TPS smartCHEM-C User manual

Congratulations !
The smartCHEM-C is a precision, research grade Conductivity instrument and is designed to
give you many years of reliable service.
Despite its impressive list of features, the smartCHEM-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
smartCHEM-C. It also contains a full listing of all of the items that you should have received
with the 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 smartCHEM-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.
smartCHEM -C
Conductivity, TDS,
Resistivity, Ratio,
Temperature Meter
Date :19-May-2003
Author :MS
Version :1.0

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TPS Pty Ltd
ABN 30 009 773 371
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 : www.tps.com.au

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Contents
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................................5
1.1 smartCHEM-C Display and Controls...........................................................................................5
1.2 smartCHEM-C Rear Panel Connectors ........................................................................................5
1.3 Function and Menu Keys.............................................................................................................6
1.4 One-touch Keys...........................................................................................................................6
1.5 Numeric Keypad .........................................................................................................................6
1.6 Delete Key..................................................................................................................................6
1.7 240 x 64 Dot Graphic Display ..................................................................................................... 6
1.8 Unpacking Information................................................................................................................7
1.9 Specifications.............................................................................................................................. 8
2. smartCHEM-C Menu Structure........................................................................................................ 13
3. Conductivity Mode........................................................................................................................... 14
3.1 Selecting Conductivity Mode .................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Selecting Conductivity readout units.......................................................................................... 14
3.3 Setting the Conductivity calibration standard............................................................................. 15
3.4 Setting the Reference Temperature............................................................................................ 15
3.5 Setting the ATC Slope for unknown samples............................................................................. 16
3.6 Setting the ATC Slope for the Calibration Standard................................................................... 16
3.7 Conductivity sensor k factor...................................................................................................... 17
3.8 Conductivity Calibration ........................................................................................................... 18
3.9 Conductivity Calibration Notes.................................................................................................. 20
3.10 Conductivity Calibration Messages............................................................................................ 20
4. TDS Mode......................................................................................................................................... 21
4.1 Selecting TDS Mode................................................................................................................. 21
4.2 Setting the TDS calibration standard.......................................................................................... 21
4.3 Setting the Reference Temperature............................................................................................ 21
4.4 Setting the ATC Slope for unknown samples............................................................................. 22
4.5 Setting the ATC Slope for the Calibration Standard................................................................... 22
4.6 TDS sensor k factor................................................................................................................... 23
4.7 TDS Calibration........................................................................................................................ 24
4.8 TDS Calibration Notes.............................................................................................................. 26
4.9 TDS Calibration Messages ........................................................................................................ 26
5. Resistivity Mode .............................................................................................................................. 27
5.1 Selecting Resistivity Mode........................................................................................................ 27
5.2 Setting the Resistivity calibration standard................................................................................. 27
5.3 Setting the Reference Temperature............................................................................................ 27
5.4 Setting the ATC Slope for unknown samples............................................................................. 28
5.5 Setting the ATC Slope for the Calibration Standard................................................................... 28
5.6 Resistivity sensor k factor.......................................................................................................... 29
5.7 Resistivity Calibration............................................................................................................... 30
5.8 Resistivity Calibration Notes..................................................................................................... 32
5.9 Resistivity Calibration Messages............................................................................................... 32
6. Ratio Mode....................................................................................................................................... 33
6.1 Selecting Ratio Mode................................................................................................................ 33
6.2 Setting the Ratio calibration standard......................................................................................... 34
6.3 Ratio Calibration....................................................................................................................... 35
6.4 Ratio Calibration Notes............................................................................................................. 36
6.5 Ratio Calibration Messages....................................................................................................... 36
7. Temperature Mode........................................................................................................................... 37
7.1 Temperature Calibration............................................................................................................ 37
7.2 Temperature Calibration Notes.................................................................................................. 38
7.3 Calibration Messages ................................................................................................................ 38

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8. Auto Stability Function (ASF) ......................................................................................................... 39
8.1 ASF During Normal Measurement............................................................................................ 39
8.2 ASF During Calibration ............................................................................................................ 39
8.3 ASF with Manual Datalogging.................................................................................................. 40
8.4 ASF with Automatic Datalogging.............................................................................................. 41
9. Display Backlight............................................................................................................................. 41
10. Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) .............................................................................................. 42
10.1 To recall GLP information on the display.................................................................................. 42
10.2 Failed Calibration...................................................................................................................... 44
10.3 Printing GLP Information to the RS232 Port ............................................................................. 44
10.4 GLP Calibration Alarm............................................................................................................. 45
10.5 Instrument Serial Number ......................................................................................................... 46
10.6 Additional GLP Features........................................................................................................... 47
11. Access Code................................................................................................................................ 48
11.1 Enabling the Access Code System............................................................................................. 48
11.2 Using the Access Code System.................................................................................................. 48
11.3 Changing the Access Code........................................................................................................ 49
11.4 Disabling the Access Code System............................................................................................ 49
12. Datalogging ................................................................................................................................. 50
12.1 Manual Datalogging.................................................................................................................. 50
12.2 Automatic Datalogging ............................................................................................................. 50
12.3 Recalling Readings from the Logger.......................................................................................... 52
12.4 Erasing Records from the Logger.............................................................................................. 52
12.5 Printing Records from the Logger to the RS232 Port ................................................................. 53
13. RS232 Port................................................................................................................................... 54
13.1 Setting the Baud Rate................................................................................................................ 54
13.2 Sending Readings to the RS232 Port ......................................................................................... 54
13.3 RS232 Configuration................................................................................................................. 54
13.4 Communication and Statistical Software ................................................................................... 54
13.5 Commands................................................................................................................................ 55
13.6 Data Format.............................................................................................................................. 56
13.7 GLP Data Format...................................................................................................................... 57
13.8 Importing Data into Microsoft Excel ......................................................................................... 58
14. Recorder Port .............................................................................................................................. 60
14.1 Recorder Port Configuration...................................................................................................... 60
14.2 Recorder Port Specifications ..................................................................................................... 61
15. Setting the Clock......................................................................................................................... 62
16. Initialising the smartCHEM-C...................................................................................................... 63
17. Instrument firmware version number......................................................................................... 63
18. Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................... 64
18.1 General Errors........................................................................................................................... 64
18.2 Conductivity, TDS & Resistivity Troubleshooting..................................................................... 65
18.3 Ratio Troubleshooting............................................................................................................... 66
18.4 Temperature Troubleshooting.................................................................................................... 67
19. Appendices.................................................................................................................................. 68
19.1 Selecting Automatic or Manual Range Switching...................................................................... 68
19.2 Calculating the ATC Slope of Solutions .................................................................................... 69
19.3 Care, Cleaning and Maintenance of Conductivity Sensors ......................................................... 70
19.4 Replatinising Conductivity Sensors........................................................................................... 71
20. Warranty ...................................................................................................................................... 72

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1. Introduction
1.1 smartCHEM-C Display and Controls
1.2 smartCHEM-C Rear Panel Connectors
Turn the retaining nut clockwise until it clicks into place when plugging in plastic
connectors. This is essential to produce a waterproof seal.
Always replace the waterproof cap when a connector is not in use to maintain
waterproof integrity.

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1.3 Function and Menu Keys
Press to enter the user-friendly menu system. is also used to step backwards through the
menu one level at a time, and as an “escape” key to quit functions such as calibration, data entry etc.
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 start and stop the Automatic Stability Function. See section 8.
1.4 One-touch Keys
:Press to manually record readings into the Logger. See section 12.1.
:Press to transmit current reading plus date and time to the RS232 port. See section 13.2.
:Press to start and stop Automatic Datalogging. See section 12.2.
:Press to accept default values or those entered on the Numeric Keypad.
1.5 Numeric Keypad
Used to enter values during set-up and calibration. A decimal point is provided.
1.6 Delete Key
Press to make corrections to values entered on the Numeric Keypad.
1.7 240 x 64 Dot Graphic Display
Graphic display with large, clear digits and letters. Features a user-friendly menu and context-
sensitive help system. Shows Conductivity/TDS/Resistivity/Ratio, Temperature, Date and Time
simultaneously.
Backlight can be set to On, Off or Energy Saver modes. See section 9.

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1.8 Unpacking Information
Before using your new smartCHEM-C, please check that the following accessories have been
included:
Part No
Standard Kit…
1. smartCHEM-CConductivity / TDS / Resistivity / Ratio Meter..................................... 122105
2. k=1/ATC/Temp Conductivity/TDS Sensor..................................................................... 122230
3. Temperature/ATC Sensor............................................................................................... 121248
4. 2.76 mS/cm Conductivity Standard, 200mL ................................................................... 122306
5. 2.0 ppK TDS Standard, 200mL ...................................................................................... 122307
6. Plug-Pack Power Supply................................................................................................ 130037
7. smartCHEM-CHandbook............................................................................................. 130050
Optional sensors that may have been ordered with your smartCHEM-C…
1. k=0.1/ATC/Temp Conductivity/TDS Sensor.................................................................. 122232
2. k=10/ATC/Temp Conductivity/TDS Sensor................................................................... 122234
3. Flow-through k=0.1 Conductivity/TDS Sensor............................................................... 122244
4. Flow-through k=1.0 Conductivity/TDS Sensor............................................................... 122240
5. Flow-through k=10 Conductivity/TDS Sensor................................................................ 122242
Instrument Options…
1. Flexible arm type electrode holder.................................................................................. 130088
2. RS232 Serial Interface Cable, 2m................................................................................... 130041
3. Serial to USB Adaptor (requires 130041 Serial Cable) ................................................... 130087
4. Analogue Recorder Output Option (includes cable)........................................................ 130028
5. WinTPS RS232 Communication software for Windows 95 and all later versions........... 130086
6. Platinising Solution, 20mL............................................................................................. 122300

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1.9 Specifications
1.9.1 Conductivity
Ranges Resolution Accuracy
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
0 to 20.00 mS/cm
0.001 µS/cm
0.01 µS/cm
0.1 µS/cm
1 µS/cm
0.01 mS/cm
±0.2% of full scale of
selected range at 25 OC
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
0 to 200.0 mS/cm
0.01 µS/cm
0.1 µS/cm
1 µS/cm
0.01 mS/cm
0.1 mS/cm
±0.2% of full scale of
selected range at 25 OC
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 to 2000 mS/cm
0.1 µS/cm
1 µS/cm
0.01 mS/cm
0.1 mS/cm
1 mS/cm
±0.2% of full scale of
selected range at 25 OC
Notes : Ranges are automatically selected. Exact auto-ranging points and full scales are subject to
sensor performance.
All ranges listed can be displayed in equivalent Siemens/metre units.
Sensor Type..........................................Glass body with two platinised platinum plates.
In-built ATC.
Temperature Compensation................Automatic, 0 to 100 OC.
ATC co-efficient can be set from 0 to 6.00% / OC
individually for standard and sample.
ATC reference temperature is user-selectable for 25.0 OC
or 20.0 OC.
Calibration............................................Automatic zero and span calibration. Any calibration
standard from 20 µS/cm to 2000 mS/cm can be user set.
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

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1.9.2 TDS
Ranges Resolution Accuracy
k=0.1 Sensor
0 to 1.000 ppM
0 to 10.00 ppM
0 to 100.0 ppM
0 to 1000 ppM
0 to 10.00 ppK
0.001 ppM
0.01 ppM
0.1 ppM
1 ppM
0.01 ppK
±0.5% of full scale of
selected range at 25 OC
k=1.0 Sensor
0 to 10.00 ppM
0 to 100.0 ppM
0 to 1000 ppM
0 to 10.00 ppK
0 to 100.0 ppK
0.01 ppM
0.1 ppM
1 ppM
0.01 ppK
0.1 ppK
±0.5% of full scale of
selected range at 25 OC
k=10 Sensor
0 to 100.0 ppM
0 to 1000 ppM
0 to 10.00 ppK
0 to 100.0 ppK
0 to 1000 ppK
0.1 ppM
1 ppM
0.01 ppK
0.1 ppK
1 ppK
±0.5% of full scale of
selected range at 25 OC
Note : Ranges are automatically selected. Exact auto-ranging points and full scales are subject to
sensor performance.
Sensor Type..........................................Glass body with two platinised platinum plates.
In-built ATC.
Temperature Compensation................Automatic, 0 to 100 OC.
ATC co-efficient can be set from 0 to 6.00% / OC
individually for standard and sample.
ATC reference temperature is user-selectable for 25.0 OC
or 20.0 OC.
Calibration............................................Automatic zero and span calibration. Any calibration
standard from 20 ppM to 500 ppK can be user set.
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

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1.9.3 Resistivity
Ranges Resolution Accuracy
k=0.1 Sensor
0.50 to 99.00 MΩ.cm
50 to 9999 KΩ.cm
5.0 to 999.9 KΩ.cm
0.50 to 99.99 KΩ.cm
50 to 9999 Ω.cm
0.01 MΩ.cm
1 KΩ.cm
0.1 KΩ.cm
0.01 KΩ.cm
1 Ω.cm
±0.5% of full scale of
selected range at 25 OC
k=1.0 Sensor
50 to 9999 KΩ.cm
5.0 to 999.9 KΩ.cm
0.50 to 99.99 KΩ.cm
50 to 9999 Ω.cm
5.0 to 999.9 Ω.cm
1 KΩ.cm
0.1 KΩ.cm
0.01 KΩ.cm
1 Ω.cm
0.1 Ω.cm
±0.5% of full scale of
selected range at 25 OC
k=10 Sensor
5.0 to 999.9 KΩ.cm
0.50 to 99.99 KΩ.cm
50 to 9999 Ω.cm
5.0 to 999.9 Ω.cm
0.50 to 99.99 Ω.cm
0.1 KΩ.cm
0.01 KΩ.cm
1 Ω.cm
0.1 Ω.cm
0.01 Ω.cm
±0.5% of full scale of
selected range at 25 OC
Note : Ranges are automatically selected. Exact auto-ranging points and full scales are subject to
sensor performance.
Sensor Type..........................................Glass body with two platinised platinum plates.
In-built ATC.
Temperature Compensation................Automatic, 0 to 100 OC.
ATC co-efficient can be set from 0 to 6.00% / OC
individually for standard and sample.
ATC reference temperature is user-selectable for 25.0 OC
or 20.0 OC.
Calibration............................................Automatic zero and span calibration. Any calibration
standard from 20 ppM to 500 ppK can be user set.
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

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1.9.4 Ratio
Ranges Resolution Accuracy
0.000 to 1.500
1.50 to 15.00
(exact ranges depend on
span of sensors)
0.001
0.01 ±0.001 ±0.01
Note : Allowable difference of k factors sensors is 50% to 200%, relative to reference sensor.
Actual Conductivity of sample and reference solutions must be within measurement range
of the k factor sensor being used.
1.9.5 Temperature
Range Resolution Accuracy
-10.0 to 120.0 OC0.1 OC±0.2 OC
Sensor Type..........................................Silicon transistor
Calibration............................................Automatic offset calibration
Sensor Offset Range.............................-10.0 to 10.0 OC

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1.9.6 General Specifications
Memory.................................................2730 readings including date and time
Electrode re-platinising output............Automatically detects k factor of sensor to be re-platinised
and adjusts current and time accordingly.
Automatic Logging...............................User-set for one reading every 2 to 90 seconds, minutes or
hours.
RS232 Port............................................1200, 9600, 19200 & 38400 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 results of last calibration for all parameters
are stored. This information can be recalled or sent to the
RS232 port at any time.
Power....................................................12V DC, 90 mA (backlight off) / 130 mA (backlight on).
AC/DC adaptor to suit country of destination is included
in standard kit.
Dimensions............................................240 x 180 x 105 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.

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2. smartCHEM-C Menu Structure
A detailed breakdown of the menu system of the smartCHEM-Cis shown below. This diagram
provides a quick reference for the menu functions available for the smartCHEM-C.
→F1:Calibrate →F1:Condutivity or TDS
or: F1:TDS
or: F1:Resistivity
or: F1:Ratio →F1:Absolute
F3:Ratio*Standard
F3:Temperature
→F2:Logger →F1:Recall
F2:Erase →F1:Erase All
F2:Last
F3:Print
F4:Program →F1:Secs
F2:Mins
F3:Hours
→F3:Mode →F1:Cond.
F2:TDS
F3:Resist.
F4:Ratio
F5:Re-Plat.
F6:Man R
or: F6:AutoR
→F4:Setup →F1:Standards →F1:Cond.
F2:TDS
F3:Resistivity
F5:Ratio
F2:Clock
F3:Backlight →F1:On
F2:Off
F3:Energy Saver
F4: Ports →F1:Baud Rate
F3:Recorder *
F5:Initialise
F6:Next →F1:ATC Slope →F1:Sample
F2:Standard
F2:Units →F1:S/cm
F2:S/m
F3:dS/m
F3:Reference Temp. →F1:25OC
F2:20OC
→F5:GLP →F1:Recall
F2:Alarm →F1:Daily
F2:1 Week
F3:2 Weeks
F4:4 Weeks
F5:OFF
F3:Print
F6:Access →F1:Change code (When a code has been entered)
F3:Enable & Enter code
or: F3:Disable Security
*This function only available when Recorder Port option is fitted.

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3. Conductivity Mode
3.1 Selecting Conductivity Mode
1. Select Conductivity Mode ( →→ F3:Mode →→ F1:Cond.).
2. The smartCHEM-C now proceeds to Conductivity measurement mode. Note that a “ ∗∗ ” is
shown in place of the decimal point until a successful calibration has been performed (see
section 3.8).
3.2 Selecting Conductivity readout units
The factory default setting for this item is S/cm. If this is satisfactory, go directly to section 3.3.
1. Select the Display Units configuration menu
(→→ F4:Setup →→ F6:Next →→ F2:Units).
The following screen is now displayed…
UNITS
>F1:S/cm F2:S/m
F3:dS/m
2. Press to display Conductivity in units of S/cm (Siemens per centimetre).
Press to display Conductivity in units of S/m (Siemens per metre).
Press to display Conductivity in units of dS/m (Decisiemens per metre).
Press to quit without changing the current setting.

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3.3 Setting the Conductivity calibration standard
The factory default for this item is 2.76mS/cm. If this is satisfactory, go directly to section 3.4.
1. Select the Conductivity Standard entry
(→→ F4:Setup →→ F1:Standards →→ F1:Conductivity).
The following screen is now displayed…
Conductivity
Standard:2760.uS/cm
Range
20uS/cm to 2000mS/cm
2. Type in the value of the Conductivity standard that is to be used for calibration, including the
decimal point. Use the key to make any corrections.
3. Press to save the value of the standard solution.
Alternatively, press to quit without changing the current setting.
4. The smartCHEM-C will now ask you to enter the units for the Conductivity standard…
Conductivity
Standard:2760
Select Units
F1:uS/cm F2:mS/cm
(a) If the smartCHEM-Cis set up for S/cm (section 3.2)…
Press to set the Conductivity Standard as µS/cm.
Press to set the Conductivity Standard as mS/cm.
or (b) If the smartCHEM-Cis set up for S/m (section 3.2)…
Press to set the Conductivity Standard as µS/m.
Press to set the Conductivity Standard as mS/m.
Press to set the Conductivity Standard as S/m.
or (c) If the smartCHEM-Cis set up for dS/m (section 3.2), dS/m is set as the unit for the
standard.
5. The Conductivity standard is now programmed for use at calibration.
3.4 Setting the Reference Temperature
The factory default setting for this item is 25OC. If this is satisfactory, go directly to section 3.5.
1. Select the ATC configuration menu.
(→→ F4:Setup →→ F6:Next →→ F3:Reference Temp.)
2. Press to reference all readings to 25OC for Automatic Temperature Compensation.
Press to reference all readings to 20OC for Automatic Temperature Compensation.
Press to quit without changing the current setting.

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3.5 Setting the ATC Slope for unknown samples
The factory default setting for this item is 2.00 %/OC. If this is satisfactory, go directly to section
3.6.
The ATC Slope for the unknown sample solution is the rate at which the conductivity of the
solution changes per degree Celsius. This Slope must be set correctly on the smartCHEM-C to
enable the Automatic Temperature Compensation system to work correctly. If the ATC Slope is not
known, please refer to section 19.2 for details on how it can be calculated.
To set the ATC Slope for unknown samples…
1. Select ATC Slope entry.
(→→ F4:Setup →→ F6:Next →→ F1:ATC Slope →→ F1:Sample).
The following screen is displayed…
Enter A.T.C. Slope
of sample:2.00%
2. Type in the ATC Slope of the unknown sample, including the decimal point. Use the key to
make any corrections. Enter 0.00% to obtain absolute readings, without any temperature
correction being applied.
3. Press to save the ATC Slope of the unknown solution.
Alternatively, press to quit without changing the current setting.
3.6 Setting the ATC Slope for the Calibration Standard
The factory default setting for this item is 2.00 %/OC. If this is satisfactory, go directly to section
3.7.
The ATC Slope for the Calibration standard is the rate at which the conductivity of the solution
changes per degree Celsius. This Slope must be set correctly on the smartCHEM-C to enable the
Automatic Temperature Compensation system to work correctly. If the ATC Slope is not known,
please refer to section 19.2 for details on how it can be calculated.
To set the ATC Slope for the Calibration Standard…
1. Select ATC Slope entry for the Calibration Standard.
(→→ F4:Setup →→ F6:Next →→ F1:ATC Slope →→ F2:Standard).
The following screen is displayed…
Enter A.T.C. Slope
of Standard:2.00%
2. Type in the ATC Slope of the Calibration Standard, including the decimal point. Use the key
to make any corrections. Enter 0.00% for absolute readings, without any temperature correction
being applied.
3. Press to save the ATC Slope of the Calibration Standard.
Alternatively, press to quit without changing the current setting.

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3.7 Conductivity sensor k factor
The smartCHEM-C automatically recognises whether a k=0.1, k=1.0 or k=10 Conductivity sensor
is being used via links in the connector.
Calibration settings for the various k factors are stored separately. The smartCHEM-C does not
require re-calibration when a different k factor sensor is connected, provided it has already been
calibrated for the different sensor. A “ ∗∗ ” is shown in place of the decimal point if the reading is
not calibrated or if a past calibration has failed.

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3.8 Conductivity Calibration
Before attempting a Conductivity calibration, ensure that the smartCHEM-C has been set up
correctly according to sections 3.1 to 3.7. The calibration procedure detailed below uses the sample
configurations shown in sections 3.1 to 3.7.
Automatic Temperature Compensation can be done via a temperature sensor inside the
Conductivity sensor, or via the separate stainless steel temperature probe. Using the Conductivity
sensor for ATC is more convenient, but the separate temperature probe has a faster response. If the
separate temperature probe is plugged in, the smartCHEM-Calways uses this for temperature
readout and ATC. To use the Conductivity sensor for Temperature readout and ATC, the separate
temperature sensor must be disconnected. Please choose one or the other according to your
preference.
Ensure that Temperature has been correctly calibrated (see section 7.1). A “ ∗∗ ” in the Temperature
readout in place of the decimal point indicates that Temperature is NOT calibrated.
1. Plug the Conductivity sensor into the Cond / TDS socket. If required, plug the separate
Temperature sensor into the Temperature socket.
2. Rinse the sensor(s) in distilled water. Shake off as much water as possible. Blot the outside of
the sensor(s) dry. DO NOT BLOT THE CONDUCTIVITY ELECTRODE PLATES.
Zero Calibration
3. Let the sensor dry in air.
4. Select Conductivity Calibration ( →→ F1:Calibrate →→ F1:Cond.).
5. The smartCHEM-C will recognise the low conductivity signal and attempt a Zero calibration.
For example…
Cond. 0*01uS/cm
ZERO
Calibration
Press Enter
6. Press to calibrate. The Automatic Stability Function will now show a and highlight the
reading while it is unstable…
Cond. 0*01uS/cm
ZERO
Calibration
Waiting to Stabilise
When the Conductivity reading has stabilised, the unit will calibrate itself.
To calibrate immediately without waiting for complete stability, press to disable the
Automatic Stability Function.
The “ ∗” will not be removed after a zero calibration.
Continued over the page…

19
Standard Calibration
7. Place the Conductivity sensor into a sample of Conductivity standard. Ensure that it is
immersed correctly at least to the top of the vent hole in the side of the sensor.
DO NOT place the sensor directly into the bottle of standard. Discard the used sample of
standard after use.
Select Conductivity Calibration ( →→ F1:Calibrate →→ F1:Conductivity). The
calibration screen will be displayed with the Conductivity standard to be used. For example…
Cond. 2*86mS/cm
2760.uS/cm
Calibration
Press Enter
8. Press to calibrate. The Automatic Stability Function will now show a and highlight the
reading while it is unstable…
Cond. 2*86uS/cm
2760.uS/cm
Calibration
Waiting to Stabilise
When the Conductivity reading has stabilised, the unit will calibrate itself.
To calibrate immediately without waiting for complete stability, press to disable the
Automatic Stability Function.
The “ ∗” will now be replaced by a decimal point if calibration was successful.
9. The smartCHEM-C is now calibrated for Conductivity and is ready for use in this mode.

20
3.9 Conductivity 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, TDS, Resistivity and Ratio calibration data is stored separately in memory.
Ensure that the smartCHEM-C has been correctly calibrated for the mode in which it will be
used. The smartCHEM-C does not require re-calibration when alternating between modes,
providing the instrument has been correctly calibrated for each mode on the k factor sensor to
be used.
4. All calibration information is retained in memory when the smartCHEM-C is switched off.
This information can be recalled or printed later using the GLP function (see section 10).
5. The smartCHEM-C displays the value of the standard to which it will attempt to calibrate.
Ensure that the standard value displayed corresponds to the standard that you are using. Alter
the Standards set-up if necessary (see section 3.2).
6. Calibration settings for k=0.1, k=1.0 and k=10 sensors are stored separately. The meter does
not require re-calibration when a different k factor sensor is connected, provided it has already
been calibrated for the different sensor.
3.10 Conductivity Calibration Messages
1. If a Zero Calibration has been successfully performed, the smartCHEM-C will display the
following message…
Zero Calibration OK
Zero=0.01uS
2. If a Standard Calibration has been successfully performed, the smartCHEM-Cwill display the
following message and the calculated k factor of the sensor. For example…
Calibration OK,
k=0.99
3. If a Standard Calibration has failed, the smartCHEM-C will display the following message
and the calculated k factor of the sensor. For example…
Calibrate Failure,
Check STD=2760.uS/cm
k=3.64,Exceeds Limit
Notes
1. The allowable k factor range is +/-25% of nominal. This range is ample to allow for correctly
functioning Conductivity sensors. If calibration fails due to the k factor being outside these
limits, please consult the Troubleshooting guide (section 18.2) for possible remedies.