Geotech EcoSense EC300M, EcoSense EC300A User Manual

USER MANUAL

English, Français, Español, Português

EcoSense® EC300A
EcoSense® EC300M

Portable Conductivity, Salinity and
Temperature Instruments

User Manual

DOCUMENT #606042REF

WARRANTY

The EcoSense® EC300A/EC300M Instrument is warranted for one year
from date of purchase by the end user against defects in materials
and workmanship. EC300A/EC300M probes and cables are warranted
for one year from date of purchase by the end user against defects in
material and workmanship. Within the warranty period, YSI will repair
or replace, at its sole discretion, free of charge, any product that YSI
determines to be covered by this warranty.

To exercise this warranty, write or call your local YSI representative,
or contact YSI Customer Service in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Send
the product and proof of purchase, transportation prepaid, to the
Authorized Service Center selected by YSI. Repair or replacement will
be made and the product returned, transportation prepaid. Repaired
or replaced products are warranted for the balance of the original
warranty period, or at least 90 days from date of repair or replacement.

Limitation of Warranty

This Warranty does not apply to any YSI product damage or failure
caused by: (i) failure to install, operate or use the product in accordance
with YSI’s written instructions; (ii) abuse or misuse of the product;
(iii) failure to maintain the product in accordance with YSI’s written
instructions or standard industry procedure; (iv) any improper repairs
to the product; (v) use by you of defective or improper components or
parts in servicing or repairing the product; or (vi) modification of the
product in any way not expressly authorized by YSI.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. YSI’s LIABILITY UNDER
THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE
PRODUCT, AND THIS SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
FOR ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY.
IN NO EVENT SHALL YSI BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM
ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY

Contact Information

YSI
1725 Brannum Lane
Yellow Springs OH, 45387, USA
Tel: [phone] • 937-767-7241; Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: ysi.com

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CONTENTS

Safety Information ...............................................................................1

The Instrument Case

..............................................................1

Package Contents

................................................................................1

Unpacking ............................................................................................2

Installation

...........................................................................................2

Battery Installation .................................................................2

Intended Use and General Overview

................................................2

Display Description

.............................................................................4

Operational Keys Description ............................................................5

Operational Procedures......................................................................6

Measurement Modes .............................................................6

Calibration

..............................................................................7

TDS ...................................................................................7

CELL

..................................................................................7

Temperature Coefficient ................................................. 8

Temperature Reference ..................................................8

Conductivity Calibration

.................................................8

Conductivity Measurements

.................................................8

Saving, Viewing and Deleting Data ...................................... 9

Downloading Data to a Computer - EC300M Only

...........9

Recal Timer - EC300M Only ................................................10

Date/Time Settings - EC300M Only

...................................10

Troubleshooting

................................................................................11

Error Messages on Display .................................................11

Opening the Data File with Excel

®

................................11

Maintenance .....................................................................................13

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Accessories / Part Numbers .............................................................14

Technical Services .............................................................................14

Specifications .....................................................................................14

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1

SAFETY INFORMATION

Please follow the guidelines below, and read this manual in its entirety
to ensure safe operation of the unit.

Avoiding Damage to the Instrument - Precautions

The Instrument Case

Though the instrument is housed in a water-proof IP67 case, DO NOT
use it underwater. The cable connector is not waterproof unless the
cap is installed. In case of submersion without the cap connected,
follow these steps immediately:

1. Remove the battery and reinstall the battery cover.

2. Dry the connector if necessary, and replace the conductivity probe.
Rinse unit carefully with distilled water. After rinsing and drying,
inspect and clean connectors to remove all contaminants that may
affect probe connections.

3. Wait for unit and all connections to dry before reinstalling the
battery and resuming operation.

4. If the unit does not function correctly after step 3, contact YSI for
possible repair or replacement.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

Item # Contents

606079 EC300A meter, manual, and 9V battery

606068 EC300A meter, manual, 9V battery, transport case, probe

with 1 meter cable

606069 EC300A meter, manual, 9V battery, transport case, probe

with 4 meter cable

606047 EC300A meter, manual, 9V battery, transport case, probe

with 10 meter cable

601034 EC300M meter, manual, USB cable, and 9V battery

601035 EC300M meter, manual, USB cable, 9V battery, transport

case, probe with 1 meter cable

601036 EC300M meter, manual, USB cable, 9V battery, transport

case, probe with 4 meter cable

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2

Item # Contents

601037 EC300M meter, manual, USB cable, 9V battery, transport

case, probe with 10 meter cable

UNPACKING

Carefully unpack the unit and accessories, and inspect for shipping
damages. Compare received parts with materials listed in the
Package Contents section. Notify YSI immediately of any damage or
missing parts. Save all packing materials until satisfactory operation is
confirmed.

INSTALLATION

Battery Installation

An initial display of “BAT” on the LCD
indicates approximately one hour of battery
life for unit operation within specifications.
Replace battery when “BAT” appears on the
LCD.

To replace battery, remove the two battery cover screws and the battery
cover and o-ring (Figure 1). Replace the 9V battery. Replace the battery
cover and o-ring (be sure to align the o-ring correctly to prevent a bad
seal) and fasten the two battery cover screws.

Battery Disposal

This instrument is powered by a 9 volt battery, which the user must
remove and dispose of when the batteries no longer power the
instrument. Disposal requirements vary by country and region, and
users are expected to understand and follow the battery disposal
requirements for their specific locale.

INTENDED USE AND GENERAL
OVERVIEW

The YSI model EC300A/EC300M is a precise instrument that measures
conductivity, salinity and temperature. A built-in microprocessor
calculates and compensates for all parameters related to conductivity
and temperature determinations.

Figure 1

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3

This instrument is waterproof (IP67) when the connector cap is
installed. The mechanical touch keys are highly reliable with tactile and
audio feedback. This instrument uses one 9V battery. Recalibration is
not required when power is restored.

The front of the instrument has a large LCD that displays temperature and
either temperature compensated or non-temperature compensated
conductivity, salinity or TDS simultaneously along with user prompts
and mode indicators. The unit prompts users through calibration and
measurement procedures.

The model EC300A/EC300M is available with a single four-electrode
cell. Other features include automatic conductivity ranging, automatic
temperature compensation, long battery life, and 50/60 Hz AC noise
rejection. This meter is universal and user-friendly for field, industrial
and laboratory applications.

Key differences between the YSI EC300A and EC300M include:

• EC300A can store 50 data sets, while the EC300M can store 250
data sets.

• A real-time clock is included on the EC300M for date/time stamp
of saved data.

• The EC300M features a waterproof USB port with cover that will
allow customers to download stored measurement data to a PC.

• A recal prompt on the EC300M allows users to select a recalibration
interval.

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DISPLAY DESCRIPTION

Number Description

1 Displays when measuring conductivity.

2 Low battery indicator

3 Recal Timer indicator (EC300M only)

4 Main display for compensated and uncompensated

conductivity, salinity and TDS values.

5 Displays when measuring total dissolved solids.

6 Indicates conductivity cell constant value.

7 USB/PC connection indicator (EC300M only)

8 Displays when measuring salinity.

9 Calibration mode indicator

10 Data set number

11 Temperature display

12 Indicates TDS measurement

13 Indicates conductivity measurement

14 Indicates salinity measurement

15 °C: Flashes during temperature compensated

conductivity measurement. During calibration,
indicates temperature reference unit.

%: Displays during calibration; indicates
temperature coefficient unit.

2

9

13

14

Figure 2

4

11

17

3

7

10

16

1

5

6

8

12

15

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Number Description

16 Save, Full, Recall, Each, All, Delete:

Instrument’s data storage indicators.

17 Date/Time display (EC300M only)

OPERATIONAL KEYS DESCRIPTION

Number Key Description

1

Mode

Power key. Turns the unit on or off.

2, 6

DO200M

EcoSense

®

Mode

Up and down arrow keys.
Increases or decreases the
display value as desired.

3

DO200M

INPUT

EcoSense

®

Mode

CAL

Calibration key. Press to enter
the calibration mode.

1

3

2

4

5

6

7

8

Figure 3

DO200M

INPUT

EcoSense

®

Mode

CAL

Recal
Timer

Date
Time

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6

4

DO200M

INPUT

EcoSense

®

Mode

CAL

Recal
Timer

Date
Time

Recal Timer key (EC300M
only). Press to enter the Recal
Timer input display.

5

Mode key. Selects display mode.
In Normal operation, press Mode
to switch the display between
uncompensated conductivity,
temperature compensated
conductivity, salinity, total dissolved
solids (TDS), Recall and Delete. In
calibration mode, this key exits the
current calibration and displays
the next calibration parameter.

7

DO200M

INPUT

EcoSense

®

Mode

Enter key. Pressing Enter saves
the current measurement
into memory, confirms mode
selection (rcl/delete), confirms
calibration steps, and confirms
data deletion. On the EC300M,
this key confirms recal timer
entry and date/time selections.

8

DO200M

INPUT

EcoSense

®

Mode

Date
Time

Date/Time key (EC300M only). A
short press (i.e. key is not held) of
the Date/Time key changes the
display in the upper right corner
to be either Date or Time. Pressing
and holding for 3 seconds will allow
date and time information to be
updated. Pressing and holding for 6
seconds will allow for the date (e.g.
MM/DD/YYYY) and time format (12
or 24 hour) settings to be changed.

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

Measurement Modes

1. Temperature - Current solution temperature continually displays.

2. Temperature Compensated Conductivity - Measurement of
conductivity, compensated to 25°C or another specified value
between 15 and 25°C. Expressed as uS/cm or mS/cm with a
flashing “°C”.

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3. Uncompensated Conductivity – Direct measurement of conductivity,

not compensated to a specific temperature. Expressed as uS/cm or
mS/cm.

4. Salinity – Measurement of salinity; expressed in parts per thousand

(ppt).

5. TDS – Measurement of total dissolved solids (TDS); expressed in

milligrams per liter (mg/L)

Carefully observe the units displayed at the far side of the LCD to
determine the desired mode.

Calibration

Calibration setup contains five sections: TDS, Cell, Temperature
Coefficient, Temperature reference, and Conductivity Calibration. To
access these sections:

1. Connect the conductivity probe and cable assembly to the unit and

turn the unit on. The screen will display CELL and the cell constant
of the conductivity probe.

2. Allow temperature readings to stabilize, then press CAL to enter

the calibration mode; CAL appears on the LCD. Press MODE to
sequentially display the following sections:

Note: Press Enter to accept any values changes in each
section and automatically advance to the next section. If there
are no changes, the unit accepts the current value and proceeds
to the next section.

TDS

TDS is determined by multiplying conductivity (mS) by a TDS factor.
The default factor value is 0.65. To change the TDS factor, use the up
and down keys to adjust the value between 0.30 and 1.00. Press Enter

to save the new value, or press MODE to cancel the change and

display the CELL screen.

CELL

The second screen will display CELL and the current cell value. The
default cell value is 5.00 and is displayed in the lower right of the
screen. The unit allows a variance of ±0.50 before displaying an error
message. The cell value cannot be adjusted at this screen; calibrating
conductivity is the only way to adjust the cell constant. Press Enter

to reset the cell constant to 5.00 and display the Temperature

Coefficient screen.

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Note: Be certain to press Enter to reset the cell constant
to 5.00. If MODE is pressed, the unit retains the previous cell
constant and calibrates from a value that is already offset.

Temperature Coefficient

The unit uses the temperature coefficient to calculate temperature
compensated conductivity. The default value is 1.91%. To change the
temperature coefficient, use the up and down keys to adjust the value
between 0 and 4.00%. Press Enter to save the new value, or press
MODE to cancel the change and display the Temperature Reference
screen.

Temperature Reference

The unit uses the temperature reference value to calculate temperature
compensated conductivity. The default value is 25°C. To change the
temperature coefficient, use the up and down keys to adjust the value
between 15 and 25°C. Press Enter to save the new value, or press
MODE to cancel the change and display the Conductivity Calibration
screen.

Conductivity Calibration

1. Immerse the probe in a standard of known conductivity, preferably
a standard in the middle range of the solutions to be measured.
Completely submerge the probe without touching the sides of the
calibration container. Shake the probe lightly to remove any air
bubbles trapped in the conductivity cell.

2. Allow temperature to stabilize. The message ‘rAng’ (range) may
display briefly to indicate unit auto-ranging; this is normal. After
temperature stabilization, use the up and down keys to adjust the
conductivity value to that of the conductivity standard at 25°C. Press
Enter to calibrate. The unit beeps twice to indicate a successful
calibration, then automatically switches to normal operation mode.

Conductivity Measurements

1. Turn the unit on. Place the probe in the solution to be measured.
Completely submerge the probe. Shake the probe lightly to
remove any trapped air bubbles in the conductivity cell.

2. Press MODE to enter the desired measurement mode. The
message ‘rAng’ (range) may appear briefly on the display indicate
auto-ranging; this is normal. Allow temperature to stabilize before
taking measurements.

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Saving, Viewing and Deleting Data

The EC300A can save 50 data records, while the EC300M can save 250
data records. When in measurement mode, press Enter to save
a record. The instrument will confirm saving the data by displaying
“Save” and the data record number for one second. “Full” is displayed
when trying to save data and memory is full.

To view saved data, press Mode until “Recall” is displayed and then
press Enter

. Use the Up or Down arrow keys to review different

saved records. Press Mode to escape back to measurement mode.

To delete data records, press Mode while in measurement mode
until “Delete” is displayed. Press Enter . “All” will be displayed and
blinking. Press the Up or Down arrow key to switch between delete
‘All’ or ‘Each’ options. Select either ‘All’ or ‘Each’ by pressing Enter
while that option is displayed.

If ‘All’ is selected, all records will be deleted from memory and ‘None’
will be displayed. Press Mode twice to return to the measurement
mode.

If ‘Each’ is selected, the Up and Down arrow keys will allow you to scroll
through the saved data records. Press Enter to delete the selected
record. All records after the deleted record will shift up to keep the
records in sequential order. For example, if record 3 is deleted, record
4 will become record 3 and record 5 will become record 4. Press Mode
twice to return to the measurement mode.

Downloading Data to a Computer - EC300M Only

The EC300M features a micro USB connection that allows the instrument
to be connected to a computer with Windows 7 or Windows 10 as the
operating system. Once connected, data saved to the meter can be
downloaded to the computer.

1. A USB cable is included with all EC300M instruments. Plug the

micro USB connector into the EC300M instrument and the USB
connector into a computer.

2. Turn the EC300M instrument on. A driver will

install from the instrument to the computer.

3. Open Windows Explorer. The PC will recognize

the instrument as a removable drive.

Windows

Explorer Icon

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4. Copy and paste the .csv file from the instrument to a location on
the computer. This file can be opened in Excel®.

Note: The original .csv file should be left on the EC300M
instrument. Do not try to modify this file.

Note: If the .csv file is opened with Excel® and the data is not
formatted correctly (e.g. a temperature reading is interpreted
as a date), please refer to the Troubleshooting section.

5. The instrument can be disconnected from the computer. The
original .csv file should still be located on the EC300M instrument.

Recal Timer - EC300M Only

The Recal Timer feature provides a reminder to recalibrate the DO
probe. If enabled, ‘Recal’ will be displayed when the user-defined
interval has elapsed.

After pressing the Recal Timer key, use the Up and Down arrow keys
to adjust the value for the recal prompt in number of days. Press Enter

to confirm. The instrument will return to the run screen.

Any value between 0 and 60 days can be selected. Set the value to 0 to
disable the Recal Timer.

Date/Time Settings - EC300M Only

A short press (i.e. key is not held) of the Date/Time key changes the
display in the upper right corner to be either Date or Time.

Press and hold the Date/Time key for 3 seconds to set date and time
information. Use the up and down arrow keys to adjust Hour, Minute
(Min) and Second (Sec). Press Enter to confirm each selection.
After adjusting time, adjust date information by using the up and
down arrow key to adjust the MM (month), DD (Day) and YYYY (Year)
information. Press Enter to confirm each selection.

Press and hold the Date/Time key for 6 seconds to set the date/time
format. Use the Up and Down arrow keys to display the desired Date
format (MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY, or YYYY/MM/DD), followed by
Enter to confirm the selection. Next, use the Up and Down arrow
keys to display the desired Time format (12-hour or 24-hour), followed
by Enter to confirm the selection.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

Error Messages on Display

Main Display Problem Possible Solution

OvEr

• Conductivity is
>200.0 mS

• Salinity is > 70.00 ppt

• Completely submerge
the probe.

• Allow sufficient time for
the electrode and Temp
probe stabilization.

• Recalibrate with
correct value for the
conductivity standard.

• Replace conductivity
standard.

• Clean cell.

• Return for service.

OvEr/Undr
during
calibration

• Cell Constant Calibration
is out of range

Main
Display

Secondary
Display

Problem Possible Solution

OvEr/Undr OvEr Temperature >90.0 °C • Decrease/

Increase the sample
temperature.

• Return for service.

Undr Temperature

< -10.0 °C

Opening the Data File with Excel®

Depending on the region and language setting of your PC,
measurement data might be formatted incorrectly by Excel® when the
data file is opened.

This is sometimes encountered with German set as the PC language,
as a German date format typically utilizes a decimal (DD.MM.YYYY).
The EC300M utilizes a decimal as the radix, so a temperature of 31.1
is sometimes interpreted by Excel® as 31. Jan when German is set as
the PC language.

If a data file is opened in Excel® and measurement data is incorrectly
interpreted as something other than a number, please follow these
steps:

1. Open a blank Excel® spreadsheet.

2. Go to the Data tab and select From Text.

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3. Choose to Import the data file you have copied to your PC. Don't

select the original data file that is still on the instrument.

4. Under Step 1 of the Text Import Wizard, choose Delimited.

5. Under Step 2 of the Text Import Wizard, choose Semicolon.

6. Under Step 3, click on the column with the incorrectly formatted
data. This column should be highlighted in black. Choose
Text under Column data format. Do this for each column with
incorrectly formatted data.

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7. Select Finish, then choose where you want the data to be placed

on your opened spreadsheet.

MAINTENANCE

The most important requirement for accurate and reproducible
conductivity measurements is a clean cell. A dirty cell changes the
conductivity of a solution through contamination. Clean the cell
thoroughly before storing it. To clean the conductivity cell:

1. Dip the cell in cleaning solution and agitate for two to three minutes.

Any foaming acid tile cleaner, such as Dow Chemical Bathroom
Cleaner, should clean adequately. For a stronger cleaner, use a
solution of 1:1 isopropyl alcohol and 1 N HCl. Remove the cell from
the cleaning solution.

2. Use the nylon brush (supplied)

to dislodge any contaminants
from inside the electrode
chamber.

3. Repeat steps one and two until

the cell is completely clean.
Rinse the cell thoroughly in
deionized, or clean tap water.

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ACCESSORIES / PART NUMBERS

Part Number Description

606044 1 meter probe and cable assembly

605395 4 meter probe and cable assembly

605396 10 meter probe and cable assembly

606043 Carrying case, hard sided

605139 Carrying case, soft sided

TECHNICAL SERVICES

Telephone: [phone] (USA)
[phone] (Globally) Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM ET
Email: [e-mail]
Mail: YSI Incorporated 1725 Brannum Lane Yellow Springs, OH 45387
USA
Internet: ysi.com.

SPECIFICATIONS

These specifications represent typical performance and are subject to
change without notice. For the latest product specification information,
please visit YSI’s website at ysi.com or contact YSI Tech Support.

Parameter Range Resolution Accuracy

Temperature -10 to +90 °C

(14 to 194 °F)

0.1 °C ±0.2 °C or ±0.4%,
whichever is greater

Conductivity 0 to 499.9

µS/cm

0.1 µS/cm ± 1% of reading
+ 2 µS/cm

500 to 4999
µS/cm

1 µS/cm ± 1% of reading

+ 5 µS/cm

5.0 to 49.99
mS/cm

0.01 mS/cm ± 1% of reading
+ 0.05 mS/cm

50 to 200
mS/cm

0.1 mS/cm ± 2.5% of reading
+ 0.5 mS/cm

Salinity Calculated;

0.0 to 70.0
ppt

0.1 ppt ±0.2% FS

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Reference Temperature
(Input during calibration)

15.0 to 25.0°C (59 to 77°F)

Temperature Coefficient
(Input during calibration)

0.0% to 4.0%

TDS Constant
(Input during calibration)

0.3 to 1.00

Cell Constant Range 4.50 to 5.50

ATC Probe Thermistor, 10KΩ, at 25 °C

Calibration Backup Yes

Audio Feedback Yes, on all keys

Power Source One 9V battery (included with meter)

Real time clock (RTC) on the
EC300M also powered by
CR2032 coin battery (3V)

Operating Range

- Temperature

0 to 50 ºC (32 to 122 °F)

Operating Range ­Relative Humidity

Up to 95%

Instrument Casing Waterproof IP-67 with cable

connector cap installed

Weight (with battery) 272 grams (.6 lbs)

Dimensions (L x W x H) 18.7 cm x 7.6 cm x 3.8 cm (7.37 in x 3

in x 1.5 in)

Memory 50 data sets on the EC300A

250 data sets on the EC300M

Auto Shutoff Automatically powers off after

30 minutes of inactivity

Recal Timer EC300M only - Customer

selects recalibration interval;
from 0 to 60 days

Real-Time Clock (RTC)
for Date/Time Stamp
of Saved Data

EC300M only

Waterproof USB for
Downloading Data to PC

EC300M only

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Conforms to the following:

Directives: EMC 2014/30/EU

RoHS 2011/65/EU
WEEE 2012/19/EU

Harmonized Standards: EN61326-1:2013 (IEC 61326-1:2012)

IEC 61000-3-2:2005
IEC 61000-3-3:2008
IEC 61000-4-2:2008
IEC 61000-4-3:2006
IEC 61000-4-4:2004
IEC 61000-4-6:2008
IEC 61000-4-8:2009

Item #606042REF

Revision B; December 2017

For the latest version of this manual, visit ysi.com

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