Unico S-2150 Series User manual

S-2150 SERIES
SPECTROPHOTOMETER
USER’S MANUAL
V 2.0
United Products & Instruments, Inc.
182-E Ridge Road
Dayton, NJ 08810
732-274-1155 FAX [phone]
www.unicosci.com
Rev. S2150-5.0

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
General information……………………………………………………………… 3
Safety………………………….........................................................……… 3
Electrical………………………………………………………………........ 3
Warning…………………………………………………………………….. 3
Performance………………………………………………………………… 4
Radio Interference………………………………………………………….. 4
Introduction…........................................................................……………… 4
Working Principle.......................................................................…………… 4
Unpacking Instructions.....................................................………………….. 5
Specifications….............................................................................................. 5
Installation.............................................................................…….................. 5
Operational Panel....................................................................……................ 7
Description of Keys....................................................................……............ 7
Operation Instruction............................................................……………................... 8
Spectrophotometer Initialization ......................................................................... 8
BASIC MODE-%T/Abs Measure...............................................……………. 11
Quantitative Test.......................................................................……………… 14
Define/Establish Test Method……………………………………….. 15
By Standards………………………………………………… 15
By Known Factors…………………………………………… 23
Run Tests ……………………………………………………………. 28
System Setup…………………………………………………………………….. 31
Edit clock …………………………………………………………… 31
Dark Current………………………………………………………….. 33
WL Calibration ……………………………………………………….. 34
Language ……………………………………………………………… 36
WL Correction………………………………………………………… 36
Firmware Version …………………………………………………….. 36
Lamp Service ………………………………………………….…….... 36
PC LINK………………………………………………………………………. 37
Wavelength Calibration…………….……………………………….……………….. 37
Holmium Oxide Filter Method………………………………………………… 37
Didymium Filter Method……………………………………………………… 38
Absorbance Accuracy Checks………………………………………………… 39
Stray Light Check……………………………………………………………… 39
Trouble Shooting………………………………………………………….................. 41
Error Code Definitions……………………………………………………………… 42

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1. General information
The apparatus described in this manual is designed to be used by properly trained personnel in a
suitable equipped laboratory. For the correct and safe use of this apparatus it is essential that
laboratory personnel follow generally accepted safe procedures in addition to the safety
precautions called for in this manual.
The covers on this instrument may be removed for servicing. However, the inside of the power
supply unit is a hazardous area and its cover should not be removed under any circumstances.
There are no serviceable components inside this power supply unit. Avoid touching the high
voltage power supply at all times.
Some of the chemicals used in spectrophotometry are corrosive and/or inflammable and samples
may be radioactive, toxic, or potentially infective. Care should be taken to follow the normal
laboratory procedures for handling chemicals and samples.
Safety
Read the following before installing and using the instrument and its accessories. The S2150
Series (S-2150 visible and S2150UV UV/Vis) should be operated by appropriate laboratory
technicians.
Electrical
Before switching on the apparatus, make sure it is set to the voltage of the local power supply.
The power cord shall be inserted in a socket provided with a protective earth contact. The
protective action must not be negated by the use of an extension cord without a protective
conductor.
Warning
Any interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside the apparatus or disconnection of
the protective earth terminal is likely to make the apparatus dangerous. Intentional interruption
is prohibited.
Whenever it is likely that the protection has been impaired, the apparatus shall be made
inoperative and be secured against any unintended operation. NEVER touch or handle the
power supply due to the high voltage.
The protection is likely to be impaired if, for example, the apparatus
•Shows visible damage
•Fails to perform the intended measurements
•Has been subjected to prolonged storage under unfavorable conditions.
•Has been subjected to severe transport stresses

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Performance
To ensure that the instrument is working within its specification, especially when making
measurements of an important nature, carry out performance checks with particular reference to
wavelength and absorbance accuracy. Performance checks are detailed in this manual.
Radio Interference
For compliance with the EMC standards referred to in the EC Declaration of Conformity, it is
necessary that only shielded cables are used when connecting the instrument to computers and
accessories.
Introduction
The UNICO S-2150 series are single beam, general purpose instruments designed to meet the
needs of the Conventional Laboratory, They are ideal for various applications, such as: Clinical
Chemistry, Biochemistry, Petro-chemistry, Environmental Protection, Food and Beverage Labs,
Water and Waste Water Labs and other fields of quality control and research.
Both S2150 Series features a digital display of photometric result, easy operation and
wavelength range of 325nm to 1000nm for S-2150 and 200nm to 1000nm for model S-2100UV.
S-2150 is ideal for measurements in the visible wavelength region of the electromagnetic
spectrum and S-2150UV in ultraviolet and visible wavelength region.
Working Principle
The spectrophotometer consists of five parts: 1) Halogen and deuterium (for S-2150UV only)
lamp to supply the light; 2) A Monochromator to isolate the wavelength of interest and eliminate
the unwanted second order radiation; 3) A sample compartment to accommodate the sample
solution; 4) A detector to receive the transmitted light and convert it to an electrical signal; and
5) A digital display to indicate absorbance or transmittance. The block diagram below illustrates
the relationship between these parts.
Block diagram for the Spectrophotometer
In your spectrophotometer, light from the lamp is focused on the entrance slit of the
monochromator where the collimating mirror directs the beam onto the grating. The grating
disperses the light beam to produce the spectrum, a portion of which is focused on the exit slit of
the monochromator by a collimating mirror. From here the beam is passed to a sample

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compartment through one of the filters, which helps to eliminate unwanted second order
radiation from the diffraction grating. Upon leaving the sample compartment, the beam is
passed to the silicon photodiode detector and causes the detector to produce an electrical signal
that is displayed on the digital display.
S-2150 Series incorporate an USB bi-directional port for connecting to a PC for using the
UNICO Application Software.
The RS232 Port is for use with RS232 printer and for firmware (built-in software) upgrade.
Unpacking Instructions
Carefully unpack the contents and check the materials against the following packing list to
ensure that you have received everything in good condition:
Packing List
Unless otherwise specially ordered the spectrophotometer package should include the following
items.
Description: ________________________ Quantity
Spectrophotometer...........……................. …............................................................ 1
Power Cord…………………………………......………………………………….. 1
Cuvettes, Glass ..................................……............... …............................................ Set of 4
Cuvettes, Quartz(S-2150UV only)………………………………………………… Set of 2
Dust Cover...................................…….......…. …..................................................... 1
Manual................................................………............................................................. 1
Specifications for S2150 Series
Model S-2150 Model S-2150UV
Wavelength Range 325-1000nm 200-1000nm
Spectral Bandpass 4nm 4nm
Wavelength Accuracy + 2 nm +2 nm
Wavelength Repeatability + 1nm +1nm
Stray Radiant Energy <0.3 @ 340 and 400nm <0.3 @ 220 and 340nm
Photometric Range 0 to 125%T
-0.3 to 2.5 Abs
-9999 to 9999
0 to 125%T
0.3 to 2.5 Abs
-9999 to 9999
Photometric Accuracy + [email protected] + [email protected]
Display Graphic LCD 128x64 LCD Graphic 128x64
Control and Data Entry Touch Button Keypad Touch Button Keypad
USB Port For PC connection (requires PC
software) For PC connection (requires PC software)

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Data output For RS232 printer and firmware
upgrade For RS232 printer and firmware upgrade
Power Requirements 90-240Vac, 50-60 Hz 90-240Vac, 50-60 Hz
Dimensions 550W x 400D x 270H (mm) 550W x 400D x 270H (mm)
Light Source Tungsten Halogen Tungsten Halogen/Deuterium
Weight 46 lbs. /21kg 46 lbs. /21kg
Installation:
1. After carefully unpacking the contents, check the materials with the packing list to ensure that
you have received everything in good condition.
2. Place the instrument in a suitable location away from direct sunlight. In order to have the
best performance from your instrument, keep it as far as possible from any strong magnetic or
electrical fields or any electrical device that may generate high-frequency fields. Set the unit up
in an area that is free of dust, corrosive gases and strong vibrations.
3. Remove any obstructions or materials that could hinder the flow of air under and around the
instrument.
4. Turn on the instrument and allow it to warm up for 15 minutes before taking any readings.

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Operational Panel
Description of Key Functions
【CLEAR/DEL】Clear or delete
【SET λ】Set wavelength
【0Abs/100%T】Blank (Set 0Abs and 100%T) or establish baseline;
【LOAD】Load saved curve;
【MODE】Select type of measurement;
【ESC】Escape or back to previous screen;
【ENTER】Confirm;
【PRINT】Print test data
【∧】Scroll up
【∨】Scroll down
【-/. 】Minus/Dot

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2. Operation Instruction:
2.1 Preparation and Initialization
Turn on the spectrophotometer by pressing the Power Switch (IO) on the back of the instrument.
The instrument will automatically run a self-initialization check. The screen displays
sequentially the checking status.
Booting System:
Initializing
Check clock ......
UNICO Instrument Ltd.
(You may press EXIT to skip 15 minutes warm up which is not recommended).

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Booting System:
Initializing
Warm up 15 min....√
System calibration.
Please Select : No
After 15 minutes warm up you need to choose either to run full System Calibration or not. If you
choose No, the instrument will use the previously saved calibration data and the display will
move to the main menu and ready to use. If you select Yes, the instrument will go through
system calibration. Below are some displays showing system calibration process.
(Note: If previously saved data is lost the instrument will automatically run system calibration)
Booting System:
Dark current
Warm up 15 min....√
System calibration.
UNICO Instrument Ltd.
Booting System:
Goto end...
Warm up 15 min....√
System calibration.
UNICO Instrument Ltd.

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Booting System:
Search end...
Warm up 15 min....√
System calibration.
UNICO Instrument Ltd.
Booting System:
Goto 546nm
Warm up 15 min....√
System calibration.
UNICO Instrument Ltd.
The instrument is ready for use. Below is the Main Menu.
2.2BASIC MODE ━%T/Abs or Energy Measurement
2.2.1 Use arrow button to highlight BASIC MODE and then press ENTER to select
Basic mode.
2.2.2 Use【MODE】button to select type of test（%T/Abs or Energy）.

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If Energy type is selected the display will show the energy counts as shown below.
2.2.3 To reset wavelength press【SETλ】button. The display first shows the current
wavelength.
Enter the desired wavelength as shown below.

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Press【ENTER】button to confirm.The instrument will go from previous wavelength
(546nm) to the desired wavelength (500nm) and automatically blank.
Note: You must blank your reference before measure any sample. Follow your lab
procedures for preparing the reference liquid and the steps below to set the blank:
2.2.4 Make a blank reference solution by filling a clean cuvette with distilled or de-
ionized water or other specified solvent. Wipe the cuvette with tissue to remove the
fingerprints and droplets of liquid.
2.2.5 Fit the blank cuvette into the 4-cell holder and place the cuvette in the slot nearest
you. Push the rod so that the cuvette is in the light path. Close the lid.
2.2.6 Set 0.000A or 100%T by pressing 0A/100%T button.
Blanking
Energy low! 546nm
Note: If “Energy low!” is displayed it might indicate the reference is too dark or
the light beam energy from the lamp is too weak.

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2.2.7 Now it is ready to measure your samples:
2.2.8 Remove the blank cuvette if you are testing more than 3 samples. Set it aside in
the case that you may need to reset 0A/100%T later (i.e. change wavelength).
2.2.9 Rinse a second cuvette (or more) with a small amount of sample solution to be
tested. Fill the cuvette and wipe it.
2.2.10 Put the sample cuvette(s) in the sample compartment. Close the lid.
2.2.11 The current sample test result is displayed on the screen.
2.2.12 Press ENTER to confirm and log the result. Up to 20 test results can be logged.
When21st test result is confirmed the first test result will be automatically removed
from the list.
0.000A
Basic mode
100.0%T
01: 0.418 02: 0.436
546nm
Note: Press【CLEAR/DEL】will delete the test result displayed on the right. If
no test result is logged at the bottom line display will show “No Data!!!”(for
deleting).

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Note:
•If you are reading more than one cuvette, be sure to carefully move the cuvette holder to the
next position by pulling on the sample holder rod until the holder “click” into place.
•If you are reading 3 or less samples, then place the reference cuvette in the position nearest
you, and the samples in the next available position. This will shorten the time to read
samples and minimize the sample handling (opening and closing the sample compartment
lid, etc.)
To print the result press PRINT button.
2.3 Quantitative Test
Test method (curve) must be defined and established before quantitative tests can be run.
This instrument has open platform for you to establish your own test methods (curves).
Such established method will be saved as defined test in “Pre-defined Test List”.

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This instrument allows user to:
•Create New Curve
•Edit pre-defined and saved curve
•Delete pre-defined and saved curve
•Load pre-defined and saved curve
•Add pre-defined and saved curve to your favorite test folder for easy and fast access
To access quantitative test select “Quantitative mode”at the main menu. Use【∧】,【∨】to
choose the function and press【ENTER】to confirm your selection
2.3.1 Create New Curve
At “Quantitative” use【∧】,【∨】to“①Create New Curve”and press【ENTER】to confirm
your selection. You can establish standard curve using known Standards solution or using known
Coefficient.
2.3.2 Create New Curve by Standards
At Create New Curve use【∧】,【∨】to select “①By Standards”and 【ENTER】to confirm
your selection.
2.3.2.1 Set Parameters
At Standard screen，①Unit is highlighted with“Select Unit:ppm”at the bottom，use【∧】,

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【∨】to scroll the unit list (ppm,ppb,ng/ul,ng/ml,g/l,mg/l,%). Press【ENTER】to confirm
the unit selection.
Next is to select the wavelength, use 【0】~【9】numerical keys to enter the desired
wavelength（i.e. 500nm. Press【ENTER】to confirm the wavelength selection.
Then the type of curve needs to be selected. There are two kinds of curves; “Linear” or
“Linear through zero. Press【∧】,【∨】to choose and press【ENTER】your curve
selection.
The next step is to enter how many standards will be used to establish the curve.
Minimum two standards are required. Up to maximum of eight standards can be used.
Use the numerical keys to enter the number of standards. Press【ENTER】to confirm

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the selection.
②WL 500nm
Standard
③Curve Linear
④No of Stds
Enter number(2-8):2_
Up to 3 standard solutions of the same concentration standard can be measured. The
average will be used for final calculation. Use the numerical key to enter the desired
times of measurement for each standard concentration. DO NOT press【ENTER】yet!
Please insert the blank reference first before pressing【ENTER】.
2.3.2.3 Blank the Reference
Insert the blank reference and press 【ENTER】to blank.

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2.3.2.4 Measure the standards
After the parameters are setup and the reference is blanked it will automatically move to measure
the standards. In this case we have chosen:
1) Two standards
2) Three standard sample solutions for each standard concentration.
Follow the step by step instruction on the LCD screen to measure all the standard samples.
•Enter the concentration value of the first sample solution of the No.1 standard.（i.e. 0.05）.
Press【ENTER】to confirm. The concentration value will be displayed on the screen.
•Insert the first standard sample of the No.1 standard into the cuvette holder in the optical
path.

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•Press ENTER to measure it. The measured the absorbance value is displayed.
•Then enter the concentration value of the second sample solution of the No. Standard. Insert
that solution into the cuvette holder in the optical path. Press 【ENTER】to measure it.
•Repeat the same procedures for the third standard sample solution of the No.1 standard.
After the last standard sample solution of the No.1 standard is measured the LC will show
“Confirm?Y” with Y highlighted. The instrument asks you to review and confirm the
measurement. Then follow the screen instruction to measure the rest of the standards.
Note: If any error occurs and you want to re-measure the No.1 standard solutions use
【∧】, 【∨】to switch to “Confirm?N”Press【ENTER】to repeat the measurement.

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