TPS 901-C User manual

Congratulations !
You have purchased the latest in benchtop Conductivity-TDS-Temperature
instrumentation. We trust that your new 901-C will give you many years of
reliable service.
The 901-C 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 901-C. It also contains a full listing of all of the items that you should
have received with your 901-C. 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 901-C,
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
Email :[email protected]
Web Site :www.tps.com.au
Model 901-C
Conductivity-TDS-
Temp. Meter
Handbook Version : 1
Date : 30-Jun-2000
Author : MS

Page 1
Contents
1. Introduction..............................................................................................2
1.1 901-C Display and Controls ..............................................................................2
1.2 901-C Rear Panel Connectors............................................................................2
1.3 901-C Front Panel.............................................................................................3
1.4 Unpacking Information .....................................................................................4
1.5 Specifications....................................................................................................5
2. Operating Modes...................................................................................... 8
3. Conductivity Calibration..........................................................................9
3.1 Calibration Procedure........................................................................................9
3.2 Calibration Notes ............................................................................................10
3.3 Calibration Messages ......................................................................................11
4. TDS Calibration...................................................................................... 12
4.1 Calibration Procedure......................................................................................12
4.2 Calibration Notes ............................................................................................13
4.3 Calibration Messages ......................................................................................14
5. Temperature Calibration........................................................................ 15
5.1 Calibration Procedure......................................................................................15
5.2 Calibration Notes ............................................................................................15
5.3 Calibration Messages ......................................................................................16
6. RS232 Port.............................................................................................. 17
6.1 Setting the Baud Rate......................................................................................17
6.2 Sending Readings to the RS232 Port................................................................17
6.3 RS232 Configuration ......................................................................................18
6.4 Communication and Statistical Software..........................................................18
6.5 Commands......................................................................................................18
7. Recorder Output Option ........................................................................ 20
7.1 RS232 / Recorder Output Socket Connections .................................................21
8. Selecting k=10 or k=0.1 Sensors........................................................... 22
9. Initialising the 901-C .............................................................................. 23
10. Troubleshooting................................................................................. 24
10.1 General Error Messages ..............................................................................24
10.2 Conductivity and TDS Troubleshooting.......................................................25
10.3 Temperature Troubleshooting......................................................................26
11. Appendices......................................................................................... 27
11.1 Care, Cleaning and Maintenance of Conductivity Sensors............................27
11.2 Replatinising Conductivity Sensors .............................................................28
12. Warranty ............................................................................................. 29

Page 2
1. Introduction
1.1 901-C Display and Controls
1.2 901-C Rear Panel Connectors

Page 3
1.3 901-C Front Panel
Display
•16 character alphanumeric LCD with 14.5 mm characters.
•Displays Conductivity or TDS plus Temperature simultaneously.
•User friendly text prompts and error messages.
•Serial number is displayed when the 901-C is switched on.
Key
•Switches between the various display and optional RS232 modes. See
section 2.
•Used to select k factor of Conductivity/TDS sensor. See section 8.
Key
•Used to calibrate Conductivity, TDS, and Temperature. See sections 3, 4and
5.
and Keys
•Used for temperature calibration. See section 5.
•Press to recall Zero value from last successful Conductivity or TDS
calibration.
•Press to recall k factor value from last successful Conductivity or TDS
calibration.
•Used to select baud rate when optional RS232 port is fitted. See section 6.1.
•Used to select output "send" rate when optional RS232 port is fitted. See
section 6.2
•Press at turn-on to initialise the unit. See section 9.

Page 4
1.4 Unpacking Information
Before using your new 901-C, please check that the following accessories have
been included: Part No
1. 901-C Conductivity-TDS-Temp Meter.....................126125
2. K=1/ATC Conductivity Sensor.................................122226
3. Temperature/ATC Sensor.........................................121245
4. 2.76mS/cm Conductivity Standard, 200mL...............122306
5. 2.0 ppK TDS Standard, 200mL.................................122307
6. AC/DC Power Adaptor.............................................130044
7. 901-C Handbook......................................................130050
Options that may have been ordered with your 901-C:
1. K=10/ATC Conductivity Sensor...............................122222
2. K=0.1/ATC Conductivity Sensor..............................122224
3. Flexible arm type sensor holder................................130088
4. RS232 option (includes cable) ..................................130029
5. RS232 Communication software for Windows..........130086
6. Recorder output option (includes cable)....................130028
7. Recorder PLUS RS232 option (includes cable).........130049

Page 5
1.5 Specifications
Ranges Resolution Accuracy
Conductivity k=0.1 Sensor
0 to 2.000 µS/cm
0 to 20.00 µS/cm
0 to 200.0 µS/cm
0 to 2000 µS/cm
k=1.0 Sensor
0 to 20.00 µS/cm
0 to 200.0 µS/cm
0 to 2000 µS/cm
0 to 20.00 mS/cm
k=10 Sensor
0 to 200.0 µS/cm
0 to 2000 µS/cm
0 to 20.00 mS/cm
0 to 200.0 mS/cm
0.001 µS/cm
0.01 µS/cm
0.1 µS/cm
1 µS/cm
0.01 µS/cm
0.1 µS/cm
1 µS/cm
0.01 mS/cm
0.1 µS/cm
1 µS/cm
0.01 mS/cm
0.1 mS/cm
±0.5% of full
scale of
selected
range at 25
O
C
TDS k=0.1 Sensor
0 to 1.000 ppM
0 to 10.00 ppM
0 to 100.0 ppM
0 to 1000 ppM
k=1.0 Sensor
0 to 10.00 ppM
0 to 100.0 ppM
0 to 1000 ppM
0 to 10.00 ppK
k=10 Sensor
0 to 100.0 ppM
0 to 1000 ppM
0 to 10.00 ppK
0 to 100.0 ppK
0.001 ppM
0.01 ppM
0.1 ppM
1 ppM
0.01 ppM
0.1 ppM
1 ppM
0.01 ppK
0.1 ppM
1 ppM
0.01 ppK
0.1 ppK
±0.5% of full
scale of
selected
range at 25
O
C
Temperature -10.0 to 120.0 OC0.1 OC±0.2 OC

Page 6
Additional Conductivity and TDS Specifications
Sensor Type...............................Glass body with two platinised platinum plates.
In-built ATC.
Temperature Compensation.....Automatic, 0 to 100 OC
Calibration................................Automatic zero and span calibration.
Standard Recognition ...............Conductivity
14.94 µS/cm, 73.90 µS/cm, 150.0 µS/cm,
717.8 µS/cm, 1,413 µS/cm, 2.76 mS/cm,
6.67 mS/cm, 12.9 mS/cm, 24.8 mS/cm,
58.0 mS/cm, 111.9 mS/cm
TDS
69.5 ppM, 2.00 ppK, 8.0 ppK, 36.0 ppK
Sensor Span Range ...................k=0.1 :k=0.075 to k=0.133
k=1.0 :k=0.75 to k=1.33
k=10 :k=7.5 to k=13.3
Additional Temperature Specifications
Sensor Type...............................Silicon Transistor
Offset Range..............................-10.0 to +10.0 OC

Page 7
General Specifications
RS232 Output............................300, 9600 or 19200 baud.
(optional) 8 bits, No Parity, 1 stop bit, XON/XOFF
Protocol.
Recorder Output.......................Cond :0 to 2000 Counts for 0 to 2000 mV
(optional) ie. 2.76 mS/cm = 276 mV
TDS :0 to 1000 Counts for 0 to 1000 mV
ie. 36.0 ppK = 360 mV
Temp :-10.0 to 120.0 OC for 0 to 2000 mV
ie. 0.0 OC = 153.8 mV
Output impedance approx 1000 Ohms.
Power.........................................12V DC by AC/DC power adaptor.
Dimensions................................270 x 210 x 75 mm
Mass...........................................Instrument only :Approx 1.0 kg
Full Kit :Approx 2.5 kg
Environment .............................Temperature :0 to 45 oC
Humidity :0 to 90 % R.H.

Page 8
2. Operating Modes
Press the key to select the desired operating mode. The sequence is shown
in the following table…
Conductivity plus Temperature Mode 2.76mS 25.0oc
Conductivity data is shown on the left and Temperature data is shown on the
right.
Select this mode to calibrate Conductivity.
↓↓
TDS plus Temperature Mode 2.00ppK 25.0oc
TDS data is shown on the left and Temperature data is shown on the right.
Select this mode to calibrate TDS.
↓↓
Temperature Mode 25.0oc
Temperature data only is shown on the left.
Select this mode to calibrate Temperature.
↓↓
Back to Conductivity plus Temperature mode
The following modes are added when the optional RS232 port is fitted…
RS232 Send Rate Send Rate ↑↑ 0↓↓
Sets the Data output rate, in seconds.
Press or to set this value from 0 to 9999 seconds.
↓↓
RS232 Baud Rate Baud Rate↑↑19200↓↓
Allows selection of the RS232 Baud Rate.
Press or to select 300, 9600 or 19200 baud.
↓↓
Back to Conductivity plus Temperature mode

Page 9
3. Conductivity Calibration
3.1 Calibration Procedure
1. Switch the 901-C on and select Conductivity plus Temperature mode
(section 2).
2. Plug the Conductivity sensor into the Cond / TDS socket. If a k=10 or
k=0.1 sensor is being used, ensure that it has been correctly selected (see
section 8). The Temperature sensor is not required, as Automatic
Temperature Compensation for Conductivity is done via the Conductivity
Sensor.
3. Rinse the Conductivity electrode in distilled water. Shake off as much water
as possible. Blot the outside of the electrode dry. DO NOT BLOT THE
ELECTRODE SURFACES.
4. Zero Calibration
Allow the Conductivity sensor to dry in air.
When the reading has stabilised at or near Zero, press and hold the
for 1 second.
The ∗∗ will not be removed after a zero calibration.
5. Standard Calibration
Allowable Conductivity standards are listed in the specifications in section
1.5, and should be selected according to your range of interest.
Place the electrode into a sample of Conductivity standard so that it is
immersed at least to the vent hole in the body.
DO NOT place the electrode directly into the bottle of standard. Discard the
used sample of standard after use. It is advisable to use a narrow sample
vessel to minimise the use of standard solution.
When the reading has stabilised, press and hold the key for 1 second
to calibrate.
The ∗∗ will now be replaced by a decimal point if calibration was successful.
6. The 901-C is now calibrated for Conductivity and is ready for use in this
mode.
Discard the used samples of standard.

Page 10
3.2 Calibration Notes
1. A Zero calibration should be performed at least monthly. In low conductivity
applications (where a zero error is particularly significant), a zero calibration
may have to be done weekly.
2. A Standard calibration should be performed at least weekly. Of course, more
frequent calibration will result in greater confidence in results.
3. Conductivity and TDS calibration data is stored separately in memory. Ensure
that the 901-C has been correctly calibrated for the mode in which it will be
used. The 901-C does not require re-calibration when alternating between
Conductivity and TDS modes, providing the instrument has been correctly
calibrated for both.
4. All calibration information is retained in memory when the 901-C is switched
off, even when the power supply is removed.

Page 11
3.3 Calibration Messages
1. If a Zero calibration has been successfully performed, the 901-C will display
the Zero of the sensor and then return to Conductivity mode. For example…
Zero OK, 0.1%Zero OK, 0.1%
2. If a Span calibration has been successfully performed, the 901-C will
display the k factor of the sensor and then return to Conductivity mode. For
example…
Cal OK, k=1.00Cal OK, k=1.00
Note that " ∗∗ " in the Conductivity reading has now been replaced by a
decimal point, due to the successful calibration.
3. If a Span calibration has failed, the 901-C will display the following
messages and then the failed k factor of the sensor before returning to
Conductivity mode. For example…
Calibrate FailedCalibrate Failed
then:
STD=2760uS ?STD=2760uS ? then: k=0.70, Failsk=0.70, Fails
Note that a " ∗∗ " replaces the decimal point in the Conductivity reading to
indicate that Conductivity is not correctly calibrated.
Check that the sensor is immersed at least to the vent hole in the body, and
that the standard is correct before attempting calibration again.

Page 12
4. TDS Calibration
4.1 Calibration Procedure
1. Switch the 901-C on and select TDS plus Temperature mode (section 2).
2. Plug the TDS sensor into the Cond / TDS socket. If a k=10 or k=0.1 sensor
is being used, ensure that it has been correctly selected (see section 8). The
Temperature sensor is not required, as Automatic Temperature
Compensation for TDS is done via the TDS Sensor.
3. Rinse the TDS electrode in distilled water. Shake off as much water as
possible. Blot the outside of the electrode dry. DO NOT BLOT THE
ELECTRODE SURFACES.
4. Zero Calibration
Allow the TDS sensor to dry in air.
When the reading has stabilised at or near Zero, press and hold the
for 1 second.
The ∗∗ will not be removed after a zero calibration.
5. Standard Calibration
Allowable TDS standards are listed in the specifications in section 1.5, and
should be selected according to your range of interest.
Place the electrode into a sample of TDS standard so that it is immersed at
least to the vent hole in the body.
DO NOT place the electrode directly into the bottle of standard. Discard the
used sample of standard after use. It is advisable to use a narrow sample
vessel to minimise the use of standard solution.
When the reading has stabilised, press and hold the key for 1 second
to calibrate.
The ∗∗ will now be replaced by a decimal point if calibration was successful.
6. The 901-C is now calibrated for TDS and is ready for use in this mode.
Discard the used samples of standard.

Page 13
4.2 Calibration Notes
1. A Zero calibration should be performed at least monthly. In low TDS
applications (where a zero error is particularly significant) a zero calibration
may have to be done weekly.
2. A Standard calibration should be performed at least weekly. Of course, more
frequent calibration will result in greater confidence in results.
3. Conductivity and TDS calibration data is stored separately in memory. Ensure
that the 901-C has been correctly calibrated for the mode in which it will be
used. The 901-C does not require re-calibration when alternating between
Conductivity and TDS modes, providing the instrument has been correctly
calibrated for both.
5. All calibration information is retained in memory when the 901-C is switched
off, even when the power supply is removed.

Page 14
4.3 Calibration Messages
1. If a Zero calibration has been successfully performed, the 901-C will display
the Zero of the sensor and then return to TDS mode. For example…
Zero OK, 0.1%Zero OK, 0.1%
2. If a Span calibration has been successfully performed, the 901-C will
display the k factor of the sensor and then return to TDS mode. For
example…
Cal OK, k=1.00Cal OK, k=1.00
Note that " ∗∗ " in the TDS reading has now been replaced by a decimal
point, due to the successful calibration.
3. If a Span calibration has failed, the 901-C will display the following
messages and then the failed k factor of the sensor before returning to TDS
mode. For example…
Calibrate FailedCalibrate Failed
then:
STD=36.00ppK ?STD=36.00ppK ? then: k=0.70, Failsk=0.70, Fails
Note that a " ∗∗ " replaces the decimal point in the TDS reading to indicate
that TDS is not correctly calibrated.
Check that the sensor is immersed at least to the vent hole in the body, and
that the standard is correct before attempting calibration again.

Page 15
5. Temperature Calibration
5.1 Calibration Procedure
1. Switch the 901-C on and select Temperature mode (see section 2).
2. Plug the temperature sensor (Part No 121245) into the Temp. socket.
3. Place the sensor alongside a good quality mercury thermometer into a
beaker of room temperature water. Stir the sensor and the thermometer
gently to ensure an even temperature throughout the beaker.
4. When the reading has stabilised, press the key.
5. The 901-C now enters temperature calibration. For example…
Enter True TempEnter True Temp
then:
26*026*0oocc ↑↑ 25.025.0↓↓
6. Press the and keys until the display shows the same temperature as
the mercury thermometer.
7. Press the key to calibrate the temperature readout.
Alternatively, press the key to abort temperature calibration.
5.2 Calibration Notes
1. Temperature calibration information is stored in memory when the meter is
switched off, even when the power supply is removed.
2. Temperature does not need to be re-calibrated unless the Temperature sensor
is replaced or the meter is initialised.

Page 16
5.3 Calibration Messages
1. If a temperature calibration has been successfully performed, the 901-C will
display the offset value of the sensor and then return to Temperature mode.
For example…
Temp Cal. OKTemp Cal. OK then: Offset=1.0Offset=1.0oocc
The " ∗∗ " is replaced by a decimal point in the Temperature reading to
indicate that Temperature is correctly calibrated.
2. If a temperature calibration has failed, the 901-C will display the failed
offset value of the sensor before returning to Temperature mode. For
example…
Temp Cal. FailTemp Cal. Fail then: Offset=11.0Offset=11.0oocc
Note that " ∗∗ " replaces the decimal point in the Temperature reading to
indicate that Temperature is not correctly calibrated.

Page 17
6. RS232 Port
This section is applicable if the optional RS232 port is fitted.
6.1 Setting the Baud Rate
1. Select RS232 Baud Rate mode (see section 2).
2. The currently selected Baud Rate is displayed. For example…
Baud RateBaud Rate↑↑1920019200↓↓
Press the and keys to scroll through the available Baud Rates of 300,
9600 or 19200 baud.
Ensure that the displayed baud rate matches the Baud Rate set on the printer
or PC with which the 901-C is communicating.
3. Press the key to return to any of the normal display modes as
required.
6.2 Sending Readings to the RS232 Port
The 901-C can send readings to the RS232 port at a pre-set rate, in seconds.
To set this Send Rate…
1. Select RS232 Send Rate mode (see section 2).
2. The currently selected Send Rate is displayed. For example…
Send RateSend Rate ↑↑ 00↓↓
Press the key to increase the Send Rate.
Press the key to decrease the Send Rate.
The Send Rate can be set from 0 to 9999 seconds.
Set the Send Rate to Zero to allow the 901-C to accept commands from a
remote computer.
3. Press the key to return to any of the normal display modes as
required.

Page 18
6.3 RS232 Configuration
The 901-C RS232 configuration is 8 bits, No Parity, 1 Stop Bit, XON/XOFF
Protocol.
6.4 Communication and Statistical Software
Communication between the 901-C and a PC can be handled with any RS232
communication software. A Windows communication package is optionally
available from TPS (part number 130086).
Once the data is saved to disk, the next problem is how to use it. The data sent by
the 901-C is formatted in columns that can be imported by programs such as
Microsoft®Excel®and Lotus 123®.
Information on how to use the software is provided in the README files on the
diskette.
6.5 Commands
The following commands can be sent from a PC to the 901-C. Note that <cr>
denotes carriage return and <lf> denotes a line feed.
Action Command Notes
Request current data ?D<cr> Returns the current Conductivity/TDS
and Temperature data from the 901-C.
The print rate must be set to zero (see
section 6.2).
Request status
information ?S<cr> Returns the instrument model, firmware version and serial number. For
example…
901CssssV1ssssR1234<cr>
where “ss” are spaces

Page 19
6.6 Data Format
A. Data is returned to the RS232 port by the 901-C in the following
format when requested by a PC with the ?D command (section 6.5):
CCCCCCUUUssTTTTTToCss<cr>
or B. Data is sent to the RS232 port by the 901-C in the following format
when it is sent by the 901-C using the Send function (section 6.2):
CCCCCCUUUssTTTTTToCss<cr><lf>
where: CCCCCC is the Conductivity or TDS data. maximum 6 characters,
right justified. A “ ∗∗ ” is sent instead of the decimal point
if the reading is not calibrated.
UUU is the unit description, left justified. Either “uSss”, “mSss”,
“ppM” or “ppK”. (“ss”is one space.)
ss is one space.
TTTTTT is the Temperature data. Maximum 6 characters, right
justified. A “ ∗∗ ” is sent instead of the decimal point if the
reading is not calibrated.
oCss is the Temperature unit description, left justified. (“ss”is
one space.)
Notes:
1. +OVR or –OVR is sent when the Data is over-range.
2. BUSY<cr> is sent when the 901-C is Busy (ie in calibration, Baud Rate mode,
Send Rate mode etc.) or when data is not available.