Triplett PH180 User manual

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User Manual
PH180
Waterproof pH Meter

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Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Triplett PH180 pH meter. This instrument is
designed for high accuracy pH testing for solids, semi-solids and liquids.
This device is shipped fully tested and calibrated, and with proper use,
will provide years of reliable service.
Features
 Measures from 0 to 14 pH with 0.01pH resolution
 ATC (Automatic Temperature Control) compensates for temperature
changes
 Dual display for pH and Temperature
 Analog bargraph for viewing trends
 1-, 2-, or 3- point calibration
 RENEW warning when probe needs cleaning or replacement
 Waterproof (IP57)
 Auto power off (after 10 minutes) with disable
 Includes meter with flat surface pH probe and protective cap, four(4)
CR2032 batteries, cup with cap and neckstrap

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Description
METER DESCRIPTION
1. Battery compartment cap
2. LCD Display
3. MODE / HOLD button
4. CAL / RECALL button
5. ON/OFF button
6. Electrode collar
7. Electrode
LCD DISPLAY
1. Bar graph reading
2. Measurement Units
3. Main Display
4. RENEW Indicator
5. HOLD Indicator
6. RANGE Calibration Indicator
7. Low Battery Indicator
8. Temperature Display

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CAUTION
This device is not a toy and must not reach children’s hands. It contains
hazardous objects as well as small parts that the children could swallow.
In case a child swallows any of them, please contact a physician
immediately
Do not leave batteries and packing material lying around unattended;
they can be dangerous for children if they use them as toys
In case the device is going to be unused for an extended period of time,
remove the batteries to prevent them from draining
Expired or damaged batteries can cause cauterization on contact with
the skin. Always, use suitable hand gloves in such cases
See that the batteries are not short-circuited. Do not throw batteries into
the fire.
Overview
pH Overview
pH is a unit of measure (ranging from 0 to 14pH) indicating the degree of
acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH tests are the most commonly
performed measurements in water analysis and reports the negative log
of the hydrogen ion activity of a solution which is an indicator of acidity or
alkalinity. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are considered acidic, solutions
with a pH higher than 7 are known as bases, and solutions with a pH of
exactly 7 are neutral.
The pH scale is logarithmic so, for example, if sample A is 1 pH less than
Sample B, this means that Sample A is 10 times more acidic then
Sample B. A difference of 1 pH represents a ten-fold difference in acidity.

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Getting Started
For new meters, remove the battery cap and then remove the battery
insulating strip.
Remove the cap from the bottom of the PH180 to expose the electrode
glass surface and reference junction
Before first use or after extended storage, soak the electrode (with its cap
removed) in a pH 4 solution for about 10 minutes
White KCL crystals may be present in the cap. These crystals will
dissolve in the soak or they can be simply rinsed with tap water
Always calibrate close to the expected measurement value
A sponge is located in the electrode protective cap. Keep this sponge
soaked with a pH 4 solution to preserve Electrode life during storage
Replacing Electrodes
The PH180 is shipped with an electrode attached. Electrode life is
limited and is dependent on (among other factors) frequency of use
and care. If the electrode needs to be replaced, follow these steps for
removing and connecting electrodes.
1. To remove an electrode, unscrew and completely remove the
electrode retaining collar.
2. Gently rock the electrode from side to side, pulling it away from the
meter, until it disconnects.
3. To attach an electrode, carefully plug the electrode into the meter
socket (note that the electrode connector is keyed, ensuring proper
connection).
4. Secure the electrode in place by tightly turning the collar in place. (a
rubber gasket seals the electrode with the meter).

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Automatic Electrode Recognition
When the PH180 is turned on, it recognizes the type of electrode that
is connected and displays the appropriate unit of measure. Attach
electrode before turning the PH180 on.
Powering ON/OFF the meter
If the batteries are weak, the ‘ ’ indicator appears on the LCD. Press
the ON/OFF key to turn the PH180 on or off. The auto power off feature
shuts the PH180 off automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity to preserve
battery life.
Operation
Overview
When the electrode is placed in a solution, the main display and bargraph
indicate the pH reading while the lower display reads temperature
(readings flash until they have stabilized). The bargraph is ‘center zero’,
i.e. at pH 7 there is no display. As the pH rises, the bar moves from the
center to the right. If the pH drops, the bar moves from the center to the
left.
pH Calibration (1, 2, or 3 points)
A two point calibration with a buffer of 7 plus 4 or 10 (whichever is nearest
to the expected sample value) is always recommended. A one point
calibration (choose the value closest to the expected sample value) is also
valid.
1. Place the electrode into a buffer solution (4, 7, or 10). Press and hold
the CAL/RECALL key until “CAL” appears in the lower (temp.)

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display. When doing a 2 or 3 point calibration, calibrate with pH 7
buffer first, then follow with pH 4 then the pH 10 buffer.
2. The WQ120® automatically recognizes the solution and calibrates
itself to that value (the circled number on the LCD will match the
solution). Note that if the solution is more than 1 pH unit off from the L
(4), M (7), or H (10) pH buffer, or if the electrode slope is low, the
WQ120® will assume an error and abort the calibration (‘End’ will be
displayed, and the unit will return to measure mode.)
3. During calibration, the pH reading flashes on the main display.
4. When calibration is complete, the WQ120® automatically displays
“SA”, then “End” and returns to normal operation mode.
5. The appropriate circled indicator (L, M, or H) appears on the LCD
when a particular calibration or series of calibrations has been
completed within one power on cycle. When the WQ120® is turned
off, the circled indicator configuration and the calibration data will be
retained.
6. For a two or three-point calibration, repeat steps 1-4.
7. See Reset Calibration Data to clear all calibration data from the
meter.
Changing the Displayed Temperature Units
To change the displayed temperature units (oC or oF):
1. With the unit OFF, press and hold down the CAL/RECALL button.
2. With the CAL/RECALL button depressed momentarily press the
ON/OFF button. When “SELF CAL” appears in the display release
the CAL/RECALL button. The unit will power on with temperature
displayed in the new units.

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Data Hold
Press the MODE/HOLD button to hold (freeze) a reading in the display.
The meter will enter the HOLD mode and the “HOLD” indicator will
appear.
Note: This also stores the reading.
Press the MODE/HOLD button again to return to normal operation.
Storing Readings into Memory
1. Press the MODE/HOLD button to store a
reading. The storage location number will be
displayed on the lower display, while the main
display shows the stored reading. The meter will
enter the HOLD mode and the “HOLD” indicator
will appear.
2. Press the MODE/HOLD button again to exit the
HOLD mode and return to normal operation.
3. If more than 25 readings are stored, previously stored readings
(starting with number 1) will be overwritten.
Recalling Stored Readings
1. Press the CAL/RECALL button and then press the
MODE/HOLD button. A locPress the CAL/RECALL button and
then press the MODE/HOLD button. A location number (1 through
25) will briefly appear and then the value stored in that location will
appear. The displayed units will flash, indicating that the storage
recall mode is active.

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2. The last stored reading will be displayed first. Pressing and
releasing the MODE/HOLD button will scroll through the stored
readings one at a time. The location number is displayed first,
followed by the reading stored in that location.
3. To exit the storage mode, press the CAL/RECALL button and the
meter will return to normal operation, after displaying “End”.
Clear Stored Memory
With the unit on, press and hold ON/OFF for 4 seconds. “CLr” will be
briefly displayed when the memory is cleared.
Auto Power OFF
The auto power off feature automatically shuts the meter off 10 minutes
after the most recent button press.
Auto Power OFF Disable
To disable the Auto Power Off feature:
1. Turn the unit on
2. Press CAL/RECALL once (Quickly)
3. Immediately and simultaneously press the MODE/HOLD and
ON/OFF buttons for approximately 2 seconds, until “oFF” is briefly
displayed

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To disengage this feature, turn the unit off with the ON/OFF button.
The next time the unit is powered up, Auto Power OFF mode will be
engaged again.
CAL Reminder Display
When the PH180 is turned on in the pH mode for the 15th time without
recalibration, the ‘CAL’ icon appears on the LCD indicating that the
PH180 may require calibration. Some applications may require
recalibration of the electrode more frequently than others. The CAL
display is simply a reminder and will turn off when the pH electrode is
recalibrated.
RENEW Display
A flashing ‘RENEW’ warning indicates that the probe is not performing
to expected specifications. If cleaning and recalibration does not
cause the RENEW icon to disappear, replace the probe (see optional
accessories on the last page of this manual). The RENEW display
appears as a result of the pH electrode slope falling below 65% of a
nominal slope.
Measurement and Display Considerations
If the unit appears to be locked (display frozen). It is possible that the
Data Hold mode has been inadvertently accessed by pressing the
MODE/HOLD button. (“HOLD” will be displayed in the bottom left of the
LCD.) Simply press the MODE/HOLD button again or turn the meter off
and then on.
For maximum accuracy, allow sufficient time for the temperature of the
probe to reach the temperature of the sample before calibrating. This will
be indicated by a stable temperature reading on the display.