.3 Temperature Compensation.................................................................................................................46
17.2 Guard Connector........................................................................................................... 46
17.3 Polarisation Connector .................................................................................................. 47
17.4 Checking the reference junction of a pH electrode......................................................... 47
17.5 Determining if an instrument or pH electrode is faulty................................................... 47
18. Warranty...................................................................................................48

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1. Introduction
1.1 900-I3 Display and Controls
1.2 900-I3 Rear Panel Connectors

5
1.3 Menu and Function Keys
Press the to function keys to select desired options within the menu system.
Additionally, these keys perform the following function directly in normal measurement mode…
:Press to record readings into the Notepad. See section 10.
Also used at turn-on to select buffers for auto buffer recognition. See section 4.2.
:Press to start or stop automatic datalogging. See section 10.
Alternatively, press to transmit current reading plus date and time to the optional RS232
port. See section 11.2.
:Press to Zero Relative mV, when Relative mV is selected. See section 6.2.
:Press to obtain context-sensitive help messages. This function is disabled within menus.
1.4 Numeric Keypad
Used to enter values during set-up and calibration. A negative sign and decimal point are provided.
1.5 Enter Key
Press the key to accept default values or those entered on the Numeric Keypad.
1.6 Delete Key
Press the key to make corrections to values entered on the Numeric Keypad.
Press and hold this key at turn-on to initialise the 900-I3. See section 14.
1.7 80 Character Display
80 character alphanumeric display with user-friendly menu and context-sensitive help system.
Shows all three Specific Ion/pH/mV Channels plus Temperature, Date and Time simultaneously.

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1.8 Unpacking Information
Before using your new 900-I3, please check that the following accessories have been included:
Part No
Standard Kit…
1. 900-I3 3 Channel Specific Ion-pH-mV Meter........... 121162
2. Temperature/ATC Sensor.........................................121245
3. Plug-Pack Power Supply ..........................................130044
4. 900-I3 Handbook..................................................... 130050
Options that may have been ordered with your 900-I3…
1. Flexible arm type electrode holder............................130088
2. RS232 Serial Interface Option (includes cable)......... 130029
3. Recorder Output Option (includes cable).................. 130028
4. RS232 PLUS Recorder Output Option......................130049
(includes cable)
5. Communication software for Windows 3.1,..............130086
95, and NT
6. Communication software for DOS ...........................130075
7. RS232 Printer...........................................................130031
Sensors…
Your choice of a complete range of Ion Selective, Reference, pH and Redox sensors.
Other spares…
1. RS232 Interface Cable..............................................130022
2. Recorder Cable.........................................................130021
3. RS232 PLUS Recorder Cable................................... 130030

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1.9 Specifications
Mode Range Resolution Accuracy
Specific Ions Auto-ranging in units of
ppM, ppK, % and
Exponential Notation
User selectable for 3
significant digits, 2
significant digits or Auto-
rounding.
± Least significant digit
pH 0 to 14.000 pH
0 to 14.00 pH
0 to 14.0 pH
0.001 pH
0.01 pH
0.1 pH
±0.002 pH
±0.01 pH
±0.1 pH
mV 0 to ±500.0 mV
0 to ±1500 mV
(auto-ranging)
0.1 mV
1 mV ±0.15 mV ±1 mV
Relative mV 0 to ±500.0 mV
0 to ±1500 mV
(auto-ranging)
0.1 mV
1 mV ±0.15 mV ±1 mV
Temperature -10.0 to 120.0 OC0.1 OC±0.2 OC
Additional Specific Ion Specifications
Input Impedance :>3 x 1012 Ω
Asymmetry Range :Auto detection
Slope Range :50.0 to 110.0 %
Temperature Compensation :Automatic, 0 to 100 OC
Calibration :Automatic calibration in user-definable standards.
Additional pH Specifications
Input Impedance :>3 x 1012 Ω
Asymmetry Range :-1.00 to 1.00 pH
Slope Range :85.0 to 105.0 %
Temperature Compensation :Automatic, 0 to 100 OC
Calibration :Automatic calibration. Automatic recognition of pH4.00, 6.88, 7.00,
9.22 and 10.06 buffers. Manual entry of any other buffer value.
Additional Temperature Specifications
Temp. Sensor Offset Range :-10.0oC to +10.0oC
General Specifications
Memory :1200 readings including date and time
Automatic Logging :User-set for one reading every 1 to 90 seconds, minutes or hours.
RS232 Port (optional) :300, 1200 & 9600 baud.
8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, XON/XOFF Protocol.
Clock :Calendar clock displays date, month, year, hours, minutes & seconds.
Good Laboratory Practices :Date, Time and Value of last Ion and pH calibration for each Channel,
plus Temperature calibration are stored. This information can be
recalled or sent to the optional RS232 port at any time.
Power :12V DC, 50mA. Plug-pack power supply is included in standard kit.
Dimensions :270 x 210 x 75 mm
Mass :Instrument only :Approx. 1.0 kg
Full Kit :Approx. 3.0 kg
Environment Temperature :0 to 45 OC
Humidity :0 to 90 % R.H.

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2. 900-I3 Menu Structure
A detailed breakdown of the menu system of the 900-I3 is shown below. This diagram provides a
quick reference for the menu functions available for the 900-I3.
Press the function keys in normal display mode, to perform the following tasks:
:Press to record readings into the Notepad. See section 9.1.
:Press to start or stop automatic datalogging. See section 10.
If logging period is set to zero, press to transmit current reading plus date and time to the
optional RS232 port. See section 11.2.
:Press to Zero Relative mV, when Relative mV is selected. See section 6.2.
:Press to obtain context-sensitive help messages. This function is disabled within menus.
:Press to access the user-friendly menu system, as detailed below.
→F1:Calibrate →F1:Channel 1 ¬
F2:Channel 2 ¬
F3:Channel 3 ¬
F4:Temperature
→F2:Notepad →F1:Recall
F2:Erase →F1:Erase All
F2:Erase Last
F3:Print -
F4:Program →F1:Secs
F2:Mins
F3:Hours
→F3:Mode →F1:Channel 1 →F1:pH →F1: .1
F2: .01
F3: .001
F2:mV →F1:Absolute
F2:Relative
F3:Ion →See section 3
F2:Channel 2 →F1:pH →F1: .1
F2: .01
F3: .001
F2:mV →F1:Absolute
F2:Relative
F3:Ion →See section 3
F3:Channel 3 →F1:pH →F1: .1
F2: .01
F3: .001
F2:mV →F1:Absolute
F2:Relative
F3:Ion →See section 3
→F4:Setup →F1:Ports →F1:Baud Rate -
F2:Recorder ®
F2:Clock
F3:GLP →F1:Recall
F3:Print -
F4:Standards →F1:Channel 1
F2:Channel 2
F1:Channel 3
¬Only those Channels that are currently set to Ion or pH mode are offered for calibration.
-These functions available when RS232 Port option is fitted.
®This function available when Recorder Port option is fitted.

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3. Specific Ion Mode
3.1 Selecting Specific Ion Mode
1. Select Specific Ion Mode for Channel 1, 2 or 3.
(e.g. →→ F3:ModeF3:Mode →→ F1:Channel 1F1:Channel 1 →→ F3:IonF3:Ion)
2. The Valency selection screen is now displayed…
VALENCY >F1:+Mono F2:-MonoVALENCY >F1:+Mono F2:-Mono
F3:++Di F4:--DiF3:++Di F4:--Di
The arrow indicates the current selection.
Press to select Monovalent Cation (e.g. Na+).
Press to select Monovalent Anion (e.g. F-).
Press to select Divalent Cation (e.g. Cu2+).
Press to select Divalent Anion (e.g. S2-).
Press to quit without changing the current setting.
3. The Units selection screen is now displayed…
UNITS >F1:ppM F2:ppKUNITS >F1:ppM F2:ppK
F3:% F4:ExponentialF3:% F4:Exponential
The arrow indicates the current selection.
Press to select readout in ppM (Parts Per Million).
Press to select readout in ppK (Parts Per Thousand).
Press to select readout in %.
Press to select readout in Exponential units (e.g. Molar).
Press to quit without changing the current setting.
4. The Ion Resolution screen is now displayed…
Ion Resolution F1:3 Digits F2:2 DigitsIon Resolution F1:3 Digits F2:2 Digits
>F3:Auto-Rounding>F3:Auto-Rounding
The arrow indicates the current selection.
Press to select resolution to 3 significant digits. In this mode, the readings may become
slightly noisy towards the end of each decade, due to the logarithmic nature of the sensor
signal.
Press to select resolution to 2 significant digits. Readings in this mode are very stable,
although 1 signficant digit is lost.
Press to select Auto-rounding. Readings in this mode are displayed to 3 signficant digits
for most of the decade, and automatically rounded for stability towards the end of the decade.
Auto-rounding is recommended for most users.
Press to quit without changing the current setting.

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3.2 Setting Specific Ion Standards
The Primary and Secondary Specific Ion standards must be set before attempting Specific Ion
calibration.
The Primary and Secondary Specific Ion standard values are entered and stored separately for each
Channel.
The standards for a Channel must be re-entered when changing Specific Ion modes for that
Channel.
All Primary and Secondary Specific Ion standards must be re-entered if the 900-I3 is initialised.
3.2.1 Setting Specific ion standards for ppM, ppK and % readouts
1. Select the Specific Ion standards set-up menu for Channel 1, 2 or 3.
(e.g. →→ F4:SetupF4:Setup →→ F4:StandardsF4:Standards →→ F1:Channel 1F1:Channel 1).
2. The Primary Standard set-up screen will now be displayed.
Enter Primary Standard :Enter Primary Standard : 00.00 ppM.00 ppM
Type in the value of the Primary standard, including the decimal point. Use the key to
make any corrections.
Press to save the Primary standard.
Alternatively, press to quit without changing the current setting.
3. The Secondary Standard set-up screen is now displayed.
Enter Secondary Standard :Enter Secondary Standard : 00.00 ppM.00 ppM
Type in the value of the Secondary standard, including the decimal point. Use the key to
make any corrections.
The Secondary Standard must be at least 2 to 100 times higher or lower than the primary
standard.
Press to save the Secondary standard.
Alternatively, press to quit without changing the current setting.