Carolina NeuLog Colorimeter User Manual
NEULOG COLORIMETER SENSOR GUIDE
NeuLog colorimeter sensor
NUL-219 Carolina # 369648
The colorimeter sensor can be used for any science experiment or activity where
liquid samples of different colors and concentrations are utilized such as in the fields
of Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Physics,
or even just to study the behavior of light waves.
Colorimeters are used to determine absorbance of given wavelengths (generally red,
green, and blue) in a liquid solution. Absorbance is directly related to the
concentration of known solutes in the solution which is calculated using the BeerLambert law.
The sensor comes pre-calibrated and never needs to be recalibrated.
Just a few of the thousands of possible experiments that can be done with the NUL219 sensor are: Monitoring of ecological systems, study of photosynthesis, analyzing
chemical reactions, water quality testing, studying light waves, studying Beer’s Law,
and can take the place of a spectrophotometer in many experiments.
The NeuLog colorimeter sensor can collect data using the following units of
measurement:
%Transmittance: The amount of light that passes through a sample.
Absorbance: The amount of light which is absorbed by a sample.
Cuvette usage and handling:
It is important to maintain a standard for cuvette usage as their quality will directly
impact the results of your experiments. If the cuvette has fingerprints, smudges, or
cracks the sensor will detect them and give off an improper colorimeter reading.
Smudges left from handling can easily be wiped off with tissue paper.
Proper usage:
1. Carefully remove the cuvettes from their packaging.
2. Load your liquid sample into the cuvette before placing it into the sensor to
prevent spilling and damaging the sensor.
3. Plug the cap into the cuvette and gently invert a few times. Shaking will
create air bubbles which will be detected by the sensor and give an
incorrect reading.
4. Before placing the cuvette in the sensor; hold the cuvette as far toward the
top as you can and wipe the bottom portion of the cuvette off with a tissue.
Do not touch the bottom portion of the cuvette again as this will leave a
residue which will affect the results of the experiment.
5. To load the cuvette into the colorimeter sensor;
a. Determine which sides of the cuvette are clear and which sides
have an opaque finish.
b. The clear opposing sides must be positioned facing the front and
back of the sensor (they won’t fit the other way) while the glossy
sides face either side.
c. If the cuvette does not fit with a gentle push, rotate 90° in either
direction and try again.
6. After experimentation, empty your samples and gently rinse out the cuvettes
with distilled water and then let the cuvettes air-dry.
Selecting a wavelength:
Selecting the correct wavelength is important to get the best data and can easily be
determined using one of two different methods. There is no incorrect wavelength, just
some which are more informative than others. Lab experiments often come with a
predetermined wavelength to use. If it doesn’t, follow one of these methods for the
best results:
Knowing that the color we see solutions as is based on the color which is
reflected from it (and not absorbed): Choose a color you know will be absorbed.
For example, if the solution is red try the blue LED option.
Once the sensor is connected and the NeuLog software is open (follow one of
the guides below for more instruction) click the “Module setup” button and try the
different LED color options to determine which has the highest absorbance
(which will read out in real time on the sensor’s icon). Select the color which has
the highest absorbance reading.
NEULOG COLORIMETER SENSOR GUIDE
Quick start procedure:
PC or Mac Computer
Materials needed:
NUL-219 Colorimeter Sensor
Cuvettes + Cuvette Lids
USB-200 USB Module
A USB to mini USB cable (which comes with the USB-200)
Your colorimeter sensor needs to be connected to a USB-200 module. The USB-200
module then connects to a computer via a USB to mini-USB cable. Please note that
you cannot plug the colorimeter sensor directly into the computer.
Resident PC software and browser based software can be downloaded for free at
www.NeuLog.com/dowload as well as a full software user guide. Note: Make sure not
to download and install both types of software, they will conflict on the computer.
Procedure:
1. Install the NeuLog software
2. Connect the USB-200 module to the PC or Mac
3. Connect the colorimeter sensor to the USB-200 module (they directly plug
together). Please note there is no calibration required for this sensor.
4. Open the NeuLog software.
5. Once a colorimeter sensor logo appears on the left side of the screen the
probe has been automatically identified and you can begin experimentation.
6. If the colorimeter sensor is not automatically identified then click the “Search
for sensors” icon to find the sensor.
7. Select the “On-line experiment” button; this will open a graph below.
8. Click on the “Module setup” button located on the colorimeter sensor icon in
the module window to change the sensor settings if need be.
9. Click on the experiment set up button to change the experiment settings if
need be (experiment duration for example).
10. The colorimeter sensor will give a live reading in the box to the left of the
screen while plugged in.
11. To run an experiment and collect data click “Run experiment”.
12. To end data collection early, click “Stop experiment”.
Tablet, smart phone device
Materials needed:
NUL-219 Colorimeter Sensor
Cuvettes + Cuvette Lids
WIFI-201 WIFI module
BAT-200 Battery
Your colorimeter sensor needs to be connected to a WIFI-201 module. The WIFI-201
module will create a closed NeuLog wifi network which will stream the NeuLog data to
a device of your choosing. Once your device is wirelessly connected to the NeuLog
network you can run experiments and collect data through a browser of your choosing.
Procedure:
1. Connect the colorimeter sensor directly to the left side of a WIFI-201 module
(no wires required).
2. Connect a BAT-200 module to the right side of the WIFI-201 module.
3. Although not required, we recommend plugging the BAT-200 to an outlet
using a USB to micro USB charger (such as a typical cell phone charger).
The WIFI-201 module will run for 15-75 minutes (depending on the sensor)
without being plugged in.
4. For further WIFI-201 instructions or the WIFI-201 quick start guide please
visit www.NeuLog.com/download.
5. The WIFI-201 indicator lights will flash; take no action until the LED to the
far left turns blue.
6. Take your tablet or smart phone and go to the Wi-Fi settings and select the
NeuLog network which matches the WIFI module ID found on the back of
the WIFI-201 device. (NeuLogXXXX for example)
7. Give your device 1-2 minutes to connect to the WIFI-201 network.
8. Once the device is connected go to your browser and type in the website
wifi201.com into the URL bar, then wait for 30-60 seconds.
9. You will see a “Control mode” icon in the browser, click on this icon.
10. The browser will then load a new screen and begin to auto detect the
sensors, this can take a few minutes.
11. If the browser does not auto detect, select “Search for sensors”
12. Once the sensor is found you will see an icon on the left side of the screen
for the colorimeter sensor. The icon will display data in real time.
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