Turner Designs Ballast-Check 2 User manual

Ballast-CheckTM2
Handheld PAM Fluorometer
P/N: 998-8501
Revision: K
February 25, 2016
TURNER DESIGNS
845 W. Maude Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

Ballast-Check 2 User’s Manual
2
Table of Contents
1
Introduction
1.1
Description
4
1.2
PAM Fluorometry
4
1.3
Quick View Diagrams
4
1.4
Inspection
5
1.5
General Information, Precautions & Cleaning
5
2
Instrument Operation and Calibration
2.1
Button Identification and Function
6
2.2
Instrument Power Up
7
2.3
Calibration Verification
8
2.4
Filtering Samples
8
2.5
Measuring a Sample
9
2.6
Data Displayed
10
2.7
Downloading Data
11
2.8
Filter Washing Procedure
12
2.9
Installing the Interface/Integration Adaptor Cable
13
3
Sample Analysis Guidelines
14
4
Measurement Parameters
4.1
Abundance
15
4.2
Activity
15
4.3
Calculations
15
5
Warranty
5.1
Terms
17
5.2
Warranty Service
17
5.3
Out of Warranty Service
17
Appendixes
A
Specifications
19
B
Error Readings and Warning Messages
20

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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 Ballast-Check 2 provides users with a rapid estimation of relative Abundance and
Activity of algae in ballast water samples to help users quickly assess the risk of gross
exceedance of the discharge standard for ballast water.
Risk of contamination is determined using both Abundance and Activity values.
High Risk: High Algal Abundance AND High Algal Activity
Low Risk: Low Algal Abundance OR Low Algal Activity
1.2 PAM Fluorometry
The Ballast-Check 2 is a Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) Fluorometer. Pulse amplitude
modulation is a process that uses varying light intensities delivered in a series of pulses for
looking at fluorescence quenching to determine photosynthetic efficiency of algae or plant
material. There are two measurement modes, single and multiple turnover. The Ballast-
Check 2 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
only looking at how efficient algae are at photosynthesizing, essentially determining the
activity of the organisms. High degree of activity means a high survival rate and low activity
means the algae aren’t capable of efficiently photosynthesizing and have a low survival rate.
1.3 Quick View Diagrams
The Ballast-Check 2 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 included. The Ballast-Check 2 package comes in a carrying case that
includes:
The Ballast-Check 2 inside a storage pouch (batteries included)
Instrument-specific Calibration Check Standard (stored in pouch’s compartment)
Laminated Quick Start Guide (QSG)
Laminated Calibration Certificate
2 - glass 10x10mm cuvettes
60cc plastic syringe
3 - 10µ filter capsules
Filter Washing Kit
Kim Wipes
Wrist Strap
Data download cable and serial to USB adapter cable
USB Flash Drive with User’s Manual, QSG, Download Software and serial to
USB cable driver
4 - AAA replacement batteries
1.5 General Information, Precautions and Cleaning
The plastic battery tab at the back of the Ballast-Check 2 must be removed before use.
Grasp it firmly and pull gently to remove it exposing the battery terminals to enable
power to the Ballast-Check 2.
Use caution around solvents, they may degrade the plastic case of the Ballast-Check 2.
If a sample is accidentally spilled inside the sample compartment, invert the Ballast-
Check 2 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 the Kim Wipes provided.
If extra cleaning is needed, use a mild detergent to dampen the towel for cleaning.
Although the Ballast-Check 2 floats, do not submerge it in water.
Do not expose the Ballast-Check 2 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
2.1 Button Identification and Function
SHIP –Displays the ship number as a 12-digit alphanumeric value. All characters in the
alphanumeric value can be adjusted to set the SHIP number.  keys can be used to
cycle through numbers 0-9 and characters A-Z.  keys can be used to move the
cursor to the next digit. After setting the SHIP number ENTER is pressed to save the
value. If ESC is pressed at any time, the screen is exited and nothing is saved.
Saved values are appended to a data point after a sample is analyzed. The sample
number will count sequentially, beginning with “#0001” for the first sample analyzed.
TANK –Displays the tank number as a configurable 10-digit alphanumeric value. All
characters in the alphanumeric value can be adjusted to set a desired TANK number.
 keys can be used to cycle through numbers 0-9 and characters A-Z.  keys can
be used to move the cursor to the next value. After setting the TANK number ENTER is
pressed to save the value. If ESC is pressed at any time, the screen is exited and
nothing is saved.
Saved values are appended to a data point after a sample is analyzed. The sample
number will count sequentially, beginning with “#0001” for the first sample analyzed.
READ –Begins the sample analysis procedure detailed in section 2.5, only if SHIP and
TANK values are saved. If SHIP and TANK values are not saved, pressing READ will
display the message “First Set SHIP and TANK Values” and you will not be allowed to
continue with measuring a sample until SHIP and TANK values are saved.
ON/OFF –Turns the instrument ON or OFF.
ENTER –This button is used to save SHIP or TANK values after they’ve been set and
allows users to proceed to the next screen/menu.

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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 (see section
2.7) 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.
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 instrument performance. “Cal. Check Passed” or “Cal.
Check Failed” will be displayed after measuring the Calibration Check Standard using
the CHK STD button indicating whether the Ballast-Check 2 can continue to be used for
sample analysis or should be returned to the factory.
2.2 Instrument Power Up
Press the ON/OFF button to power on the Ballast-Check 2. After a 5 second warm up, the
Ballast-Check 2 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 Ballast-Check 2 will not automatically turn off if left idle while running a
sample.
HOME SCREEN
The home screen will display the current date, time, Ballast-Check 2 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.

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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.
2.3 Calibration Verification
The Ballast-Check 2 is factory calibrated and should remain calibrated for many years.
Calibration can be verified using the Calibration Check Standard (CCS) included with the
instrument. Calibration Check Standards are paired with specific Ballast-Check 2
instruments. To check instrument calibration:
1 Press the ON/OFF button to turn the Ballast-Check 2 on
2 Locate the Calibration Check Standard (CCS) in the side pocket of the pouch.
Confirm the serial number on the CCS and Ballast-Check 2 are the same.
3 After warm up has completed, holding the CCS by the tab, insert it with the tab at the
back end of the sample compartment and close the sample compartment lid
NOTE: The Ballast-Check 2 should be placed on a flat surface prior to reading
the Calibration Check Standard (CCS).
4 Press the CHK STD button
a. If the calibration is valid, the Ballast-Check 2 will display “Cal. Check Passed”
b. If the Ballast-Check 2 displays “Cal. Check Failed”, remove the CCS from the
instrument, re-insert the CCS, press the ESC button and press the CHK STD
button to run another calibration check. Repeat this procedure 5 times. If the
calibration check fails more than 2 out of 5 times, the Ballast-Check 2 is out of
calibration and needs to be sent back to the manufacturer. If the calibration
check fails less than or equal to 2 out of 5 times, the calibration is valid.
NOTE: Temperature change may cause slight variability in the response of
the CCS causing the CHK STD to fail. Running the CCS multiple times as
described above will account for this variability.
5 Return the CCS to the side pocket of the pouch.
For a CCS reading, the date, time, serial number, result type, and “Passed/Failed” will be
logged to memory. CCS readings are not counted as actual samples, therefore NA (Not
Applicable; see section 2.6 for details) will be displayed in place of a sample number, and all
01/06/2015 11:30
FW0.01 Batt: 50%

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other parameters included in the data output string for the measurement. See section 2.7
for data downloading instructions.
2.4 Filtering Samples
The Ballast-Check 2 comes with 3 filter capsules with 10 micron nylon mesh filters already
installed. These filters are used to fractionate samples to more accurately determine
abundance and activity of 10-50 micron sized cells. The procedure in section 2.5 outlines
how and when to use the filters provided to perform the analysis.
2.5 Measuring a Sample
NOTE: See Section 3 for Sample Analysis Guidelines before proceeding. The
guidelines will help with minimizing measurement error.
The following materials are required for measuring a sample:
-Ballast-Check 2
-60 cc plastic syringe with male luer lock end
-Glass Cuvette
-Kim Wipes for wiping the outside of the glass cuvette
-10 micron mesh filter capsule
-Filter washing kit
-Deionized or distilled water
The following procedure is used to measure a sample:
1. Aspirate a small amount of sample into your 60cc syringe to rinse any residual from your
previous sample and purge all the water from the syringe.
2. Aspirate 50cc’s of sample into your syringe.
3. Using the sample in your syringe, rinse a glass cuvette 3 times, then fill the cuvette ¾
full.
4. Dry and clean all faces of the cuvette using Kim Wipes.
5. Insert the cuvette into your Ballast-Check 2 and close the lid.
6. Turn the Ballast-Check 2 on with the ON/OFF button.
7. Set the Ship and Tank values. See SHIP and TANK button functions in Section 2.1 if
these values haven’t been set.
8. Press READ.
9. The message “SHIP/TANK OKAY?” will be displayed and you’ll be prompted to select
“YES” to proceed with sampling or “NO” to return to the HOME screen and set new
SHIP/TANK values. To select “YES” press the ENTER key, to select “NO” use the 
keys to move the cursor to “NO” then press the ENTER key.
10. If you choose “YES” to proceed with sampling, you will be prompted to press the READ
button to continue with the measurement.
11. Press READ and the measurement will begin.

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oIf LOW risk is displayed, the measurement is complete and you can see values for
that sample by pressing the key.
oIf the sample has a HIGH risk, you will be prompted to insert a 10 micron sample.
12. Attach a 10 micron filter to your 60cc syringe.
13. Remove the cuvette from your Ballast-Check 2 and discard the sample.
14. Using the remaining sample in your syringe, rinse the glass cuvette 3 times, then fill the
cuvette ¾ full with your 10 micron filtered sample.
15. Dry and clean all faces of the cuvette using Kim Wipes.
16. Insert the cuvette into your Ballast-Check 2 and close the lid.
17. Press READ.
18. Results will be displayed as HIGH or LOW risk. The measurement is complete.
Associated values can be viewed by pressing the key.
19. Remove the cuvette from the Ballast-Check 2 and discard the sample
20. Remove the 10 micron filter from your 60cc syringe and discard the sample remaining in
the syringe.
21. Rinse the syringe 3 times with DI.
22. Using the filter washing kit, back wash the 10 micron filter with a clean water source
such as deionized or distilled water to prepare it for reuse or storage. See Filter
Washing Procedure in Section 2.8 for more information on filter washing.
23. When finished viewing data, or if ready to run the next sample, press ESC to get to the
Home screen and repeat sampling procedure.
Note: It is recommended you repeat the above steps 3 times. If you see inconsistent
results, please refer to the Sample Analysis Guidelines in Section 3.
2.6 Data Displayed
Data can be viewed on the Ballast-Check 2’s display or downloaded to a computer for
viewing. To view data on the Ballast-Check 2’s display, from the HOME screen, use the
 keys to scroll through sample numbers until you’ve reach the sample number you
wish to view. Then use the  keys to scroll through logged data for that sample
number. You can view the date, time, risk, ship/tank values recorded and the
Abundance and Activity value saved for that sample. You can also view these
parameters using the  keys right after a measurement has completed.
Values for Abundance and Activity are defined by the set fluorescence thresholds which
correlate to the discharge standard of less than 10 viable organisms of the 10-50 micron
size class in 1 milliliter of ballast water.
The Abundance value represents an enumeration of the algal cells in the sample and
addresses the “…less than 10 organisms…” requirement of the discharge standard. The
Ballast-Check 2 has a set threshold value of 10 cells per milliliter. This threshold is part
of the information used to determine whether samples are at risk for gross exceedance
of the discharge standard.
Addressing the discharge standard’s “…viable organisms…” is done by measuring the
photosynthetic efficiency (Activity) of algae in ballast water samples. The Activity is

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reported as a ratio between 0.01 and 0.75; all values outside of this range are reported
as Non-Detect (ND).
When the measured Abundance is greater than or equal to the set threshold, this
indicates that algae may be in gross exceedance of the discharge standard. To
accurately assess the RISK factor, the same sample’s Activity is measured. If the
measured algal Activity is greater than or equal to 0.25, then HIGH is displayed for RISK
as together the algal Abundance of cells in the 10 –50 micron size class and the algal
Activity have shown a high risk of gross exceedance of the discharge standard. When
the measured Abundance is less than the set threshold, regardless of the Activity
measured, LOW is displayed indicating a very low abundance of algae.
If the sample being analyzed exceeds the upper detection limit of the instrument (>2000
cells per ml), then HIGH will be displayed for risk and a count value > 2000 will be
displayed for abundance; Activity will not be valid for this sample. Note: You will not
be prompted to filter the sample through the 10 micron filter in this case. This
sample will be considered too high to count and will either need to be marked as such or
diluted to within the measuring range and re-analyzed.
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 (85XXXXX)
Result Type “Sample”or “STD Check”
CHK STD Result “Passed”or “Failed”
Ship Number (XXXXXXXXXXXX)
Tank Number (XXXXXXXXXX)
Sample Number (1 - 1000)
Abundance (00.01 - 2000, “ND”, or “NA”)
Activity (0.01 –0.75, “ND”, or “NA”)
Note: “ND” indicates a Non Detect, meaning the sample is well below the lower detection
limit of the instrument. “NA” indicates no measurement was made, Not Applicable.
2.7 Downloading Data
If your computer does not have a serial port available, you will need to install the
Interface/Integration Adaptor Cable (see section 2.9) before proceeding. Once installed
plug the Data Download Cable into the Adaptor Cable and continue with Downloading Data
instructions.
If your computer has a serial port, plug the Data Download Cable into the serial port and
continue with Downloading Data instructions.
The Ballast-Check 2 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) Plug the USB drive into your computer

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2) Open the Download Utilities Software folder
3) Double click the Setup file
4) Wait for setup to finish installing Download Software
5) Double click to open the Download Software
6) Assign the appropriate COM port by manually typing the designated port number into the
COM port box available
7) Make a connection between the Ballast-Check 2 and your computer using the Data
Download Cable
8) Click the Browse button and navigate to a folder or location where the downloaded data
will be saved
9) Name the file and click Save
10)Click Start
11)Turn the Ballast-Check 2 on and press the DATA button after warm up has completed
12)Press Enter to select Send/Clear Data
13)Press Enter to Send Data
Note: Download Software should indicate data are being saved.
14)When all data have been downloaded the Download Software will indicate Data
Download has completed
15)Click the Stop button and you may now open the saved file to view your data set
Note: Data are saved in a .csv file which can be opened using Microsoft Excel or
as a text file.
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 Ballast-Check
2.
2.8 Filter Washing Procedure
Included in the Ballast-Check 2 package is a 10 micron filter washing kit to rinse the 10
micron filters after use. The 10 micron filters can be reused many times if properly
rinsed after each use. The following procedure guides users on how to properly rinse
the 10 micron filters:
1) Locate the filter washing kit
2) Attach the plastic tube included in the filter washing kit to the 5cc plastic syringe
3) Obtain some deionized or distilled water
4) Fill the 5cc syringe by drawing water from the clean water source obtained in step 3
5) Attach the other end of the plastic tube to the outflow port of the 10 micron filter holder
6) Make sure there is nothing attached to the inflow port of the 10 micron filter holder
7) Push water through the filter to remove any materials trapped on the nylon mesh
8) Repeat as necessary as determined by visual inspection
When finished sampling and prior to storage follow the procedure above to ensure filters
are clean. If they are not properly rinsed using clean water prior to storage, filter
damage may occur.

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2.9 Installing the Interface/Integration Adaptor Cable
This cable allows you to convert from RS232 to USB. You will need the USB drive and the
Interface/Integration Adaptor Cable, both included in the Ballast-Check 2 package, to
complete the installation.
1) Plug the USB drive into your computer
2) Double click the “InstallParallaxUSBDriversv2.08.02.exe” file
3) Follow installation wizard’s instructions for installing the driver
4) Plug the Interface/Integration Adaptor Cable into any available USB port on your
computer
5) Access the Device Hardware manager to determine what COM was assigned to the
Interface/Integration Adaptor Cable
The installation is now complete and you may plug your Data Download Cable into the
Integration/Interface Adaptor Cable’s serial port. See section 2.7 for instructions on how to
download Ballast-Check 2 data.

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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 (3/4 full). Significant error in readings may result
if the cuvette contains less than this minimum volume.
Use the same cuvette for your samples, it is very important that you thoroughly rinse the
cuvette between samples. The Ballast-Check 2 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 Abundance
The Ballast-Check 2 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. Although environmental conditions,
presence of interfering compounds, cellular physiology, and light history can influence
abundance estimates, the procedure used to analyze samples on Ballast-Check 2 accounts
for most of the interferences, providing an accurate estimate of algal abundance for 10 –50
micron sized cells.
4.2 Activity
The Ballast-Check 2 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 monitoring LED’s
measurement of the maximum (Fm) and minimum (Fo) fluorescence states is called variable
fluorescence (Fv). The ratio (Fv/Fm) is a good measure of the algal activity, which is
measured between 0.01 and 0.75.
4.3 Calculations
There are two potential equations for calculating abundance of algae in samples. Equation
1 calculates abundance of whole water as a first step in determining gross exceedance of
algae.
Abundance = (RFUBraw) x (Calibration Coefficient) (Equation 1)
Where,
RFUBraw is the blank-corrected fluorescence detected from raw water sample
Calibration coefficient is the value used to convert fluorescence to abundance
If algae exceed threshold limits, equation 2 is used to correct for less than 10 micron cell
fluorescence, which may add to the fluorescence detected giving a false positive.
Abundance = [(RFUBraw) –(RFUB10)] x (Calibration Coefficient) (Equation 2)
Where,
RFUBraw is the blank-corrected fluorescence detected from raw water sample
RFUB10 is the blank-corrected fluorescence detected from the 10 micron filtered sample
Calibration coefficient is the value used to convert fluorescence to abundance

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A third equation is used to calculate algal activity (photosynthetic efficiency of algae).
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = {𝐹𝑚− 𝐹𝑜}
𝐹𝑚 (Equation 3)
Where,
Fm represents the maximum blank-corrected fluorescence detected after a saturation pulse
Fo is the blank-corrected fluorescence detected from sample using low light intensity

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5 Warranty
5.1 Terms
Turner Designs warrants the Ballast-Check 2 PAM 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
845 W. Maude Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085

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Appendix A: Specifications
Ballast-Check 2
Sensitivity
< 10 cells/ml
Warm Up Time
5 seconds
Power
4 AAA standard or rechargeable batteries
Auto Power Off
After 3 minutes of inactivity
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)

Ballast-Check 2 User’s Manual
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Appendix B: Error Readings and Warning Messages
Memory Warning Messages
The Ballast-Check 2’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.
Error Readings
When samples are below set blank values, the instrument will result in an Error Reading
indicating that there is no fluorescence associated with the sample being read. When this
occurs, users should read the sample 2 more times for repeatability. Error readings are logged
to memory and will be counted as samples. However, logged values (Risk, Abundance,
Activity) for error readings will display NA indicating that the instrument wasn’t able to measure
the sample.