Unico S1205 SERIES User manual

S1205 SERIES
SPECTROPHOTOMETER
USER’S MANUAL
V 3.0
United Products & Instruments, Inc.
182-E Ridge Road
Dayton, NJ 08810
732-274-1155 FAX [phone]
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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General information……………………………………………………………… 3
Safety………………………….........................................................……… 3
Electrical………………………………………………………………........ 3
Warning…………………………………………………………………….. 3
Performance………………………………………………………………… 4
Radio Interference………………………………………………………….. 4
Introduction…........................................................................……………… 4
Working Principle.......................................................................…………… 4
Unpacking Instructions.....................................................………………….. 5
Specifications….............................................................................................. 6
Installation.............................................................................…….................. 6
Operational Panel....................................................................……................ 8
Description of Keys....................................................................……............ 8
Operation Instruction............................................................……………................... 9
Prepare the spectrophotometer......................................................................... 9
BASIC MODE-%T/Abs Measure...............................................……………. 10
Quantitative Test.......................................................................……………… 12
Run test……………………………………………………………….. 12
Define/Establish Test Method……………………………………….. 14
By Known Factors……………………………………………. 15
By Standard………………………………………………….. 18
UTILITY……………………………………………………………………… 21
WL Calibration……………………………………………………….. 22
Dark Current………………………………………………………….. 22
EDIT CLOCK………………………………………………………… 22
SYSTEM BASELINE……………………………………..…………. 23
Turn on/off D2………………………………………………………… 24
Reset Defaults…………………………………………………………. 24
Memory Manager……………………………………………………… 24
WL Correction………………………………………………………… 25
PC LINK………………………………………………………………………. 25
Wavelength Calibration…………….……………………………….……………….. 26
Holmium Oxide Filter Method………………………………………………… 26
Didymium Filter Method……………………………………………………… 27
Absorbance Accuracy Checks………………………………………………… 28
Stary Light Check……………………………………………………………… 28
Trouble Shooting………………………………………………………….................. 29
Error Codes Definitions……………………………………………………………… 30
General information

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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. For the 2100UV+, 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
The safety statements in this manual comply with the requirements of the HEALTH AND
SAFETY AT WORK ACT, 1974.
Read the following before installing and using the instrument and its accessories. The S1205
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 S1205 is 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, Petrochemistry, Environmental Protection, Food and Beverage Labs,
Water and Waste Water Labs and other fields of quality control and research.
Both S1205 features a digital display of photometric result, easy operation and wavelength range
of 325nm to 1000nm, the instrument is ideal for measurements in the visible wavelength region
of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Working Principle
The spectrophotometer consists of five parts: 1) Halogen 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

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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
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.
The S1205 incorporate an RS-232C for printing and a USB port for connecting to a PC for using
the UNICO Application Software. There is a function select switch above the USB and RS-232 ports.
Set the switch at left for normal function (USB port for PC connection and RS-232 for printing). Set the
switch to the right for firmware update via RS-232 port (the USB port will not work at this setting).
Important Note:
The RS-232 port can also be used for firmware update. To update the firmware via RS-232 port
set the switch to the right (using null-modem RS232 cable).
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:
Unless otherwise specially ordered the spectrophotometer package should include the following
items.
Description: Quantity
Spectrophotometer...........……................. …........................ 1
Power Cord…………………………………......………….. 1
Cuvettes, Glass ..................................……............... …........ Set of 2
Dust Cover...................................…….......…. …................. 1
Manual................................................………....................... 1
Specifications for S1205
Model S1205
Wavelength Range 325-1000nm
Spectral Bandpass 5nm
Wavelength Accuracy + 2 nm
Wavelength Repeatability + 1nm
Stray Radiant Energy <0.3 @ 340 and 400nm
Photometric Range 0 to 125%T
-0.3 to 2.5 Abs
-9999 to 9999

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Photometric Accuracy + [email protected]
Data output RS232 and USB
Power Requirements 80-240Vac, 50-60 Hz
Dimensions 420W x 340D x 180H (mm)
Light Source Tungsten Halogen
Weight 8.5kg
Shipping Weight 19 lbs
Shipping dimension 20 x 16 x 11 inches
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.
Operational Panel
Description of Key Functions

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【CLEAR】Clear number or character when editing in Quantitative Mode;
【LOAD】Load saved data or saved curve ;
【PRINT】Print data;
【SAVE】Save data or curve;
【100%T】Set 0Abs and 100%T;
【EXIT】Return to previous screen;
【ENTER】Confirm the inputted data or selected item; Go to next setup or screen;
【∧】,【∨】Set Wavelength; Enter Standard solution value or Enter Known Factor
value; Browse the items in the menu
Operation Instruction:
Prepare the spectrophotometer
Turn on the spectrophotometer by pressing the Power Switch (IO). Press EXIT to skip 15
minutes warm up.
After 15 minutes warm up the main menu displays.
Note: a) If the saved wavelength has been out of order,`WL calibrating`will be
implemented and then go into Main Menu.
b) It is strongly recommended that taking dark current following the steps below
after warm-up:
1. Select UTILITY in main menu and then select Dark Current

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2. Dark Current will be taken shown and be saved shown after pressing EXIT
Important Notes: It is always a good practice to reset the dark current periodically.
It is especially important if the instrument is hanging on for a long time or the
environment is not stable.
BASIC MODE ━%T/Abs Measure
1. At main menu, scroll * to BASIC MODE and then press ENTER to Select basic T/Abs
mode. If the readouts are not 100.0%T and 0.000A, you may press 0Abs/100%T to blank.
BASIC MODE
2. Select the desired wavelength by pressing the appropriate key. At any time that the
wavelength is changed, blank will automatically be implemented.

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Select wavelength using【∧】,【∨】
Press Enter to set the new wavelength
Blank automatically
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Set 0.000A or 100%T by pressing 0A/100%T button.
6. 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).
7. Rinse a second cuvette (or more) with a small amount of sample solution to be tested.
Fill the cuvette and wipe it.
8. Put the sample cuvette(s) in the sample compartment. Close the lid.
9. Read the % Transmittance and Absorbance from the LCD readout window. If you are
reading more than one cuvette, be sure to carefully move the cuvette holder to the next

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position by pulling on the sample holder rod until the holder “click” into place. Be sure
to make note of the readout (or print) for each sample. Remove the sample cuvette(s).
Operational Note:
1. 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.)
2. To save or print the readings please press PRINT/SAVE and follow the instruction on
line 4 of screen.
10. If you are to test the same sample at other wavelengths, repeat steps 2 to 9 for each
wavelength.
11. For each new sample you analyze, repeat steps 3 to 9.
Quantitative Test
Run Test using pre-defined Method
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 “All Test List”. Refer to
“Define/Establish Test Method” section in this chapter.
Follow the procedures below to run quantitative test
1. At main menu scroll * to Quantitative and then press ENTER to Select Quantitative test
mode.
Fig 11
2. Select Run Test to run a pre-programmed and saved test. Place reference in the sample
holder and make sure it is in the optical path (working position). Scroll * to the left of the
desired test and then press ENTER to confirm.
Fig 12

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The instruments will automatically set to the proper wavelength as defined and blank the
reference(Press 0Abs/100%T button to re-blank).
Goto preset wavelength
Blank automatically
Ready after Blanking
3. Insert the sample cuvette into the light-path (working position) and sample test result will
be displayed.
4. Press PRINT or SAVE and follow the instruction to print or save the test results.
Note: Run Test folder shows the pre-loaded tests ready for immediate test run. If the desired
test is defined and saved in “All Test List” but not yet loaded in “Run Test”, you need
to load the test method to “Run Test” before you can run the quantitative tests using
such method.
Load Test (method) to Run Test
1. Select “All Test List at Quantitative menu.
2. Selects the test method in “All Test List” to be loaded to Run Test.
3. Press LOAD button to “copy and forward” the test method to Run Test.
4. Exit from All Test List and enter to Run Test to check and make sure the selected test
method is listed.
Remove Test (method) from Run Test
1. At “Run Test” screen scrolling * to the left of the test method you want to remove from the
Run Test folder.

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2. Press CLEAR to remove it.
(Note: The test method is still saved in All Test List and can be reloaded as needed).
Define/Establish Test Method
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 “All Test List”.
This section describes how to define/establish a test method in All Test List
1. At Quantitative menu select All Test List.
Note: You can’t run any test from All Test List. Only run test in Run Test menu.
Define/Establish Test (method)
The 200 un-defined tests are originally named “To be defined 001 to 200”. You can choose to
rename any of the un-defined locations and define your test in one of the following two ways:
Define Test by Known Factor
Define Test by know Standards
Define a test by Known Factors
If you know the Factor value you can select “By Known Factors” to define the test method:
1. At Quantitative menu scroll * to the left of desired location for saving the test method.
Press ENTER to confirm. (In this case we choose “To be defined 02” to be defined)
2. Select “By Know Factors” by pressing ENTER button. Follow the screen step by step to
enter data.

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3. Set wavelength by pressing 【∧】,【∨】. Press Enter to confirm wavelength selection
(581nm in this example case). The screen returns to previous menu and the * move to
“Conc. Unit” automatically.
4. Select concentration unit by pressing 【∧】,【∨】. Press Enter to confirm Conc. Unit
selection. The screen returns to previous menu and the * move to “Fit Method”
automatically.
5. Select fitness method by pressing 【∧】,【∨】. Two methods are available:
1st order linear: Concentration = Intercept+ Slope*Absorbance;
1st order linear through zero: Concentration = Slope*Absorbance;
Press Enter to confirm fitness method selection. The screen returns to previous menu and
the * move to “Input Factors” automatically.
6. Press ENTER to enter the screen displayed.
Suppose 1st order linear fitness method is selected and intercept value is 1.058 and the
slope is 2.588.
7. Enter Intercept and Slope value:
7.1 To select a numerical number move the flashing cursor to that number; The 【∧】scroll
cursor to left; The 【∨】scroll cursor to right;
7.2 Press 【∧】to confirm and enter the number to “intercept”line.

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7.3 Use CLEAR to delete/erase any incorrect entry.
7.4 Press 【∨】to alter the polarity of the number.
7.4 Check and make sure the intercept value is correct. Then press ENTER to confirm and
move to the next screen as displayed.
Enter the slope value in the same way as the intercept value is entered. The Slope value in
this example is 2.588. Press ENTER to confirm and the screen will return to previous menu
and the * move to “Name Curve” automatically .
Note: If “1st order liner through 0” is selected, there is no need to enter intercept.
8. Name the Curve
The name character entry is the same way as the entry of intercept and slope.
8.1 To select a number or character move the flashing cursor to that number or character; The
【∧】scroll cursor to left; The 【∨】scroll cursor to right;
8.2 Press 【∧】to confirm. The number or character will be displayed below name curve.
8.3 Use CLEAR to delete/erase any incorrect entry.
8.3 Check and make sure the name is correct. (“BROMINE LR” in this case).
8.4 Then press ENTER to confirm the name (BROMINE LR in this case) and the display
will automatically return to previous menu with the * at “ Save Curve”.

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9. Save the Curve defined: with the * at “Save Curve” press ENTER to save the define
curve. Then the * moves to “Dis & Print Curve” automatically.
10. Display and Print-out Defined Test (Curve parameter): with the * at “Dis & Print Curve”
Press ENTER to display and print (if printer is connected) the defined test parameter.
The data and parameters include:
Defined test sequence number in All Test List. (No.=002 in this case);
The wavelength used for the defined test (581nm in this case);
The defined test name (BROMINE LR in this case);
Fitness method for the defined test ( “1” represents “1st order linear”, “0” represents “ 1st
order linear through zero”);
Intercept value (1.058 in thise case);
Slope number (2.588 in this case) and
Concentration unit (ppm in this case).
Note: N and M are not part of parameter and have no real meaning and effect to the test.
The establishment of the defined test is complete and saved in the instruments. Now you
may make final check on all the parameters. Press EXIT to return to All Test List menu.
The “To be defined 002” has been replaced with “BROMINRE LR”.
Define a Test by Known Standards
If you have standards with known concentration values you can establish and define test curve
by following the instructions in this section.
1. At Quantitative menu scroll * to the left of desired location for saving the test method.
Press ENTER to confirm.

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2. Select “By Standard” by pressing ENTER button. Follow the screen step by step to enter
data and parameters.
3. Set wavelength by pressing 【∧】,【∨】. Press Enter to confirm wavelength selection.
The screen returns to previous menu and the * move to “Conc. Unit” automatically.
4. Select concentration unit by pressing【∧】,【∨】. Press Enter to confirm Conc. Unit
selection. The screen returns to previous menu and the * move to
“No. of STDS” automatically.
5. Select number of standards which will be used for establishing the test curve. Up to 8
standards can be used.
5.1 To select a numerical number move the flashing cursor to that number; The 【∧】scroll
cursor to left; The 【∨】scroll cursor to right;
5.2 Press 【∧】to confirm and enter the number.
5.3 Use CLEAR to delete/erase any incorrect entry.
5.4 Check and make sure the number is correct. Then press ENTER to confirm and the
*moves to the next screen “No. of Replics” automatically.
6. If you have more than one solution of the save standard concentration value you can
measure all of them and use the averaged value for curve establishment. Enter the
number of replics in the same way as the number of standards is entered. If only one
standard solution for each concentration value is used just enter 1. Each standard solution
will be measured and the averaged value will be used for calculation. Press ENTER to
confirm and the *moves to the next screen “Fit Method” automatically.
7. Select fitness method by pressing 【∧】,【∨】. Two methods are available:

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1st order linear: Concentration = Intercept+ Slope*Absorbance;
1st order linear through zero: Concentration = Slope*Absorbance;
Press Enter to confirm fitness method selection. The screen returns to previous menu and
the * move to “Measure Standard” automatically.
Important Note:
At least two standard solutions are required to establish 1st order linear through
zero curve. If only one standard solution available you must select 1st order linear.
8. Measure standard solutions:
8.1 Press ENTER at “Measure Standard” The following screen will pop up.
8.2 Place the cuvette with reference solution in the cuvette holder, press 【0Abs/100%T】to
blank. After blank is complete it is ready for standard solution measurement starting
from STD. No.1
8.3 Place standard No. 1 in the cuvette holder and make sure it is in the optical path
(working position). Enter the known concentration value. Refer to Intercept value
entry for data entry procedures. Check and make sure the value entered matches
the value of the standard No.1 (it is usually labeled on the standard).
8.4 Press ENTER to measure the standard No.1. The Absorbance of the standard
solution No.1 will be measured and displayed. Since this is the first measurement
the absorbance is marked “A1”

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If the “No. of Replics” is “3”, then place the second solution of STD No.1 in the
cuvette holder. Pressing ENTER will measure the second solution of STD N0.1
and the second measurement value will be displayed at STD No.1= 0.18775A2.
Repeat the same procedures to measure the third solution of STD No.1 and screen
will display STD. No.1=0.1876A3. This finishes the measurement of the three
solutions of standard No. 1.
Press ENTER again to average the measured absorbance values and the screen
then displays its averaged value: 0.1876A (0.1877A1+0.1875A2+0.1876A3)/3.
This averaged absorbance value will be used for calculation.
8.5 Place standard solution No.2 into the cuvette holder in the optical path. Repeat step
8.3 to 8.4 to measure standard No.2. Repeat the same procedures for all the
standards in sequence.
8.6 After all the standards are measured press ENTER to create the curve and the
screen return to the first with * at “Name Curve”.
9. Name Curve and Save Curve: Refer to “Name Curve and Save Curve” in “By
Factor” chapter in this manual.
10. Display and Print Curve Parameters: Refer to “Dis & Print Curve” in By Known
Factors chapter in this manual.
UTILITY
In MAIN MENU, move * down to the left of UTILITY and press ENTER to go into UTILITY
menu.

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There are eight functions in UTILITY.
WLCalibration: the instrument will implement a self-check and calibration procedure. It
includes filter positioning, lamp positioning, and wavelength calibrating, dark
current resetting;
Dark Current: measure and refresh instrument dark current. It is designed for eliminating the
error from electronic drifting. It is recommended that you refresh and save the
Dark Current after the 15 minutes warm up and periodically.
Edit Clock: There are three functions.
1. Set Clock
Select Set Clock in Fig. 30. Press ENTER to cycle through W (Week), Y(Year),
M( Month), D(Day), H(Hour), M(Minute), S(Second). Press 【∧】【∨】to change.
Press ENTER to confirm. Press EXIT to return to Edit Clock screen.

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2. Display of Date or Time
The instrument screen can either display date or time (hour:min:sec). Select Display
Mode in Fig. 30. Press 【∧】【∨】to select Display Time or Display Date. Press
ENTER to confirm. Press EXIT to return to Edit Clock screen.
3. Clock Trimming
This function is only useful when the clock is not running accurately. Set the off-set
level (clock trimming) to adjust the clock. There are 64 levels of adjustments:
Slow Levels Fast Levels
Slowest Fastest
32---------------------16-----------------------0 0-----------------------16---------------------32
Cable 1
Select Clock Trimming (Fig. 30), press 【∧】【∨】to set the adjustment level.
Press ENTER to confirm. Press EXIT return to Set Clock menu.
System Baseline: It is used for determining the appropriate energy level across the whole
wavelength range. The following LCD display shows establishing system
baseline in progress.