YSI ProDSS User manual

Field Procedures 1 17
th
Edition, 2015
MULTIMETER: YSI-ProDSS rev. 12/16/15
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
•YSI-ProDSS multimeter
•data sheet, clipboard, pencil
Note: he battery may be damaged if kept in
an environment outside the range of -20 - 60°C
(-4° - 140°F).
NO E 2015-16:
We purchased one instrument in
summer 2015 in the expectation of purchasing a
second and making it our standard field water-
quality testing equipment in summer 2016.
Meanwhile, we are experimenting with settings
and field instructions, and recording values side-
by-side with our current equipment.
INITIAL INSTRUMENT PREPARATION:
1. CABLE CONNECTION
Inspect the cable connection between the
handheld meter and the cable. If cable is not
connected to the meter, ake sure the
connectors are clean and dry before
connecting!
If connecters are clean and dry,
align the keys on the cable assembly connector
with the slots on the instrument connector. Push
together firmly, and then
twist the outer ring
clockwise until it locks
into place. he metal pin
should “snap” into place
and be visible through
small hole in the outer
ring (see image).
2. SENSORS AND GUARD CHECK
If any of the individual sensors are not
connected, refer to “Settings and
roubleshooting” section for sensor installation.
If there is an empty “slot” with no sensor
installed, a port plug or sensor ust be
installed or the bulkhead will be da aged!
1. Remove calibration cup (see diagram): firmly
hold the calibration cup with one hand and
twist the cup’s retaining nut counterclockwise
until it loosens (don’t keep turning; once it is
loose you can slide it off). Remove the cup
and set aside in a clean, dry place.
2. Firmly hold the bulkhead with one hand and
turn the sensor guard counter-clockwise until
completely unthreaded. Set aside the sensor
guard in a clean dry place. Use caution
once the sensors are exposed!
3. Conduct a quick visual inspection of the
sensors; clean any debris on the sensor tips
with a lint-free cloth and rinse with water .
Carefully “test” the connection of each sensor
by grasping the sensor near the bulkhead
between your thumb and finger, and try to
turn the sensor to determine if it is loose. If
the sensor moves or twists at all (sensors
should fir ly be in place), reconnect the
sensor guard and inform the team leader.
(See “Settings and roubleshooting,” below,
under “Sensor Installation”.) If sensors are
firmly in place, proceed to next step.
4. Carefully slide the sensor guard over the
sensors and push it toward the bulkhead until
the sensor guard threads align with the
bulkhead threads. Carefully finger-tighten
the sensor guard clockwise.
NOTE: If any resistance is felt, loosen the
sensor guard completely to prevent cross-
threading. Incorrect installation may cause
damage to the sensor guard or bulkhead.
Do
not
remove
this ring!
Simply
loosen
the
ring to
slide
the
entire
cup off.

PREPARING FOR SAMPLING:
1. urn on the meter by pushing the power
key . ( o turn off the meter, hold down
the power key for 1.5 seconds.) If the meter
does not turn on, inform the team leader and
see the “Settings and roubleshooting”
section under “Battery roubleshooting”.
2. he main display, or “Run” screen, will
appear. ake note of the battery charge at
the top right, displayed as a percentage. If
the charge is low, inform your team leader.
Charging the Internal Li-Ion Battery Pack
Use YSI designated charging equipment only!
If the battery is not charged, the meter must be
charged from the AC power adapter (strongest
charge source) , directly from a computer USB
connection, or from an external, portable USB
battery pack. When using the AC adapter, turn
the unit on first so it recognizes the AC adapter.
Once the charging signal appears on the screen,
it can be turned off. It takes approximately 14
hours to charge the ProDSS battery with the unit
turned off. For maximum battery life, if practical,
don’t charge until the battery is ≤40%, and bring
the battery back up to ≥80%.
Expected battery life:
• 20 hours at 25% (default) LCD brightness
• 14 hours at 100% LCD brightness
Study the main “Run” screen. Confirm the
following:
•he battery charge is >10%. If not, inform
your team leader.
•he date and time are correct:
he date and time should be displayed at
the top of the screen; if not, refer to the
“Settings and roubleshooting” section
under “Date/ ime”.
•Logging is correct:
At the top of the screen in the green bar,
it should read “Log One Sample”; if not,
refer to the “Settings and
roubleshooting” section under “Logging
Data”.
•Individual parameter units are correct:
temperature - °C
barometric pressure – inHg
dissolved oxygen concentration –DO mg/L
specific conductivity (at 25 °C)–SPC µS/cm
salinity – SAL ppt
pH
turbidity – FNU
If any parameters shown above are not
displayed or do not match the units on the
Run screen (see photo below), notify your
team leader and refer to the “Settings and
roubleshooting” section under “Sensor
Display Details”.
Pro
-
DSS ain display:
1. Logging mode—Single
(“One Sample”) or
Continuous (“Start
Logging”)
2. Current screen/menu
3. Date/ ime
4. GPS signal indicator
5. Battery charging
indicator
6. Battery charge %
7. USB/PC connection
indicator
8. Scroll bar
9. Message area
10.Displayed
measurements

3. Select your Site :
a) Select the System button , then
highlight Logging [single] by using the
down arrow. (Note: the green band
indicates which feature is highlighted.)
Select this feature by hitting Enter.
b) Before selecting a site, make sure the
Use Site List check box has been
selected . If not, highlight that row
and hit Enter.
c) Highlight Site[whatever is in the
brackets]
. Hit Enter.
d) You will see a list of sites. Scroll down
until you find your site name, and hit
Enter. If you can’t find your site, select
“test” and note on your field sheet the
site and time.
e) he green bar should read Select [your
site].
Hit Enter, then hit Escape twice.
his will return you to the Run screen.
SAMPLING:
1. Place the probe at the sa pling point:
Standing downstream or to the side of the
probe, place it in the main current, in a
place with steady flow, adequate depth,
good mixing, and no surface turbulence.
Do not sa ple downstrea of where
your tea has disturbed the botto .
Sample at mid-depth or 8-12” below the
surface if the water is deep. You may dangle
the probe or place it on clean rocks at the
bottom if the stream is shallow. You ust
i erse the probe at least halfway up
the guard.
Agitate the probe
under water to dislodge any
bubbles at the probe tips.
2. Stabilize and log readings:
urn on the Auto Stable feature:
a) Hit the Probe button , then
select Auto Stable.
b) Confirm settings (see image):
•Parameters are all set to
[On] (ISE=pH)
• Continuous Mode and Log
Samples
boxes are checked
• Sample Period(s) is set to [15]
• Sample Count is set to [10].
c) Stabilize: Hit the up arrow and select
Start Auto Stable. You’ll return to the
Run screen. On the Run screen, there
will be a flashing red symbol next to
each parameter. Wait until all of these
flashing red symbols become green and
stay green for at least two inutes
(use the on-screen clock). Also observe
the readings (particularly temperature,
DO, and pH) to look for drift.
d) Log a reading: Once you’re sure that
all parameters have stabilized, press
Enter to log a reading. The first ti e
you hit Enter, it will probably just
light up the darkened screen; you
have to hit Enter again before it will
say “Sa ple Logged” at the botto .
Anytime the screen is dark, hitting any
button just brightens it.
Ju ping Values: If readings won’t stabilize
…you can still log the readings, but you’ll need
to estimate values for the non-stable
parameters. For instance, if you see turbidity
values jumping up and down, watch the
readings over a period of several minutes and
estimate the average, to the nearest whole
number, considering both the extremes and the
most frequent numbers. In a pinch, we might
be able to calculate the average at the office.
3. Record the data: If possible, record the
data directly off the Run Screen right after
you’ve logged your sample. It is also
possible to retrieve the data
either directly from the meter
or by linking the meter to a
computer—see instructions at
end of protocol.
Record the readings on your data
sheet, in the following order, using
our rounding convention (see
Quality Assurance protocol):
a) Te perature: to nearest
0.1°C
b) Pressure: to nearest 0.01
inHg

c) DO Concentration: to nearest 0.1
mg/L
d) Specific Conductivity: to nearest
whole µS (microSiemens)
e) Salinity: to nearest 0.1 ppt (parts per
thousand)
f) pH: to nearest 0.1
g) Turbidity: to nearest whole FNU
4. If you’re taking replicates at this site:
Remove probe from stream, shake off
water, and replace in stream. hen stabilize
and record a second reading; you may have
to press Enter twice.
5. Remove the probe from the stream. Rinse
with purified water if the stream was dirty.
Re-tighten the calibration cup.
6. Record the eter nu ber , if the data
sheet asks for it.
7. If you are not submitting the data to Clallam
County
, record the latest calibration dates
for all parameters. Select the File button,
View GLP , and scroll to see when the
instrument was last calibrated for each
parameter.
COMMON SENSE AND EXPECTED RANGES:
Please compare your readings with the
expected ranges on the datasheet. If you’re outside
the expected range, consider re-sampling or
troubleshooting with your fellow samplers.
Conductivity readings in particular have a
nasty habit of being wacky. Stream conductivity is
rarely lower than 25 µS. If your readings are lower
than this, you might not have held the probe
completely underwater. ry taking another set of
readings.
8. If you performed replicates, check the
“Water Chemistry—General” protocol to see
if your pairs of readings are within the
acceptable precision limits; resample as
needed.
9. Record ti e and full initials of the
sampler; this should be someone who has
been properly trained (see “Quality
Assurance” protocol).
10.Turn off the eter, make sure the
calibration cup is on tight, and place the unit
in the field bag.
Retrieving data fro the eter
Retrieving fro the eter’s data files:
Select the File button and select View Data and
Show Data. (If no data is displayed, make sure
you have the right date and time entered at the
bottom.) Find the bottom row for the site you
want, which should be the last set of data
recorded when you hit Enter to log your reading
at that site. (If you took a field replicate at this
site, this last row will be those replicate
readings; you’ll have to scroll back up a bit to
find your primary sample readings.) o see the
data readings for each parameter, hit the Right
Arrow key to scroll.
Retrieving fro co puter upload: Connect
the meter via its USB cable to a computer with
KorDSS software loaded, and open KorDSS.
Wait for the data in the meter to upload
automatically. hen, on the Home Screen,
choose “View Logged Data” and “Search.”
Choose your search criteria, then in the Results
screen, select the datasets you want to view,
and hit “Accept.” Go to “Dashboard” tab and
view and record your readings. (You may have
to convert units in some cases, due to glitches
in the KorDSS software.) You can Print these
data sets or upload them to a .csv file. o find
other data sets, choose “Search” again.

ProDSS Settings & Troubleshooting
Sensor, port plug, guard installation
Perform sensor/port plug installation in a clean,
dry environment; do not install in the field!
he ports on the ProDSS bulkhead are
universal; therefore, you can install any sensor
into any port. For highest accuracy, always
install a conductivity/temperature sensor to
compensate all measurement data for
temperature and dissolved oxygen data for
conductivity.
Before installing a sensor or port plug,
ake sure that the sensor and
bulkhead
connectors are clean and dry.
If there is an
empty “slot” with no sensor or port plug
installed, a port plug or sensor ust be
installed or the bulkhead will be
da aged!
Equipment needed for sensor/port plug
installation:
•Sensor(s) and or port plug(s)
•Bulkhead
•Krytox or silicone o-ring lubricant
•Sensor installation/removal tool
•Lint-free cloth
Sensor Installation
1. Inspect the bulkhead port for contamination.
If the port is wet, carefully dry with a lint-
free cloth.
2. Apply a thin coat of lubricant to the sensor
o-rings. Wipe off any excess lubricant with a
lint-free cloth.
3. Carefully align the sensor and bulkhead
connectors by inserting the sensor into the
port and then gently rotating the sensor
until the connectors align. Once aligned,
push the sensor toward the bulkhead until
the sensor seats in the port.
4. Carefully finger-tighten the retaining nut
clockwise. NOTE: If any resistance is felt,
loosen the retaining nut completely to
prevent cross-threading. Incorrect
installation may cause damage to the
sensor or bulkhead that is not covered by
the warranty.
5. Use the sensor installation/removal tool to
tighten the retaining nut clockwise until
snug, about a ¼ to ½ additional turn of
the retaining nut. NOTE: Do not over-
tighten the retaining nut. Over-tightening
can cause damage to the sensor or
bulkhead not covered by the warranty.
Port Plug Installation
If there is an empty slot in the bulkhead, install
a port plug. Never sub erge the bulkhead
without a sensor or port plug installed in
all ports!

1. Apply a thin coat of lubricant to the o-rings
on the plug port. Wipe off any excess
lubricant with a lint-free cloth.
2. Insert the port plug into the empty port and
press until firmly seated.
3. Finger-tighten the port plug clockwise to
install. If necessary, use the sensor
installation tool to make sure that the plug is
fully seated into the port.
NOTE: he o-rings will not be visible if a
port plug is correctly installed. Do not over-
tighten the port plug; over-tightening can
cause damage to the port plug or bulkhead
not covered by the warranty.
Sensor Guard Installation
Without the sensor guard, the sensors are
extremely vulnerable to environmental damage.
1. Carefully slide the sensor guard over the
sensors and bulkhead. Push the sensor
guard toward the bulkhead until the sensor
guard threads align with the bulkhead
threads.
2. Carefully finger-tighten the sensor guard
clockwise.
NOTE: If any resistance is felt, loosen the
sensor guard completely to prevent cross-
threading. Incorrect installation may cause
damage to the sensor guard or bulkhead that is
not covered by the warranty.
USB port cleaning
If the USB port cover gets
dislodged, dirt can get into
the port area. However, the
port entry is waterproof
even when the port is exposed. o clean dirt
from the port area:
•Flush the port area out with water.
•Pour isopropyl alcohol into the port area
and let it sit for 30 seconds.
•Pour out the alcohol and let dry before
replacing the port cover.
Battery pack troubleshooting
If the instrument is not turning on, do the
following:
1. Attempt to charge the unit: Using YSI
charging equipment only, plug unit into
the AC adapter with the USB connector
(see figure on next page).
2. If this does not power on the unit,
remove battery pack cover and examine
battery pack (see figure on previous
page).
NOTE: Do not re ove the battery pack
if it is hot to the touch, is producing an
odd odor, or is leaking a fluid.
Removing and examining the battery pack
needs to be done with extre e care by a
team leader and in a dry, clean place,
preferably not in the field!
a) Remove the battery pack cover by
unscrewing (counter-clockwise) the
four screws with a flat or Phillips
head screwdriver (the retaining
screws are captured into the cover
and are not removable).
b) Inspect the battery pack; make sure
the battery pack connector is
properly connected to the
instrument.
c) If the connectors do not appear to
be properly connected, grasp the
battery pack connector with two
fingers and pull the connector
straight up to disconnect and
remove. Inspect the connector and
instrument pin connectors for any
debris or damage. If the connectors
look OK, align the battery pack
connector wire terminals with the
three instrument pins and connect
the battery pack.
d) If connectors look properly
connected, reinstall the battery
cover and attempt to charge the unit
again. If the unit still will not turn
on, the battery pack may need to be
replaced. (Before ordering a new
battery pack, call YSI at
800.765.4974 and troubleshoot
problems with a ProDSS tech.)

e) If a new battery pack has been
ordered, refer to the YSI manual for
battery removal/disposal and
replacement.
Syste settings
Date/Ti e
If the date and time are inaccurate, press the
system button , go to the Date/Ti e
submenu option, scroll down to Date and hit
Enter. In the numeric entry screen, use the
arrow keys to maneuver around. If entire date
needs to be corrected, click the delete entire
entry
key . If not, use the backspace key
to partially correct the date. After
correcting the date, hit Enter. Scroll down to
ime and hit Enter, then follow similar
instructions as for date correction to correct the
time. When finished, hit the Esc. or left arrow
button until you are back to the Run screen.
Logging Data
If the logging settings are inaccurate, press the
system button , scroll down to the logging
submenu option, go to the Continuous Mode,
and uncheck the box by pressing Enter. he
box should become unchecked . Press the
Esc button to return the Run Screen. In the
green bar at the top of the screen it should now
read “Log One Sample”.
Sensor Display Details
If there is a parameter not displayed on the
Run Screen, either the sensor is not installed
correctly, or it is not working properly. o
check if the sensor is installed properly, refer to
the above section on Sensor, Port Plug,
Guard Installation and carefully examine the
sensors.
If the units do not match on the Run Screen, go
to the probe button and scroll down to
Display submenu and hit Enter. Scroll down
and select the desired parameter. A submenu
will appear with multiple parameter unit
options; select the proper unit (see protocol
above) and return to the Run Screen.

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