Turner Designs AquaFlash User manual

P/N: 998-8601
Revision: D
March 15, 2017
TURNER DESIGNS
1995 N. 1st Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

AquaFlash User’s Manual Rev. D
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Table of Contents
1
Introduction
1.1
Description
3
1.2
Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) Fluorometry
3
1.3
Quick View Diagrams
3
1.4
Inspection
4
1.5
General Information, Precautions & Cleaning
4
2
Instrument Operation and Calibration
2.1
Button Identification and Function
6
2.2
Instrument Power Up
7
2.3
Calibration
8
2.3.1
Calibration Check
9
2.4
Measuring a Sample
10
2.5
Data Displayed
11
2.6
Downloading Data
11
3
Sample Analysis Guidelines
13
4
Measurement Parameters
4.1
Chlorophyll
14
4.2
Photosynthetic Efficiency
14
5
Warranty
5.1
Terms
15
5.2
Warranty Service
15
5.3
Out of Warranty Service
15
Appendixes
A
Specifications
16
B
Warning Messages
17

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WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE) DIRECTIVE
Turner Designs is in the business of designing and selling products that benefit the well-being of
our environment. Accordingly, we are concerned with preserving the surroundings wherever
our instruments are used and happy to work with customers by complying with the WEEE
Directive to reduce the environmental impact resulting from the use of our products.
WEEE Return Process:
To arrange the return of an end-of-life product, proceed as follows:
If you purchased your instrument through a Turner Designs Distributor please contact your
local representative. They will instruct you where to return the end-of-life product.
If you purchased your instrument directly from Turner Designs please contact Turner
Designs Customer Service
By Phone: [phone] or Toll Free: [phone]
By Email: Customer Service at [e-mail]
Turner Designs will provide a WEEE RMA Number, a Shipping Account Number, and a Ship
to Address. Package and ship the product back to Turner Designs.
The product will be dealt with per Turner Designs’ end-of-life recycling program in an
environmentally friendly way.

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1 Introduction
1.1 Description
The AquaFlash is a handheld active fluorometer that provides estimates for Total
Chlorophyll (µg/L) and photosynthetic efficiency of algae (Yield). This information helps
users rapidly assess the photosynthetic capability of phytoplankton in both oligotrophic and
mesotrophic environments.
1.2 Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) Fluorometry
Pulse amplitude modulation is a process that uses varying light intensities, delivered in a
series of pulses, to look at specific phytoplankton fluorescence characteristics which are
used to directly estimate the photosynthetic efficiency of algae or plant material. There are
two measurement modes, single and multiple turnover. The AquaFlash is a multiple
turnover PAM fluorometer in that one saturating pulse of light is delivered to the sample to
quickly reach the maximum fluorescence value with the interest of looking at how efficient
algae are at photosynthesizing, essentially determining “health” of the organisms. Nutrient
limited or light stressed algae are examples of an “unhealthy” organism.
1.3 Quick View Diagrams
The AquaFlash uses four standard or rechargeable AAA user-replaceable batteries.
Battery panel
O-ring
Battery panel
O-ring

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1.4 Inspection
Upon receiving your instrument, please inspect everything carefully and make sure all
accessories are present. All shipments include:
The AquaFlash inside a storage pouch (batteries installed)
10mm x 10mm Square Glass Cuvette (1 ea) P/N 7000-955
Laminated Quick Start Guide (QSG)
Data download cable P/N 021-0850
USB Flash Drive with User’s Manual, QSG, AquaFlash Software, and serial to
USB cable driver
Optional Accessories available:
Wrist strap P/N 030-8500
AquaFlash Calibration Solution P/N 8600-225
Replacement Download Cable P/N 021-0850
Replacement Storage Pouch P/N 142-8000
1.5 General Information, Precautions and Cleaning
The AquaFlash is factory calibrated and ready to read samples when received.
NOTE: Do not overwrite the factory calibration unless you have the proper
standards and glass cuvettes for calibrating the AquaFlash, see section 2.3.1.
The plastic battery tab at the back of the AquaFlash must be removed before use.
Grasp it firmly and pull gently to remove it to activate the batteries.
Use caution around solvents, they may degrade the plastic case of the AquaFlash.
If a sample is accidentally spilled inside the sample compartment, invert the AquaFlash
to drain out the excess liquid. Then wipe the inside area dry with a clean soft towel or
tissue followed by a quick wipe using non-abrasive material, such as Kim Wipes.
If extra cleaning is needed, use a mild detergent to dampen a towel for cleaning.
Although the AquaFlash floats, do not submerge it in water.
Do not expose the AquaFlash to temperatures outside the specified range of 5 to 40 °C
or damage may occur to the unit that will not be covered under warranty.
Grasp the plastic tab firmly
and pull gently to remove.

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2 Instrument Operation and Calibration Check
2.1 Button Identification and Function
CAL –Is used to calibrate the instrument. See section 2.3 for instructions and
procedure on how to calibrate the AquaFlash.
CAL VAL –Is used to assign a value to the calibration solution used when calibrating
the AquaFlash. When selected it will prompt the user to set a calibration value from 1 to
50. After the value is set, the user will press enter to save the setting.
READ –Begins the measuring a sample procedure detailed in section 2.4.
ON/OFF –Turns the instrument ON or OFF.
ENTER –Allows users to proceed to the next screen/menu.
DATA –When the DATA button is pressed users can choose between either
sending/clearing data or setting date/time. Use the  keys to choose between the two
options; a marker will indicate the selection made.
If SEND/CLEAR DATA is selected, press ENTER and a submenu will display. Users
can choose, using  keys, to either send data to a connected computer or clear
logged data; a marker will indicate the selection made.
oIf SEND DATA is selected and ENTER is pressed, the instrument will send all logged
data out as an ASCII file - see section 2.7.
oIf CLEAR DATA is selected, the following message will display; “ENTER TO
CONFIRM CLEAR DATA”; when ENTER is pressed all logged data will be deleted.
If SET DATE/TIME is selected, press ENTER and date and time will display on the
screen as (MM/DD/YYYY) and (hh:mm). Use the  keys to select either parameter; a
marker will indicate selection.

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oIf MM/DD/YYYY is selected, press ENTER and you will be allowed to adjust the
month, date, and year using the  keys. Press ENTER to save the set date.
If ESC is pressed prior to saving the set date, the screen is exited and nothing is
saved. Date is logged per sample.
oIf hh:mm is selected, press ENTER and you will be allowed to adjust the hour and
minutes using the  keys. Press ENTER to save the set time. If ESC is
pressed prior to saving the set time, the screen is exited and nothing is saved. Time
is logged per sample.
ESC –Exits to the previous or home screen
CHK STD –Is used to determine calibration/instrument stability. “Cal. Check Passed” or
“Cal. Check Failed” will be displayed after measuring the AquaFlash Calibration
Solution, using the CHK STD button, indicating whether the AquaFlash’s calibration has
changed.
2.2 Instrument Power Up
Press the ON/OFF button to power on the AquaFlash. After a 5 second warm up, the
AquaFlash is ready for operation. Pressing the ON/OFF button again will turn the unit off or
if left idle on the HOME screen for 3 minutes the unit will automatically turn off to save
battery power.
Note: The AquaFlash will NOT automatically turn off if left idle while running a
sample or if on any screen other than the Home Screen.
HOME SCREEN
The home screen will display the unit’s current date, time, AquaFlash firmware version and
remaining battery power as a percentage. These parameters will be displayed after
powering the instrument on and warm up has completed as well as every time the ESC
button is pressed to exit to the home screen.
Battery power is checked whenever users turn the instrument on using the ON/OFF button.
After the 5 second countdown,
-If the battery power is < 20%, the following warning message will display
“Battery <20%! Press <ENTER>” you can continue making measurements
after pressing ENTER.
-If the battery power is < 10%, the following message will display “Battery
Low Pwr! Replace Battery!” you will not be able to make any
measurements until batteries are replaced.
MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM
FW1.00 Batt: 100%

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2.3 Calibration
The AquaFlash can be calibrated using the AquaFlash Calibration Solution P/N 8600-225.
NOTE: The AquaFlash should be on a flat surface when calibrating or reading
standards and samples.
1 Turn the AquaFlash on using the ON/OFF button and wait until warm-up completes.
2 Press the CAL button.
3 Press ENTER.
4 Obtain a glass cuvette.
5 Rinse the cuvette 3x with deionized water.
6 Fill the cuvette ¾ full with deionized water.
7 Dry and clean all faces of the cuvette using Kim Wipes.
8 Insert the cuvette into the AquaFlash, close the lid, and press ENTER.
9 When measurement has completed, remove the cuvette from the instrument.
10 Discard the deionized water.
11 Rinse the cuvette 3x using the AquaFlash Calibration Solution.
12 Fill the cuvette ¾ full with the AquaFlash Calibration Solution.
13 Dry and clean all faces of the cuvette using Kim Wipes.
14 Insert the cuvette into the AquaFlash, close the lid, and press ENTER.
15 When prompted, press ENTER to save the calibration.
16 When calibration has been saved, remove the cuvette from the instrument.
17 Discard the AquaFlash Calibration Solution.
18 Press the CAL VAL button and adjust using the  arrow keys to set the value
displayed to 38.5 (µg/L) concentration and press ENTER.
19 Fill the glass cuvette ¾ full with the AquaFlash Calibration Solution.
20 Dry and clean all the faces of the cuvette and close the lid.
21 Press the CHK STD button.
22 The instrument should display “Cal. Check Passed”. If “Cal. Check Failed” is displayed,
repeat steps 1-21.
-If the AquaFlash passed after the calibration check, make sure to record the LOT
Number of the AquaFlash Calibration Solution used, for future reference. The
instrument is now ready to measure a sample, see section 2.4.
-If the AquaFlash displays “Cal. Check Failed” after three calibration attempts, please
contact Turner Designs Technical Support Team for assistance.
NOTE: The AquaFlash Calibration Solution will have an associated LOT
Number and Expiration Date. The AquaFlash should be recalibrated using
new calibration solution when the calibration solution used expires, or runs
out, and a new LOT is purchased.

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2.3.1 Calibration Check
The AquaFlash is a solid state instrument with very little to no drift associated with
the optics or electronics, therefore calibration should remain stable over time.
However, it is recommended users make periodic checks prior to use and after
sampling to ensure the instrument is not damaged.
To check calibration/instrument stability use the AquaFlash Calibration Solution
P/N 8600-225 LOT that was used to calibrate the instrument. If the AquaFlash was
not calibrated with the AquaFlash Calibration Solution LOT being used, calibrate the
instrument following the calibration procedure - see section 2.3 prior to making a
Calibration Check, then:
1 Turn the AquaFlash on and wait until warm-up completes.
2 Obtain a glass cuvette.
3 Rinse the cuvette 3x using the AquaFlash Calibration Solution.
4 Fill the cuvette ¾ full with AquaFlash Calibration Solution.
5 Dry and clean all faces of the cuvette using Kim Wipes.
6 Insert the cuvette into the sample compartment and close the lid.
7 Press the CHK STD button.
a. The AquaFlash should display “Cal. Check Passed”.
b. If the AquaFlash displays “Cal. Check Failed”.
i. Check to make sure the AquaFlash Calibration Solution hasn’t expired.
ii. Check to make sure the AquaFlash Calibration Solution Lot used for the
Calibration Check is the same Lot that was used to calibrate the
instrument.
If 7bi and 7bii have been checked and the AquaFlash Calibration Solution used for the
Calibration Check is good, but the instrument continues to display “Cal. Check Failed”,
contact Turner Designs Technical Support Team for assistance.
NOTES:
-If the AquaFlash Calibration Solution has expired it needs to be discarded and new
AquaFlash Calibration Solution P/N 8600-225 should be purchased.
-If the new AquaFlash Calibration Solution has a LOT Number different the previously used
solution, re-calibrate the AquaFlash following the procedure in section 2.3 using the new
AquaFlash Calibration Solution. After successfully calibrating using the new solution you
can make Calibration Checks.

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2.4 Measuring a Sample
NOTE: See Section 3 for Sample Analysis Guidelines before proceeding.
The following materials are required for measuring a sample:
-AquaFlash
-Glass or Quartz Cuvette
-Kim Wipes for wiping the outside of the cuvette
The following procedure is used to measure a sample:
1 Turn the AquaFlash on using the ON/OFF button and wait until warm-up has completes.
2 Obtain a glass cuvette.
3 Rinse the cuvette 3x with the water sample you intend on measuring.
4 Fill the cuvette ¾ full with your water sample.
5 Dry and clean all faces of the cuvette using Kim Wipes.
6 Press READ.
7 You will be prompted to insert your sample and press READ.
8 Insert the cuvette with your sample into the AquaFlash sample compartment, close the
lid, and press READ.
9 When measurement has completed, remove the cuvette and discard the sample.
10 Results will be displayed as shown below:
11 Press the down arrow key to view Fo (minimum), Fm (maximum), and Blank raw
fluorescence values.
12 When finished viewing data, or if ready to run the next sample, press ESC to get to the
Home screen and repeat the sampling procedure.
CHL: 5.25 HH:MM
YLD: 0.54 # 0001
Note: The figure to the left is an example of how results
will be displayed after measuring a sample. CHL is total
chlorophyll, YLD is Yield or photosynthetic efficiency, Time
is displayed as hours and minutes, and the sample number
is displayed as 4 digits representing sample numbers from
1 to 1000.
Fo: 250 Fm: 450
Blank: 50

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2.5 Data Displayed
Data can be viewed on the AquaFlash’s display or downloaded to a computer for viewing.
To view data use the  arrow keys to scroll to a desired sample, sample number will be
displayed in the bottom right corner of the screen. Press the down arrow key to view raw
fluorescence data for that sample.
The following parameters are recorded in the order specified below for a single
measurement and can be downloaded to a computer after they’ve been logged:
Date MM/DD/YYYY
Time hh:mm:ss
Serial Number 86XXXXX
Sample Number 1 - 1000
Chlorophyll 00.01 - 2000, “ND”
Yield 0.01 –0.75, “ND”
Fo Raw minimum fluorescence value
Fm Raw maximum fluorescence value
Blank Value Value recorded during cal for blank
STD Read Value Value recorded during cal for standard
STD Entered Value Standard value set during cal for CAL VAL
Note: “ND” indicates a Non Detect, meaning the sample is well below the lower
detection limit of the instrument.
2.6 Downloading Data
The AquaFlash can log a total of 1000 data points which can be downloaded to a computer
using the provided Data Download Cable and Download Utilities Software.
1 Install the Download Utilities Software included on the USB thumb drive.
2 Plug the download data cable’s stereo jack in the AquaFlash data port.
3 Plug the download data cable’s USB plug into your computer.
4 Wait for the download data cable’s driver to automatically install.
5 Begin the Download Utilities Software.
6 Manually enter the COM port assigned to the download data cable. The COM port
setting can be viewed and/or changed in the computer’s Device Manager window.
7 Click the Browse button and select or create a folder in a desired directory and enter a
filename.
8 Click Save and then click the Start button on the software’s screen.
9 Press the ON/OFF button to turn the AquaFlash on and wait for the 5-second
countdown.
10 Press the AquaFlash keypad’s DATA button; use the  arrow keys to select
SEND/CLEAR DATA.
11 Press ENTER and use the  arrow keys to select SEND DATA.
12 Press ENTER and wait for data to be sent.
13 The Download Utilities Software will indicate when download has completed, then click
Stop.
It is recommended that you confirm data are saved to your computer by navigating to the
saved file and opening the file to view data before clearing data from the AquaFlash.

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3 Sample Analysis Guidelines
Take care not to spill samples into the sample chamber. Wipe up any spills promptly.
The cuvette MUST BE DRY on the outside when taking readings. Any moisture or
condensation on the outside of the cuvette can affect the reading.
Fill the cuvette with at least 3.5 mL volume (~ 3/4full).
Use the same cuvette for your samples, it is very important that you thoroughly rinse the
cuvette between samples. The AquaFlash is very sensitive, therefore cross contamination
between subsequent samples will skew results. Three rinses with the sample intended for
measurement will help flush out any residual and decrease the chance for cross
contamination.
Do not use a cuvette cap as it may cause the cuvette to not seat properly in the sample
compartment.
When handling the cuvette, hold it near the top.
Any bubbles in the sample will affect the readings. Take care not to introduce bubbles into
samples. Remove any bubbles by lightly tapping with your finger on the outside cuvette wall
or cover the top of the cuvette and tilt the sample to help dissipate bubbles.
Wait at least 3 seconds between consecutive measurements to allow the optics to return to
normal state.

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4 Measurement Parameters
4.1 Chlorophyll (µg/L)
The AquaFlash is configured for detecting chlorophyll fluorescence from live algal cells (i.e.
in vivo detection of Chlorophyll). Light from the fluorometer is absorbed by algae and
fluorescence emitted by the cells is detected, quantified, and displayed as a digital number
estimating the abundance of algae in the sample as chlorophyll (µg/L) concentration.
Environmental conditions, presence of interfering compounds, cellular physiology, and light
history can influence abundance estimates.
4.2 Photosynthetic Efficiency (Yield)
The AquaFlash uses two measuring LEDs to estimate photosynthetic efficiency. The first
LED (monitoring) is used to excite the sample with very low light intensity so as not to induce
a change in chlorophyll reaction centers. While continuously monitoring the sample using
the monitoring LED, the second LED (saturating) blasts the sample with a high intensity of
light to effectively close chlorophyll reaction centers and bring algae to a maximum
fluorescence state (Fm). The difference between the maximum (Fm) and minimum (Fo)
fluorescence states is called variable fluorescence (Fv). The ratio (Fv/Fm) is used to
estimate the photosynthetic capability of algae, which ranges from 0.01 to 0.75.

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5 Warranty
5.1 Terms
Turner Designs warrants the AquaFlash Handheld Active Fluorometer and accessories to
be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a
period of 12 months from the date of shipment from Turner Designs, with the following
restrictions:
Turner Designs is not responsible for replacing parts damaged by accident or neglect.
Damage from corrosion is not covered. Damage caused by customer modification of the
instrument is not covered.
This warranty covers only Turner Designs products and is not extended to equipment
used with our products. We are not responsible for incidental or consequential
damages, except in those states where this limitation is not allowed. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
Damage incurred in shipping is not covered.
5.2 Warranty Service
To obtain service during the warranty period, the owner shall take the following steps:
1 Write, email, or call the Turner Designs Technical Support department and describe as
precisely as possible the nature of the problem.
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
2 Carry out any adjustments or tests as suggested by the Technical Support Department.
3 If proper performance is not obtained you will be issued a Return Authorization number
(RMA). Package the unit, write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping carton,
and ship the instrument, prepaid, to Turner Designs. If the failure is covered under the
warranty terms, the instrument will be repaired and returned free of charge, for all
customers in the contiguous continental United States.
For customers outside of the contiguous continental United States who purchased
equipment from one of our authorized distributors, contact the distributor. If you
purchased directly, contact us. We will repair the instrument at no charge. Customer
pays for shipping duties and documentation to Turner Designs. Turner Designs pays for
return shipment. Custom duties, taxes and fees are the responsibility of the customer.
5.3 Out-of-Warranty Service
Follow steps for Warranty Service as listed above. If our Technical Support department can
assist you by phone or correspondence, we will be glad to, at no charge. Repair service will
be billed on a fixed price basis, plus any applicable duties and/or taxes. Shipment to Turner
Designs should be prepaid. Your bill will include return shipment freight charges.
Address for Shipment:
Turner Designs
1995 N. 1st Street
San Jose, CA 95112

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Appendix A: Specifications
AquaFlash
Sensitivity
< 0.3 µg/L of Chlorophyll
Linear Range
0.3-100 µg/L
Warm Up Time
5 seconds
Power
4 AAA standard or rechargeable batteries
Auto Power Off
After 3 minutes of inactivity on the HOME screen only
Light Source
LED
Detector
Photodiode
LCD Display
2 x 16 characters
Resolution
12 bits
Case
Meets IP 67 Standard; dustproof and waterproof
Temperature
41-104 °F; 5-40 °C
Internal Memory
1000 records
Data Output Format
ASCII
Weight
0.87 lbs. (0.4kg)
Size
1.75” x 3.5” x 7.25”(4.45cm x 8.9cm x 18.4cm)

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Appendix B: Warning Messages
Memory Warning Messages
The AquaFlash’s memory starts at 100% allowing for a maximum of 1,000 data points to be
logged. If the memory is more than 90% full and the READ button is pressed, the following
message will display:
“Warning: Memory > 90% Full”
Indicating that you have reached more than 90% of the total memory allowed. You will be
allowed to continue sampling, but it is highly recommended you stop measuring samples at
this point, download data to your PC and clear the data log.
When memory is full, the instrument will display:
“Memory Full”
When READ is pressed you will not be allowed to analyze samples until data have been
downloaded and cleared from memory.
Battery Warning Messages
Battery power is checked whenever users turn the instrument on using the ON/OFF button.
After the 5 second countdown,
-If the battery power is < 20%, the following warning message will display
“Battery <20%! Press <ENTER>” You can continue making measurements
after pressing ENTER.
-If the battery power is < 10%, the following message will display “Battery
Low Pwr! Replace Battery!” You will not be able to make any
measurements until batteries are replaced.