Water Analytics AquaMetrix AM-2252 User manual

AM-2252
Multi-Parameter
Dual Channel Controller
AM-2250
Multi-Parameter
Single Channel Controller
Installation and Operation Manual

2
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
Contents
1Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Third in a Long History of Controllers.......................................................................................................4
2Specifications...................................................................................................................................................4
2.1 AM-2252 Technical Specs ........................................................................................................................4
2.2 AM-2250 Technical Specs ........................................................................................................................6
3Setup...............................................................................................................................................................7
3.1 AC Power Connection..............................................................................................................................7
3.2 Conduit Connection.................................................................................................................................8
3.3 Mounting ................................................................................................................................................8
3.4 Connecting Probes ..................................................................................................................................9
3.5 Analog (4-20 mA) Outputs ..................................................................................................................... 10
3.6 Relays....................................................................................................................................................11
3.6.1 Wiring relays..................................................................................................................................... 11
4Probe Setup................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 pH (Inputs 1 & 2) ................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2 ORP (Inputs 1 & 2)................................................................................................................................. 14
4.3 Conductivity (Inputs 1 & 2) ....................................................................................................................15
4.4 Flow (Input 1)........................................................................................................................................ 17
4.4.1 Totalizer Reset. ................................................................................................................................. 18
4.5 Sensors with 4-20 mA output (exclusive to Input 2)................................................................................ 19
5Calibration..................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.1 pH Calibration ....................................................................................................................................... 20
5.1.1 About pH Calibration......................................................................................................................... 20
5.1.2 One-Point Calibration........................................................................................................................ 20
5.1.3 Two-Point Calibration........................................................................................................................ 20
5.1.4 3-Point Calibration ............................................................................................................................22
5.1.5 Temperature Calibration ................................................................................................................... 22
5.2 ORP Calibration ..................................................................................................................................... 23
5.2.1 About ORP Calibration....................................................................................................................... 23
5.2.2 ORP Calibration................................................................................................................................. 23
5.2.3 Temperature..................................................................................................................................... 24
5.3 Conductivity.......................................................................................................................................... 24
5.3.1 About Conductivity Calibration..........................................................................................................25
5.3.2 Manual Conductivity Calibration or Wet Calibration .......................................................................... 25

3
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
5.3.3 Cell Constant..................................................................................................................................... 26
5.3.4 Temperature..................................................................................................................................... 26
5.4 Flow (Exclusive to Input 1)..................................................................................................................... 26
5.4.1 About Flow Calibration...................................................................................................................... 27
5.4.2 Flow Calibration ................................................................................................................................ 27
6Output........................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.1 Relays....................................................................................................................................................27
6.1.1 Input (Relays 1, 2, 3, and 4 of AM-2252) ............................................................................................28
6.1.2 Relay mode....................................................................................................................................... 28
6.1.3 Fail-safe (Relay 3,4 of AM-2252) ........................................................................................................ 31
6.1.4 Cycle On/Off ..................................................................................................................................... 31
6.1.5 Relay Off Delay.................................................................................................................................. 32
6.1.6 Overfeed Timer................................................................................................................................. 32
6.1.7 Override............................................................................................................................................32
6.1.8 Summary...........................................................................................................................................33
6.1.9 Relay 5 (Alarm relay) .........................................................................................................................33
6.2 4-20 mA Output Channel Configuration ................................................................................................. 33
6.2.1 Configuring Channels for Linear Process ............................................................................................33
6.2.2 Configuring Channels for Temperature.............................................................................................. 35
6.2.3 Proportional Control ......................................................................................................................... 35
6.3 PID Control............................................................................................................................................36
6.4 Manual Test .......................................................................................................................................... 37
7Operation...................................................................................................................................................... 38
7.1 Run Mode ............................................................................................................................................. 38
7.2 Display Features.................................................................................................................................... 38
7.3 Maintenance.........................................................................................................................................38
8Diagnostics .................................................................................................................................................... 39
8.1 Calibration Data .................................................................................................................................... 39
8.2 Sensor Output.......................................................................................................................................39
8.3 Factory Reset ........................................................................................................................................ 40
8.4 About....................................................................................................................................................40
9Preferences ...................................................................................................................................................40
9.1 Auto Return...........................................................................................................................................40
9.2 Damping................................................................................................................................................41
9.3 Backlight ............................................................................................................................................... 41

4
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
1Introduction
1.1 Third in a Long History of Controllers
The AM-2252 multi-parameter controller is an upgraded third-generation controller built on the 30-year
AquaMetrix legacy of durable and easy-to-use controllers. Many of the 2200 controllers sold those three decades
ago are still in use today in some of the most hostile environments found in industry. Orders continue to come in
today for 2200 pH, ORP, conductivity and flow models, years after they entered end-of-life status. The Shark
controller (and Shark TX transmitter) combined all four parameters into one analyzer. Their bullet-proof design and
construction continued the AquaMetrix legacy of durability. The AM-2250 series is the third generation of
controllers and its models are the easiest-to-use, most flexible yet. All three generations have been single-input
analyzers. The AM-2252 is the first two-input controller. It combines almost everything the user would need in a
multi-input analyzer without the need to buy additional, expensive cards. The AM-2252 also accepts input from any
4-20 mA analog sensor.
2Specifications
2.1 AM-2252 Technical Specs
Probe Parameters
pH
ORP
ISE
Conductivity
Flow
4-20 mA
Sensor
6-wire
differential or
combination
6-wire
differential or
combination
6-wire
differential or
combination
2-electrode with
cell constants:
from 0.01 to 50
Pulse output:
Paddle-wheel
Magnetic Flow
Any loop
powered or
Temperature
Elements
Pt: 100 RTD, 1000 RTD. NTC: 300Ω, 3000Ω, 10kΩ
Manually or automatically detected with Auto Detect Feature
n/a
n/a
Sensor Input
-600 to 600 mV
-999 to 999
mV
-999 to 999
mV
0 to 9999 Ω
0 to 2000 Hz
4 to 20 mA
Measurement
Range
0 –14 pH
-20 –120 0C
-999 to 999
mV
-20 to 120 0C
-999 to 999
mV
-20 to 120 0C
0.055 to 500,000
µS/cm,
depending on
cell constant
0 to 9999 in any
available units.
4 to 20 mA
Temperature
Compensation
Automatic,
manual or none
n/a
Automatic,
manual or
none
Automatic,
manual or none
n/a
n/a
Calibration
Mode
1, 2 or 3 points
Automatic,
manual.
Single point.
Manual
Up to 16 points
Wet or dry.
K-factor input
1-point

5
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
Outputs
Analog
3 x fully scalable and optically isolated 4-20 mA. Max load: 800 Ω
Temperature or process output. Optional PID control for process.
Channel 3 can be configure for a ratio, sum or difference of two process values.
Relays
5 independent relays:
Relays 1 and 2: SPDT 5A @250 VAC
Relays 3 and 4: SPST (NO) 5A @250 VAC or 5A @30 VDC (Resistive Load)
2A @250 VAC or 2A @30 VDC (Inductive Load)
Alarm Relay SPST (NO) 5A @250 VAC or 5A @30 VDC (Resistive Load)
2A @250 VAC or 2A @30 VDC (Inductive Load)
Relay Modes
Relays 1 and 2: Process/Temperature, Rising/Falling/Range mode, Cycle On/Off, Relay Delay, Overfeed Timer,
Override
Relays 3 and 4: Process/Temperature, Fail Safe, Rising/Falling/Range mode, Cycle On/Off, Relay Delay,
Overfeed Timer, Override
Relay 5: Up to 4 trigger conditions simultaneously (process 1&2, temperature 1&2) with acknowledgment and
override option, each with a Rising/Falling/Range mode.
Ratings
Ingress
Protection
NEMA 4X
Electrical
NRTL and CE (pending)
Max. Power
Input
0.2 A @ 115 VAC or 15 W
Temperature
-20 to 70 0C
Humidity
0 to 90% Relative Humidity, non-condensing
Physical
Mounting
Wall mount and panel mount with kit provided, pipe mount optional
Dimensions
Front cover: 5.5”x5.5” (14 cm x 14 cm). Depth: 5” (13 cm)
Power
120/240 VAC 60 or 50 Hz
Weight
2 lbs

6
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
2.2 AM-2250 Technical Specs
Probe Parameters
pH
ORP
ISE
Conductivity
Flow
Sensor
6-wire differential
or
combination
6-wire differential
or
combination
6-wire differential
or
combination
2-electrode with
cell constants:
from 0.01 to 50
Pulse output:
Paddle-wheel
Magnetic Flow
Temperature
Elements
Pt: 100 RTD, 1000 RTD. NTC: 300Ω, 3000Ω, 10kΩ
Manually or automatically detected with Auto Detect Feature
n/a
Sensor Input
-600 to 600 mV
-999 to 999 mV
-999 to 999 mV
0 to 9999 Ω
0 to 2000 Hz
Measurement
Range
0 –14 pH
-20 –120 0C
-999 to 999 mV
-20 to 120 0C
-999 to 999 mV
-20 to 120 0C
0.055 to 500,000
µS/cm, depending on
cell constant
0 to 9999 in any
available units.
Temperature
Compensation
Automatic,
manual or none
n/a
Automatic, manual
or none
Automatic, manual
or none
n/a
Calibration
Mode
1, 2 or 3 points
Automatic,
manual.
Single point.
Manual
Up to 16 points
Wet or dry.
K-factor input
Outputs
Analog
Relays
3 independent relays:
Relays 1 and 2: SPDT 5A @250 VAC
Relays 3: SPST (NO) 5A @250 VAC or 5A @30 VDC (Resistive Load)
2A @250 VAC or 2A @30 VDC (Inductive Load)
Relay Modes
Relays 1 and 2: Process only, Rising/Falling/Range mode, Cycle On/Off, Relay Delay, Overfeed Timer, Override
Relays 3: Process/Temperature, Rising/Falling/Range mode, Cycle On/Off, Relay Delay, Overfeed Timer,
Override
Ratings
Ingress
Protection
NEMA 4X
Electrical
NRTL and CE (pending)
Max. Power
Input
0.2 A @ 115 VAC or 15 W
Temperature
-20 to 70 0C
Humidity
0 to 90% Relative Humidity, non-condensing
Physical
Mounting
Wall mount and panel mount with kit provided, pipe mount optional
Dimensions
Front cover: 5.5”x5.5” (14 cm x 14 cm). Depth: 5” (13 cm)
Power
120/240 VAC 60 or 50 Hz
Weight
2 lbs

7
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
3Setup
3.1 AC Power Connection
Caution: This instrument uses 120 or 240 50/60Hz AC power. Opening the enclosure door exposes you to
potentially hazardous line power voltage which may be present on the power and relay plugs. Always remove line
power before working in this area. If the relay contacts are powered from a separate source from the line power,
be sure to power off before proceeding. The flip-down door contains low voltage circuitry and is safe to handle.
Figure 3-1 shows the controller power board and connectors.
Figure 3-1 Power circuit board showing power and relay connectors.
To power the controller, remove the 3-pin power terminal block and connect the wiring as printed on the board and
shown on Figure 3-2. There are no jumpers or switches to convert the controller between 120 VAC and 240 VAC;
the controller automatically configures the correct voltage.
Figure 3-2 Power connection for AM-2252 Controller
Power Connector
Fuse
Relay Connector
4-20 mA Outputs

8
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
3.2 Conduit Connection
The AM-2252 has six ½” (7/8” ID) conduit holes at the bottom of the enclosure. The unit is shipped with three
conduit fittings and three holes plugged with liquid tight conduit seals. These must be left in unused holes to
maintain the NEMA 4X integrity. Use approved conduit glands to ensure ingress protection.
Wire specification: size wire according to local electrical code. Maximum current not to exceed relay specifications
when used to power auxiliary devices via internal connections.
3.3 Mounting
The AM-2252 controller can be mounted on a wall, panel or pipe. Figure 3-3 shows these options. All hardware for
wall and panel mounting is included.
Pipe mounting (PN# 2250-PIPE-MNT) is available for sale. It can be used to mount the controller on pipes up to 2.3”
OD.
Figure 3-3 - Three mounting options: wall, panel, and pipe.

9
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
3.4 Connecting Probes
As shown in Figure 3-4, the cover of the AM-2252 swings open to reveal a connector block for connecting probes. A
label inside the controller identifies the terminals so reference to this manual is unnecessary.
Figure 3-4 - This view of the inside of the front cover shows the connector for the probes. Blue indicates channel 1 and red
indicates channel 2 (for AM-2252 only). Note that Input 2 for “raw”output sensors is on the left (1-7) and for the 4-20mA output
sensors is on the right (20-22)
Figure 3-5 shows probe connections to the connector block. Please note that the AM-2250 only has Input 1.
The colors of the cells refer to the colors of the wires of the AquaMetrix probes. Color coding of AquaMetrix
differential probes match that of Hach/GLI analog probes. Other manufacturers may use different colors.
Figure 3-5 AM-2252 and AM-2250 (Input channel 1 only) sensor wiring.

10
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
The AM-2252 is a dual input controller that can work with almost all AquaMetrix sensors. Figure 3-6 shows which
probes are compatible with each input.
Sensor Part #
Input #1 or AM-2250
Input #2
60-Series Sensors
✓
✓
65-Series Sensors
✓
500-Series Sensors
✓
✓
AS-Series Sensors
✓
✓
AM-Series Sensors
✓
✓
AM-TBR Turbidity Sensor
✓
Seametrics Flow Sensors
✓
AM-ODO Dissolved Oxygen Sensor
✓
AM-FCL Free Chlorine Senor
✓
AM-ES1 Wide range toroidal
conductivity Sensor
n/a
AM-CDO Clack Dissolved Oxygen Sensor
n/a
Figure 3-6 Sensor compatibility chart
3.5 Analog (4-20 mA) Outputs
The AM-2252 has three adjustable and isolated 4-20 mA outputs. Each can be configured for either process or
temperature. The 6-pin (for AM-2252) or 4-pin (for AM-2250) header is on the upper right of the power board,
which is shown in Figure 3-1. Outputs are powered (current sourcing) with 24 VDC.
Besides the proportional 4-20 mA output, there are advanced output options. Simple PI allows the user to set a
target value and a delay to compensate for process lag. For more sophisticated control, PID is available for process
control (see section 6.4).
Figure 3-7 Analog Outputs of AM-2252 and AM-2250

11
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
3.6 Relays
The AM-2252 contains five dry contact relays. Relays 1 and 2 are SPDT, rated 5A @ 250 VAC. Relays 3 and 4 are
SPDT, normally open, and rated 5A @250 VAC or 5A @30 VDC for a resistive load. For an inductive load they are
rated 2A @ 250 VAC or 2A @30 VDC. Relay 5 is a normally open alarm relay. The alarm relay should not be used to
run heavy industrial equipment as it does not feature snubber circuit protection.
The AM-2250 contains three dry contact relays. Relays 1 and 2 are SPDT, rated 5A @ 250 VAC. Relays 3 is SPDT,
normally open, and rated 5A @250 VAC or 5A @30 VDC for a resistive load and 2A @ 250 VAC or 2A @30 VDC for
an inductive load.
3.6.1 Wiring relays
Though these relays will work in most process control applications, we advise, for safety reasons, to use them as
switches, i.e. low power DC relays that activate a second set of AC-powered relays separate from the controller.
Figure 3-8 Wiring connections to the five relays. Pins 23 and 24 are powered via internal jumpers on PCB.
Figure 3-9 Wiring connections of the three relays of the AM-2250 controller. Pins 23 &24 are powered via internal jumpers on the
PCB
All relays are dry contact, i.e. relay contacts do not supply voltage. For a wiring convenience, the first two pins of
the relay connector are internally connected to the controller power input (GLN connector).
An example of the wiring 120/240VAC pump from the Relay 1 is shown below:
Figure 3-10 Wiring a pump to a normally open (NO) contact of the Relay #1 (AM-2250 controller). Jumper wire from pins 24 & 26
must be added to provide power to the relay.

12
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
4Probe Setup
As discussed in section 3.4, the compatibility of probes differs between inputs. Both inputs support pH, ORP, ISE,
and conductivity sensors. Flow sensors are exclusive to input channel #1, and sensors with 4-20 mA output are
exclusive to channel #2.
When powering up the 2252 the first screen presents options for configuration.
Figure 4-1 Initial start-up screen
1. Use the ↑ and ↓buttons to scroll through the menu.
2. Use the and →buttons to move the cursor left or right.
3. Press Enter to select or confirm a selection.
4. Press Back to return to the previous screen or cancel your choice.
5. Press Menu to return to the main menu.
6. Press Run to exit from any menu and display the run display.
The setup option in the top-level menu allows you to select your input, as seen below. Input one utilizes pins 8-19,
and input two utilizes pins 1-7, and 20-22 of the sensor connector. Once the input is selected, you can configure the
probe.

13
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
4.1 pH (Inputs 1 & 2)
1. Scroll down the top-level menu to select Setup and press the Enter key.
2. Select the appropriate input
3. Press Probe Selection.
4. Select pH and Press Enter. (As the first item in the list is the default choice.)
5. The next menu lists the configuration options for the pH probe.
6. Type is either Combination or Differential.
The 2252 will accept virtually any combination or differential sensor. Entering a probe as the wrong type will
simply result in an artificial offset and may not cause any noticeable reading or error. Combination probes may
consist of only two wires for the process and reference or four wires, which includes two leads for the
temperature element. Differential probes always have five or six (Including the shield) wires.
7. All differential probes and four-wire combination probes have a temperature element that must be selected
correctly.
Select Temp Element to bring up the choices of temperature element:
AUTO DETECT recognizes most temperature devices. If it fails to properly configure the temperature device,
check the temperature element wiring. The default element for AquaMetrix pH probes is the 1000 Ω RTD so
that option is the default value.

14
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
8. Select the preferred units of temperature (Temp Unit):
9. Choose whether you want to keep temperature compensation.
The default selection is On as most application requires pH slope to be corrected for temperature.
10. Press Run to confirm that controller displays pH units and reasonable temperature values.
4.2 ORP (Inputs 1 & 2)
As with pH probes all differential ORP probes and four-wire combination probes contain temperature elements,
however, ORP values are NOT temperature compensated. The temperature value is only for informational
purposes.
1. From the top-level menu select Setup and press the Enter key.
2. Press Probe Selection to choose the probe type, ORP.
3. This selection automatically brings up the next menu for defining the configuration of the ORP probe.
4. Type sets the probe as a Combination or Differential probe.
As with pH probes, the 2252 will accept just about any type of combination or differential ORP probe. Entering
the wrong type will simply result in an artificial offset and should not cause any noticeable reading or error.
Combination probes may consist of only two wires for the process and reference or four wires, which includes
two leads for the temperature element. Differential probes always have five or six (with the shield) wires.

15
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
5. With the exception of the two-wire combination probe, the type of temperature element must be selected.
Select Temp Element to bring up the choices of temperature elements:
AUTO DETECT recognizes most temperature devices. If it fails to properly configure the temperature device,
check the temperature element wiring. The default element for AquaMetrix AM series probes is the 1000 Ω
RTD so that option is the default value.
6. Select the preferred units of temperature (Temp Unit):
7. Press Run to confirm that the controller displays mV units and reasonable temperature values.
4.3 Conductivity (Inputs 1 & 2)
The AM-2252 only works with contacting conductivity sensors.
1. From the top-level menu select Setup and press the Enter key.
2. Select appropriate Input
3. Press Probe Selection to choose the probe type, Conductivity, and press the Enter key.
4. This next menu defines the configuration of the conductivity sensor.
5. Cell constant selection.
To enable the user to confirm that the cell constant is appropriate for his application, the 2252 menu for cell
constants lists the approximate conductivity range for each cell constant. It’s important to understand that,
although you are free to choose any cell constant, you will get inaccurate readings unless you choose the

16
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
correct one. For instance, if your probe has a cell constant of 1 and you choose 0.1 (perhaps in an effort to
measure lower conductivity levels) your readings will be high by a factor of 10. The cell constant is typically
written on a label attached to the cable.
6. Choose Temperature Element.
Conductivity readings are strongly influenced by temperature so nearly all conductivity probes have
temperature elements. The same choices for temperature element for pH and ORP are present for
conductivity. The default element for AquaMetrix AS- & AM-series probes is the 1000 Ω RTD so that option is
the default value.
7. Select Temperature Unit. Choices are Fahrenheit (°F) Celsius (°C) or Kelvin (K).
8. Conductivity values span a range of a million to one so one unit for representing all possible values is
impractical. The choices for Conductivity Unit are listed as:
µS/cm: For clean, tap, surface or ground water this unit is the most common. RODI water typically has
conductivity of 1 µS/cm or less. Tap water is around 300 µS/cm.
mS/cm: Salt solutions, acid and bases use the higher range. 1 mS/cm = 1000 µS/cm. Confusion between the
two is responsible for nearly all problems selecting conductivity sensors and setting up the correct range.
MΩ-cm:For very pure water many workers prefer to report resistivity units in place of conductivity units.
One is the inverse of the other. Ultrapure water has a resistivity of 18.8 MΩ-cm (0.055 µS/cm). (Its finite
resistance is the result of H+and OH-ions.)
TDS (mg/l): The correlation between total dissolved solids (TDS) and conductivity varies with every sample
of water. In order to display conductivity in terms of TDS units one must choose a conversion factor. The
default value is 0.65 mg/l = 1 µS/cm. This menu selection allows you to select the conversion factor of TDS
units to µS/cm units.
The only way to get an accurate conversion factor is to measure the TDS value by evaporating the water
from a sample and weighing the leftover solids.

17
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
Concentration (%). This unit, in terms of weight per volume, is a TDS unit express as g/l. It is used for very
high concentrations. It is typically used to characterize acids and bases. In order to display conductivity in
terms of concentration units one must choose a conversion factor that converts mS/cm to %. The default
value is 1 mS/cm = 0.5000 %.
9. Temperature Coefficient. Over a limited temperature range the variation of conductivity with temperature
is linear. Conductivity values are typically reported in the literature at 25 0C.
The default value for α is 2.00 per degree C or 1.10 per degree F.
10. Temperature compensation for most applications should always be On.
However, for diagnostic purposes and some isolated cases where you need to know the actual conductivity
(and not the value at 250C) turn compensation Off.
11. Press Run to confirm that selected conductivity and temperature units are displayed correctly.
Temperature may not be very accurate without calibration but should be close to expected value.
4.4 Flow (Input 1)
Any flow sensor that outputs a pulse will work with the AM-2252. This includes paddle wheel meters and magnetic
flow meters (aka “magmeters”). The 2252 measures both instantaneous flow and totalized flow. The latter is a
running total of the volume and is equal to the flow integrated over time.
1. Scroll down the top-level menu to select Setup and press the Enter key.
2. Highlight Input #1 and press the Enter key.
3. Press Probe Selection to choose the probe type, Flow and press the Enter key.
4. The following screen should appear

18
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
5. Set Volume Units. The choices are gallons, ft3, cm3, liters, and m3.
6. Set Time units.
7. Press Run to confirm that the selected flow unit is displayed correctly. Most flow sensors don’t have a
temperature device, so the total flow value replaces the usual temperature value.
4.4.1 Totalizer Reset.
There are two ways to reset the totalizer.
1. The first option is via software: Navigate to Menu > Setup > Input #1 >Probe Config >Totalizer reset. After
confirming that you really do want to reset the totalizer it will start again at 0.
2. There is also an option to reset the flow totalizer using hardware: Short pins 18 and 19 of the probe
connector.
Figure 4-2 Flow Totalizer Reset using probe connector. Left AM-2252, right AM-2250.
This hardware reset can be done via an external button or switch. For automating daily totals, a mechanical or
electrical timer can be used to short pins 18 and 19 at the start of each day.

19
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
4.5 Sensors with 4-20 mA output (exclusive to Input 2)
Any sensor with 4-20 mA output can be connected. Both current sourcing and current seeking options are
supported. Once 4-20 mA output is selected, you must identify the units. The default units are ppm, but all units are
supported. If you do not see your units available to select, simply choose “NONE”. Once units have been set, input
the value for 4 mA. Because 4-20 mA can only output one value, the temperature for input 2 will not be displayed.
1. Scroll down the top-level menu to select Setup and press the Enter key.
2. Highlight Input #2 and press the Enter key.
3. Press Probe Selection to choose the probe type, 4-20 mA and press the Enter key.
4. The following screen should appear
5. Set Units. Choices are ppm, mg/l, %, psi, NTU, in, ft, or NONE.
6. Set value for 4 mA
7. Repeat the process for the 20 mA point.
8. Press Run to confirm that the selected unit displays correctly.

20
AM-2252 and AM-2250 Operating Manual rev 1
5Calibration
The Calibration menu automatically presents choices appropriate for the probe chosen. If the menu choices for
calibration appears wrong, you probably chose the wrong probe.
Note: If you select the probe type and wish to immediately calibrate you must put the controller in Run mode first.
You can press the Run button while in any menu.
5.1 pH Calibration
5.1.1 About pH Calibration
Most pH analyzers allow the user to calibrate a probe with only two points, using two of three standard calibration
solutions: pH 4, 7 and 10. For two-point calibration use the two standards that are closest to your expected process
values. For example, if your process is mostly acidic (< pH 7) then calibrate using standards pH 4 and pH 7.
For the pH readings that span a wide range encompassing neutral (7pH) the AM-2252 controller offers the option of
three-point calibration. An algorithm uses linear least squares to calculate the slope and offset, as a result the error
will be spread across the full pH range.
A pH probe that operates according to theory outputs 59.16 mV at 250C for every unit change in pH. The actual
change in output for a real probe is likely to be different and is the slope for that probe. An ideal probe in pH 7
solution (at 250C) outputs 0 volts. The actual output is likely to be different and is the offset. The slope yields the
efficiency of the probe. A probe that outputs 59.16 mV at 250C is 100% efficient. If the probe outputs, say, 57.34 mV
then the efficiency is 57.34mV/59.16mV ≈ 96.9% efficient.
When a probe leaves the AquaMetrix factory it is tested three times to ensure that its offset and efficiency are
within an acceptable tolerance (±50 mV and >90% slope, respectively). As probes age their efficiency decreases.
Note that a probe with low efficiency will still be accurate but it will not be precise, i.e. its reading will have a large
uncertainty. We recommend cleaning or replacing a sensor when its efficiency drops below 80%. Before discarding
a probe showing low efficiency make clean it according the probe manual’s instruction or the AquaMetrix video
https://www.wateranalytics.net/home/support/training-videos/. A large offset usually indicates that the reference
solution is contaminated and should be replaced.
5.1.2 One-Point Calibration
While one-point calibration is offered as an option, it is not recommended if accuracy is desired. One-point
calibration can be used as a correction for sensor error by introducing an offset. It will compare a tested sample to
the desired value. It can be implemented when removing the probe is not practical or possible.
5.1.3 Two-Point Calibration
As stated above, use the two calibration standards that encompass the pH range of your process. If target reading is
around pH7, then it is recommended to use pH4 and pH7 buffer standards.
There is a choice between auto and manual calibration.