Additional Information

Accessories

• Ion Selective Electrode
• Temperature Probe
• Batteries

Display

This Ion Meter for Silver Ion (Compensation Mode) is equipped with a clear and bright LCD display that shows measured values, mode indicators and help messages. The following table describes the meaning of each indicator.

Keypad

The meter has a succinct membrane keypad, names and symbols describe the each function key controls.

Key	Description
MEAS|	Power the meter ON/OFF. Freezes the measured value on the display, press the key again to resume measuring. In the calibration or setting mode, exits current mode and returns to measurement.
MODE|°C	Toggles between ion concentration and mV modes.  Press and hold the key to enter temperature setting mode.
CAL|	Press the key to enter the calibration mode. Press and hold the key to enter the setup menu.
MI|▲	Press the key to store current measured value. Press ▲  key in setup mode to scroll up through menu. Press ▲ key in temperature setting mode to increase the setting value.
MR|▼	Press the key to view calibration report or stored data. Press ▼ key in setup mode to scroll down through menu. Press ▼ key in temperature setting mode to decrease the setting value.
ENTER|	Confirms the calibration, setting value or displayed option. Press and hold the key to turn On/Off the backlight.

Connectors

GAOTek Ion Meter for Silver Ion (Compensation Mode) provides 2 connectors for connecting the various types of sensors. Listed in the below table are the details of these connectors.

Inserting the Batteries

Before using the meter, insert three 1.5 V “AA” alkaline batteries into battery compartment, follow the procedure outlined below.

1. Remove the battery cover from meter’s backside.
   
2. Insert the batteries into the battery compartment, note polarity.
3. Replace the battery cover into its original position. Installation is completed.

Note:

When batteries are depleted, the meter allows you to use the USB cable connected to computer as a temporarily power supply.

Connecting the Electrode

Take out the Ion Selective Electrode from the carrying case. Insert the BNC connector into corresponding connector socket. Rotate and push the connector clockwise until it locks. After connection is completed, DO NOT pull on the sensor cord. Always make sure that the connector is clean and dry.

Prior to Use

• Remove the protective cap from the bottom of the Ion Selective Electrode.
• Soak the electrode in the diluted standard solution (e.g., 100ppm) for at least 10 minutes.

Power On/Off

• Press MEAS key to turn on the meter, the display shows measured values, mode indicators and help messages.
• Press and hold the MEAS key for 3 seconds, the meter will turn off.
• If you do not press any key within the specified time period, the meter will turn off automatically.

Setup Menu

GAOTek Ion Meter for Silver Ion (Compensation Mode) contains an integrated setup menu that allows you to customize each displayed option to meet measurement requirements.

PARAMETER	DESCRIPTION	OPTIONS	DESCRIPTION		DEFAULT
	Measurement  Unit: Sets the default ion concentration and temperature units.	ppm	Parts per million		●
		mg/L	Milligrams per liter
		mol/L	Moles per liter
		°C	Degrees Celsius		●
		°F	Degrees Fahrenheit
	Calibration Points: Select the number of calibration points.	2	2 points		●
		3	3 points
		4	4 points
		5	5 points
	Ion Valence: Select the ion valence of the sensor.	1	Monovalent		●
		2	Divalent
	Stability Criteria: Sets the stability criteria for measurement. When the “LO” option is enabled, measuring value will stabilize quickly, but reading is less accurate. When the “HI” option is enabled, measuring value will stabilize slowly, but guarantees high accuracy.	LO	Low		●
		HI	High
	Auto-Hold: When the auto-hold function is enabled, the meter will automatically sense a stable end-point reading and freeze it.	YES	Enable
		NO	Disable		●
	Auto-Power Off: When the auto-off power is enabled, if you do not press any key within a specified time period, the meter will automatically turn off.	10	10 minutes
		20	20 minutes
		30	30 minutes
		NO	Disable		●
	Calibration Due: When calibration due reminder is enabled, if you do not recalibrate meter within a specified time period, the meter will automatically show indicator.	…	1 to 31 days
		NO	Disable	●
	Date and Time: Sets the date and time of the meter.	—	—
	Clear stored data: Clear all stored data.	YES	Enable
		NO	Disable	●
	Reset: Reset function allows the user to restore the meter back to factory default parameters. When this function is enabled, all calibration values and selected parameters will be lost or reset.	YES	Enable
		NO	Disable	●

Setting the Default Parameters

1. Press and hold the key for 3 seconds, the meter enters setup menu, the display shows selectable parameter and page number.
   
2. Press ▼or ▲ key to scroll through the menu, select the parameter you want to set.
   
3. Press ENTER key to confirm, the display shows an option in the submenu.
   
4. Press ▼or ▲ key to select the desired option.
5. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter returns to measurement mode. The setting is completed.

EXIT THE SETUP MENU:

During the setup mode, press MEAS key, the meter returns to measurement mode immediately.

Setting the Date and Time

The device has a real time clock that is used to time-stamp stored measured value and calibration data. Follow the steps below to set the date and time during the first use.

1. Press and hold the key for 3 seconds to enter the setup menu.
2. Press ▼or ▲ key until the display shows “Date” option.
   
3. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter shows current year.
   
4. Press ▼or ▲ key to set the year.
5. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter shows current date and time ((Format: mm-dd, hh-mm)

6. Press ▼or ▲ key to set the date and time.
7. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter returns to measurement mode. The setting is completed.

Selecting the Calibration Points

The instrument supports ion concentration calibration up to 5 points with a minimum of 2 points, available calibration points include the following options.

If you need to modify the number of calibration points, please follow the steps below.

1. Press and hold the key for 3 seconds to enter the setup menu.
2. Press ▲ key, the display shows “CAL/P-02” (Calibration Point) option.
   
3. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter enters the setting mode.
4. Press ▼or ▲ key to select the number of calibration points.
   
5. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter returns to measurement mode. The setting is completed.

Selecting the Ion Valence

The meter is capable of connecting a variety of ion selective electrodes. For the divalent ions, you need to set the ion valence before calibration or measurement.

1. Press and hold the  key for 3 seconds to enter the setup menu.
2. Press ▲ key, the display shows “ION/P-03” (Ion Valence) option.
   
3. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter enters the setting mode.
4. Press ▼or ▲ key to select the ion valence.
   
5. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter returns to measurement mode. The setting is completed.

The instrument is capable of using the mg/L, ppm or mol/L as measurement unit of concentration. The factory default is ppm. If you need to convert measurement unit, the meter must be recalibrated.

1. Press and hold the key for 3 seconds to enter the setup menu.
2. Press ▲ key, the display shows “UNIT” option.
   
3. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter enters the setting mode.
4. Press ▼or ▲ key to select the desired concentration unit (ppm, mg/L, mol/L).
5. Press ENTER key to confirm, the “CAL” indicator will flash uninterruptedly indicating that the meter is waiting for calibrating.
   
6. Press CAL key to enter the calibration mode or MEAS key to cancel option.

Temperature Compensation

In order to get accurate measuring results, you need to enable the manual or automatic temperature compensation before measurement or calibration.

AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION:

1. Insert the connector of temperature probe into the meter’s phone jack.
   
2. The “ATC” indicator will show on the display, the meter is now switched to automatic temperature compensation mode.
   

MANUAL TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION:

1. Do not connect the temperature probe to meter.
2. Press and hold the °C key for 3 seconds to enter temperature setting mode.
3. Press ▼or ▲ key to set the temperature value of the sample.
4. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter returns to measurement mode. The setting is completed.

Note:

In the temperature setting mode, press ▼or ▲ key once, the setting value will increase or decrease by 0.1. Press and hold the ▼or ▲ key, the setting value will increase or decrease by 1.

Ion Concentration Calibration

To obtain accurate measurement results, perform ion calibration and measurement at the same temperature. If you will not calibrate the meter or calibration is not successful, the display will always show “0.000”.

1. Press MODE key until the meter shows  indicator.
   
2. Press CAL key, the meter shows 0.001 ppm (or mg/L, mol/L, mmol/L).
   
3. If necessary, press ▼or ▲ key to select the desired calibration point (e.g., 0.01 ppm).
   
4. Rinse the Ion Selective Electrode with distilled water, then rinse with a small amount of ion standard solution.
5. Dip the electrode into corresponding calibration solution. Stir the sensor gently to create a homogeneous
6. Press ENTER key to confirm, “Calibration” indicator begins flashing. Wait for the measured value to stabilize, the display shows “0.1/CAL2”. The meter prompts you to continue with second point calibration.
   
7. Rinse the Ion Selective Electrode with distilled water. Dip the electrode into corresponding calibration solution. Stir the sensor gently.
8. Press ENTER key, “Calibration” indicator begins flashing. Wait for the measured value to stabilize, the display shows “1/CAL3”. The meter prompts you to continue with third point calibration.
   
9. Repeat steps 7 to 8 above until the display shows “END”, the meter returns to measurement mode automatically. Calibration is completed.

EXIT THE CALIBRATION:

During the calibration process, press MEAS key, the meter returns to measurement mode immediately.

Ion Calibration Report

This program lets you check the slope of the Ion Selective Electrode.

1. Press MR key in the ion measurement mode, the meter shows “LOC/P-01”.
2. Press ▼or ▲ key until the display shows “ELE/P-02” (Electrode Diagnosis).
   
3. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter shows the last calibration date (Format: mm-dd).
   
4. Press ▼ key, the meter shows calibration point and its slope.
   
5. After the browsing, press MEAS key to exit the current mode.

Temperature Calibration

During the measurement, when automatic temperature compensation is enabled, if the temperature reading displayed differs from that of an accurate thermometer, you need to calibrate the meter.

1. Press and hold the °C key for 3 seconds to enter temperature calibration mode, the display shows current temperature reading.

2. Press ▼or ▲ key to set the temperature value.
3. Press ENTER key to confirm. Calibration is completed.

Ion Concentration Measurement

1. Press MODE key until the meter shows  indicator.
2. Rinse the Ion Selective Electrode thoroughly with distilled water. Dip the electrode into the sample solution.
3. If your sample belongs to low concentration liquids or some interfering ions are present in the solution, add the Ionic Strength Adjuster into the sample solution.
4. Stir the sensor gently. Wait for the reading to stabilize, record the measured value on the display.

mV Measurement

Press MODE key until the display shows measurement unit “mV”. Rinse the electrode thoroughly with distilled water. Dip the electrode into the sample solution. Wait for the measured value to stabilize, record the reading on the display.

Hold Function

The instrument contains two data hold modes. When the Auto-Hold function is enabled, the meter will automatically sense a stable endpoint reading and freeze it, “HOLD” indicator appears on the display. If the Auto-Hold function is disabled, press   key, the meter will immediately freeze currently displayed value. Press the key again to resume measuring.

Storing and Recalling Data from Memory

The meter allows up to 500 data sets to be stored and recalled.

MEMORY INPUT:

During the measurement process, press MI key to input measured value into the memory, “Memory” indicator appears on the display.

MEMORY RECALL:

1. Press MR key in the measurement mode, the meter shows “LOC” (Data Log).
2. Press ENTER key to confirm, the meter shows page number of the stored data
   
3. Press ▼ key, the meter shows date and time of the stored data (Format: mm-dd).
   
4. Press ▼ key again, the display shows the stored data.
   
5. After the browsing, press MEAS key to exit the current mod

Communication

The company provides a free Data Acquisition System that can be used to transfer stored data, receive the measuring values or set the interval time for automatic recording. The system requirement is Windows XP or Windows 7.

RUNNING THE SOFTWARE:

Click the Data Acquisition System icon on the start bar, the DAS splash screen appears for few seconds and then the application starts.

RECEIVING THE STORED DATA:

Connect the USB cable to meter and computer (communication port: COM1, baud rate: 9600). Click the Receive button, the stored data in meter will automatically send to computer.

SEARCHING THE DATA:

If you would like to search a specific measured value from the database or uploaded data, click the Search button, the screen will show a Search Criteria dialog. Available search criteria include the time and sample name. After selecting or entering the search criteria, click the OK button, the screen will show all qualified records.

PRINT THE REPORT:

If you would like to print current data, click the Print button, the printer will output data sheet.

DATA RECALL:

DAS data acquisition system has a large database used to store the all uploaded data. If you need to view previous data, click the Recall button, the screen will show all data in the database.

DELETE THE DATA:

If you need to delete the certain data, click on the data field, then click the Delete button. Note: Once deleted, the data cannot be recovered.

GRAPH MODE:

The graph mode will help user to view variations of the measured parameter continuously. Click the Graph button, the screen will immediately show curve graph, measuring value and temperature.

INTERVAL MEASUREMENT AND AUTOMATIC RECORDING:

This function helps you automatically record the measuring value within the specify time period. Click the Interval Measurement button, the screen will show a dialog box. Selecting the time interval and recording time, click the OK button, the measured value will automatically transfer to data sheet.

CREATE THE EXCEL DATA FILE:

When the transfer is complete, click the “Import data into Excel” button, the measured value in the data sheet will be converted to Excel file. You can follow the path below to find the Excel file: C :> Program Files>Data Acquisition System>Excel

NOTE:

• The software is run in operating system Windows XP. If your system is Windows 7, please using the file “CP210x_VCP_Windows” to update your device manager.
• If the computer displays “Error” during the first run, please open the windows “Run” command, then enter the command below in text input field:
  regsvr32 “c:windowssystem32DAO350.DLL “
  
• Please make sure your meter is connect to communication port “COM1”, baud rate: 9600.

Ion Selective Electrode Care and Maintenance

• Ensure that the electrode is thoroughly washed with distilled water after each use.
• Do not scratch the sensitive membrane on the electrode during the measurement or calibration.
• If you do not use the electrode for long periods, please store the electrode in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area.

Troubleshooting

LCD DISPLAY	CAUSE	CORRECTIVE ACTION
—	Electrode dried out	Soak the Ion Selective Electrode in the diluted standard solution at least 15 minutes
	Measured value is out of range	Check the electrode whether clogged, dirty or broken
	Incorrect calibration solutions	Using the fresh calibration solutions for calibration
	Electrode is out of service life	Replace the Ion Selective Electrode
	Keypad is not working properly	Replace the batteries