LaMotte 1741-KIT-01 User manual

Tracer

TM

pH PockeTester

Code 1741

Do Not allow pH sensor to
dry out.

¬ Store Upright

¬ Before first use, tap meter

against palm to move
electrolyte to tip.

¬ See pages 7 and 10.

Ne laissez pas le capteur
sécher.

¬ Stockez l’instrument à la

verticale.

¬ Avant toute utilisation,

tapotez l’instrument contre
la paume de votre main
pour déplacer l’électrolyte
vers le bout du capteur.

¬ Reportez-vous aux pages

22 et 26.

Water Testing Leader Since 1919!

Leader en analyse d’eau depuis 1919!

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the pH TRACERTM PockeTester. This instrument is
designed for high accuracy pH testing. This device is shipped fully tested
and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.

SPECIFICATIONS

Display Multifunction LCD with Bar graph
Operating Conditions 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C) and < 80% RH
pH Range & Accuracy 0.01 to 14.00/±0.01 pH typical
Temperature Compensation Automatic from 32 to 194°F (0 to 90°C)
Temperature Range 23 to 194°F (–5 to 90°C)
Temperature Resolution 0.1° up to 99.9, then 1° thereafter
Temperature Accuracy ±1.8°F/1°C [from 23 to 122°F (–5 to 50°C)]

Measurement storage 15 tagged (numbered) readings
Power Four CR2032 button batteries (see Page 6)
Low battery indication

Auto power off After 10 minutes of inactivity
Dimensions 1.4 x 6.8 x 1.6” (35.6 x 172.7 x 40.6 mm),

±5.4°F/3°C [from 122 to 194°F (50 to 90°C)]

BAT appears on the LCD

3.85 oz (110g)

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PARTS & ACCESSORIES

pH Replacement Electrode Code 1733
Weighted Stand w/Sample Cups (5) Code 1746
Sample Cups w/caps (24) Code 1745-24
pH 4.01 Mini Buffer Tablets (100) Code 3983A-J
pH 7.01 Mini Buffer Tablets (100) Code 3984A-J
pH 10.0 Mini Buffer Tablets (100) Code 3985A-J

CONTENTS

pH TRACER PockeTester Kit, 0.00-14.00 pH Range Code 1741
Includes: Sample Cup w/cap †

Tablet Crusher
Buffer Tablets, pH 4.0, 7.0, & 10.0 †

†Not sold in this quantity. See Parts & Accessories.

Code 0175

To order individual reagents or test kit components, use the specified code number.

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METER DESCRIPTION

Front Panel Description

1. Battery compartment cap

2. LCD display

3. MODE button

4. CAL button

5. ON/OFF button

6. Electrode collar

7. Electrode
(Note: The Electrode cap is not shown)

TRACER DISPLAY

1. Bar graph reading

2. Bar graph scale designations

3. Units of measure

4. Calibration indicators

5.

RENEW and CAL indicators

6. Measurement reading

7.

BAT (low battery) and
HOLD (data hold) indicators

8. Temperature display

1
2
3

4
5

7.0
500

2.0
0

10.04

BAT HOLD

1074

RENEW

78.6

CAL

12

1000

mvpHppm

6
7

°C

8

°F

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BASIC OPERATION

Powering the TRACER

If the batteries are weak, the BAT indicator will appear on the display. Press
the ON/OFF button to turn the TRACER on or off. The auto power off feature
will shut the TRACER off automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity.

Automatic Electrode Recognition

When the TRACER is turned on, it will recognize the type of electrode that
is connected and will display the appropriate unit of measure. An electrode
must be attached before turning the meter on.

Changing the Displayed Temperature Units

Press and hold the CAL button for approximately 3 seconds. The °C or °F icon
will change first and the numerical temperature value will change only after
the button is released.

NOTE: If the calibration mode is accidentally accessed and
the display, turn the TRACER off and begin again.

CAL appears on

Data Hold

Press the MODE button to freeze the current reading. The HOLD display icon
will appear along with the held reading. The held reading will be stored in
memory. Press the MODE button to return to normal operation.

DISPLAY MESSAGES

CAL Reminder

When the TRACER is turned on for the 15th time, without recalibration the

CAL icon will appear on the display indicating the the TRACER may require

calibration. Some applications may require recalibration of the electrode
sooner than others. The
pH electrode is recalibrated.

CAL display is a reminder and will turn off when the

RENEW

A flashing “RENEW” warning indicates that the probe may be nearing the end
of its useful life. If cleaning or recalibration does not cause the
to disappear, replace the electrode (see optional accessories). The
display appears when the output of the pH electrode fails a diagnostic test.

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Renew icon

Renew

pH TESTING

Overview

pH is a unit of measure (ranging from 0 to 14 pH) indicating the degree of
acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH tests are the most commonly performed
measurements in water analysis, using the negative log of the hydrogen ion
activity of a solution which is an indicator of acidity or alkalinity. Solutions
with a pH of less than 7 are considered acidic, solutions with a pH of
higher than 7 are known as bases, and solutions with a pH of exactly 7 are
considered neutral.

The pH scale is logarithmic, so, for example, if Sample A is 1 pH less than
Sample B, this means that sample A is 10 times more acidic than Sample B.
A difference of 1 pH represents a ten-fold increase or decrease in acidity.

pH Display

When the electrode is placed in a solution, the main display and bar graph
will indicate the pH reading while the lower display will read temperature.
Readings flash until they have stabilized. The bar graph is ‘center zero’, i.e. at
pH 7 there is no display. As the pH rises, the bar will move from the center to
the right. If the pH drops, the bar will move from the center to the left.

Getting Started

1. Remove the cap from the bottom of the TRACER to expose the
electrode glass surface and reference junction.

2. Before first use or after storage, soak the electrode (with cap
removed) in a pH 4 buffer or tap water for 10 minutes.

3. Before first use, hold the meter by the top battery compartment
and swiftly tap the back of the meter downward into your palm (not
a hard surface). This assures that the internal electrolyte solution
moves to the very tip of the electrode. The electrolyte should fill the
circular junction window at the tip of the electrode.

4. White KCl crystals may be present in the cap. These crystals will
dissolve in the soak or they can be rinsed off with tap water.

5. Always calibrate close to the expected measurement value.

6. A sponge is located in the electrode protective cap. Keep this sponge
soaked with a pH 4 solution to prolong the life of the electrode during
storage.

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Preparation of Buffers

1. Fill a sample cup with 20 mL of distilled or deionized water.

2. Add one buffer tablet:

pH 4.0 Code 3983A
pH 7.0 Code 3984A
pH 10.0 Code 3985A

3. Use the tablet crusher (0175) to crush the tablet. Stir until the tablet
has disintegrated.

NOTE: Buffers should be prepared fresh daily.

pH Calibration

The TRACER can be calibrated at 1, 2 or 3 points. For the most accurate
results with a two point calibration, calibrate the TRACER with a pH 7 buffer
first, then calibrate with either a pH 4 or pH 10 buffer whichever is closest
to the pH value of the sample to be tested. When performing a three point
calibration, calibrate with the pH 7 buffer first, followed with the pH 4 buffer
and then the pH 10 buffer. For the most accurate results, always calibrate at
the sample temperature.

1. Place the electrode into a buffer solution (4, 7, or 10 pH) and press
the CAL button. Typically, pH 7 is calibrated first, then 4 or 10,
depending on the measurement range. If readings are going to be
made over the entire range, calibrate with 4, 7 and 10 buffers.

2. The TRACER will automatically recognize the solution and calibrate
itself to that value. The circled number on the display will match the
pH of the buffer.
Note that if the buffer is more than 1 pH unit off from the 4, 7, or 10
pH buffer, the TRACER will assume an error and abort the calibration.

CAL and END will be displayed.

3. During calibration, the pH reading will flash on the main display.

4. When calibration is complete, the TRACER will automatically display

END and return to the pH measurement mode.

5. Rinse the electrode with distilled water.

6. The appropriate circled indicator (4, 7, or 10) will appear on the
display when a calibration has been completed. The calibration will be
stored until a new calibration is performed.

7. For a two- or three-point calibration, repeat Steps 1-5.

8. The meter should be calibrated before each use to obtain the most
accurate results.

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9. Always turn the meter off and then on before calibrating to allow
sufficient
the meter auto powers off during calibration the calibrations remain
valid, but new calibrations will turn the circled indicators off.

time to complete the calibrations during one power cycle. If

Meter Reset

If the meter will not calibrate or displays a -1, reset the meter and attempt
to re-calibrate.

1. Turn off the meter.

2. Remove the battery cartridge from the top of the meter.

3. Press the ON/OFF button for 10 seconds to bleed off all charges
within the meter.

4. Re-insert the batteries and turn the meter on.

5. Follow the pH Calibration procedure.

pH Measurement

1. Place the electrode in the test sample.

2. Record the pH after the reading becomes stable and the display
stops flashing.

3. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the meter off. Rinse the electrode
with distilled water. Replace cap

pH Measurement of Soil

1. Place a 1:1 ratio of soil and distilled water in a small beaker. For most
analyses, 20 grams of soil and 20 grams distilled water are sufficient.

2. Wait 15 minutes. Stir occasionally with a stirring rod.

3. Stir the sample. Immediately place the electrode in the sample.

4. Wait until the display stabilizes. Record the pH.

5. Rinse the electrode in distilled water. Replace cap.

NOTE: The flat surface electrode will allow for readings directly from the soil
if there is enough moisture present in the soil.

Storing Readings

1. After the reading is made press the
MODE button to store the current
reading The storage location number
will be displayed followed by the
reading being stored.

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4

pH

10.04

HOLD

HT4

78.6

°F

9

2. Press the MODE button to return to normal operation.

3. Repeat step 1 to store the next reading.

4. If an attempt is made to store more
readings (starting with the first reading) will be overwritten.

than 15 readings, the stored

Recalling Stored Readings

NOTE: First ensure that the HOLD symbol is not displayed. If it is, exit the
MODE function by pressing the MODE button.

1. Press the CAL button once and then press the MODE button
immediately after

15) will flash. If the CAL mode is accidentally accessed (display
flashing), press the CAL button again to exit.

2. The last stored reading taken will be displayed first. To advance
through the stored readings, press the MODE button. The location
number is displayed first, followed by the reading stored in that
location.

3. To exit the recall mode, press the CAL button and the TRACER
return to normal operation. If the batteries are removed, any stored
readings and user calibrations will be discarded.

CAL is displayed; the location number (1 through

will

MAINTENANCE

Care/Storage of Electrode

1. Always rinse the electrode in tap, distilled or deionized water between
measurements to avoid cross-contamination of the samples. Double

is recommended when high accuracy is required.

rinsing

2. To preserve electrode life keep the sponge in the protective cap

soaked with a pH 4 buffer. Cap TRACER when not in use. Store
vertically.
Do Not allow sensor to dry out.

3. Do not touch the electrodes. Touching the surface of the electrodes
may damage and reduce the life of the electrodes.

4. Salt deposits may build up in the storage cap and should periodically

rinsed away. These deposits could affect measurements at low

be
conductivity.

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Battery Replacement

1. Twist off the battery compartment cap.

2. Hold the battery housing in place with one finger. Remove the battery
carrier by pulling on the small tabs.

3. Replace the four CR2032 batteries. Observe polarity.

4. Replace the battery compartment cap.
NOTE: If the batteries are removed, stored data and user calibrations
will be cleared. A new user calibration will be required. Factory
calibrations will be retained.

All EU users are legally bound by the Battery Ordinance to
return all used batteries to community collection points or
wherever batteries/accumulators are sold.

Disposal in household trash or refuse is prohibited.

DISPOSAL: Follow the valid legal stipulations in respect of the disposal of the
device at the end of its life cycle

Other Battery Safety Reminders

¬ Never dispose of batteries in a fire. Batteries may explode or leak.
¬ Never mix battery types. Always install new batteries of the same type.

Cleaning and Conditioning the Electrode

Surface Cleaning – Only in case of visible surface contamination or if
readings should become erratic, use a disposable laboratory towel wetted
with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol and gently rub the surface, until no more
residue is visible.

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Replacing the Electrode

The TRACER is shipped with an electrode attached. Electrode life is limited
and is dependant on the frequency of use and care. If the electrode needs to
be replaced, follow these steps for removing and connecting electrodes.

1. Turn meter off.

2. To remove the electrode, turn the collar counter-clockwise and
remove it.

3. Gently rock the electrode from side to side, pulling it downwards, until
it disconnects from the meter.

4. To attach an electrode, carefully plug the electrode into the meter
socket. Note that the electrode connector is keyed to ensure a proper
connection.
CAUTION: Take case to align pins carefully. Bent or broken ins will
cause the meter to malfunction.

5. Tighten the electrode collar firmly enough to make a good seal. A
rubber gasket will seal the electrode with the meter.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

Power on
but no display

Unstable
readings

Slow response
time or reading
drift

Dry bulb Dehydrated membrane,

Static charge Wiping electrode Rinse electrode in 4.0 buffer and

Same readings
in different
buffers and
samples

Batteries Insert batteries
Batteries Verify correct polarity
Batteries Replace batteries
Electrode Immerse electrode more deeply

Electrode Condition electrode before first

Electrode Remove air bubbles caught

Electrode Clean electrode
Electrode Replace electrode
Clogged junction Soak in 4.07M Potassium

Strong alkaline
measurement

Deteriorated gel layer Replace electrode
Protein coating on

electrode surface

Oil, paint, dyes,
suspended solids on
electrode

long term storage
without wetting

Cracked or broken
electrode

in sample

use

under electrode

Chloride (KCl) at 60°C for 30
minutes

Soak in 0.1M Hydrochloric acid
(HCl) overnight

Soak in 1g Pepsin dissolved in 10
mL of 0.1M HCl for 30 minutes or
as needed

Rinse electrode alternately with
materials solvent then a buffer

7.00
Soak electrode tip in wetting cap

filled with 1 mL 4.0 buffer for
24-48 hours

blot. Do not wipe electrode
Replace electrode. Use bulb

guard. Avoid plunging electrode
into bottom of container and stir
bars.

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Erratic LCD
display

Unexpected
readings

Display frozen HOLD function Press MODE or turn meter off

Steady “-1 ”
display

Samples have low ionic
strength (lack salt);
e.g. distilled, deionized,
boiled, lake water (high
pressure)

Buffers Calibrate with fresh buffers
Buffers Calibrate with buffers that

Button response Remove batteries press ON/OFF

Wait Reading not stable yet

For each 50 mL of sample add
1 drop (50 mL) of saturated
Potassium Chloride (KCl). No
alteration in pH will occur by
inert KCl.

bracket sample pH

button for 3 seconds. Reinsert
batteries (stored data will be
lost)

If the meter will not calibrate or displays a -1, reset the meter and attempt
to re-calibrate.

1. Turn off the meter.

2. Remove the battery cartridge from the top of the meter.

3. Press the ON/OFF button for 10 seconds to bleed off all charges
within the meter.

4. Re-insert the batteries and turn the meter on.

5. Follow the pH Calibration procedure.

¬ If the unit appears to be locked (display frozen) it is possible that the

Data Hold mode has been inadvertently accessed by pressing the
MODE button. Press the MODE button again or turn the meter off and
restart if the display appears frozen.

¬ If the meter does freeze and no button presses revive it, remove the

batteries, press the ON button for 10 seconds and then reinsert the
batteries.

¬ If the batteries are removed, any stored readings will be discarded and

the user calibration data for pH will be cleared. New user pH calibration
data is required. However, factory calibration data will be retained.

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EXPAND YOUR TRACER

Interchangeable electrodes are available to convert the pH TRACER to a Total
Chlorine TRACER or an ORP TRACER.

Remember to ask for instructions and appropriate reagents or buffer tablets
when ordering the Total Chlorine or ORP electrodes.

Total Chlorine TRACER Electrode, 0.0-10.0 ppm
The Total Chlorine TRACER Electrode (Code 1732) requires the

use of TRACER TCL Tablets. Order Code 7044-J (100 pack).
ORP TRACER Electrode, ±999 mV
The ORP TRACER Electrode (Code 1734) requires an initial

soaking in a pH 4.0 buffer solution. Order pH 4.0 Mini Buffer
Tablets/100 pack (Code 3893-J).

Code 1732

Code 1734

SAFETY

¬ This device is not a toy. Keep out of the hands of children. It contains

hazardous objects as well as small parts that children could swallow.
If a child swallows any part of this instrument, contact a physician
immediately.

¬ Do not leave batteries and packing material unattended. They can be

dangerous to children if used as toys.

¬ If the device is going to be unused for an extended period of time,

remove the batteries to prevent draining.

¬ Expired or damaged batteries can cause cauterization on contact with

the skin. Always use the appropriate gloves and safety precautions
when handling batteries.

¬ Do not allow the batteries to short-circuit or throw batteries into a fire.

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