LaMotte Tracer 1766 User Manual

TM

Tracer

pH/TDS/Salt PockeTester

Instrument de mesure du pH,

de la conductivité,

du TDS et de la salinité

Code 1766

Do Not allow pH sensor to
dry out.

¬ Store Upright

¬ Before first use, tap meter

against palm to move
electrolyte to tip.

¬ See pages 9 and 17.

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

9 et 38.

pH/Conductivity/TDS/Salinity Meter!

Instrument de mesure du pH, de la conductivité, du TDS et de la salinité !

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the TRACER PockeTester. The TRACER
is a revolutionary, first of its kind measurement device that offers direct
reading of pH, conductivity, TDS and salinity with one electrode. Careful use
and maintenance will provide years of reliable service.

WARNING! This set contains chemicals

that may be harmful if misued. Read

cautions on individual containers

carefully. Not to be used by children

except under adult supervision.

SPECIFICATIONS

Display 2000 count LCD with Bar Graph
pH Range 0.00 to 14.00
pH Accuracy ± 0.01 pH typical
pH ATC Range 32 to 194 °F (0 to 90 °C)
pH Reference Junction Permanent gel, non-refillable
Conductivity Range 0 to 199.9 µS/cm

TDS Range 0 to 99.9 ppm and mg/L

Salinity Range 0 to 99.9 ppm S

TDS Ratio 0.4 to 0.6, automatic
Salinity Ratio 0.5 fixed
Conductivity ATC 2.0% per °C
Conductivity ATC Range 32.0 to 140.0 °F (0.0 to 60.0 °C)
Temperature Range 23.0°F to 194°F (–5.0°C to 90.0°C)
Temperature Resolution 0.1 up to 99.9, 1 >100
Temperature Accuracy ±1.8°F; 1°C; (from 23 to 122°F; -5 to 50°C) ±5.4°F;

Conductivity ATC Range 32.0°F to 140°F (0.0°C to 60.0°C)
Accuracy Conductivity: ±2% FS

Measurement Memory 25 numbered readings
Low Battery Indication ‘BAT’ appears on the LCD
Power Four CR2032 Lithium Ion batteries
Auto Power Off After 10 minutes (override available)
Operating Conditions 23 to 122 °F (–5 to 50 °C)
Dimensions 1.6 x 7.9 x 1.6 inches (40 x 200 x 40 mm)
Weight 3.3. oz (93 g)

NOTE: 1 part per thousand (ppt) equals 1000 parts per million (ppm). Example: 3.1ppt=3,100 ppm

200 to 1999 µS/cm

2.00 to 19.99 ms/cm

100 to 999 ppm and mg/L

1.00 to 9.99 ppt and g/L
(variable ratio)

100 to 999 ppm S

1.00 to 9.99 ppt S

3°C; (from 122 to 194°F; 50 to 90°C)

TDS: ±2% FS
Salinity: ±2% FS

CONTENTS

pH/CON TRACER PockeTester Kit Code 1766
Includes: Sample Cup w/cap †

Tablet Crusher
Buffer Tablets, pH 4.0, 7.0 & 10.0 †
Conductivity Standard, 12,880 µs

†Not sold in this quantity. See below.

Code 0175

Code 6317-G

PARTS & ACCESSORIES

pH/TDS/SALT Replacement Electrode Code 1755
Weighted Stand w/Sample Cups (5) Code 1746
Sample Cups w/caps (24) Code 1745
pH 4.0 Mini Buffer Tablets (100) Code 3983A-J
pH 7.0 Mini Buffer Tablets (100) Code 3984A-J
pH 10.0 Mini Buffer Tablets (100) Code 3985A-J
Conductivity Standard, 84 µS, 30 mL, 500 mL Code 6312-G, L
Conductivity Standard, 1413 µS, 30 mL, 500 mL Code 6354-G, L
Conductivity Standard, 12,880 µS, 30 mL, 500 mL Code 6317-G, L

*WARNING: Reagents marked with an * are considered to be potential health hazards. To
view or print a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for these reagents go to www.lamotte.com. Search
for the four digit reagent code number listed on the reagent label, in the contents list or in
the test procedures. Omit any letter that follows or precedes the four digit code number.
For example, if the code is 4450WT-H, search 4450. To obtain a printed copy, contact
LaMotte by email, phone or fax.

Emergency information for all LaMotte reagents is available from Chem-Tel:
(US, 1-800-255-3924) (international, call collect, 813-248-0585)

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

4

METER DESCRIPTION

Front Panel Description

1. Battery compartment cap

2. LCD Display

3. MODE/HOLD button - change mode,
hold data, store data

4. CAL/RECALL button - calibration,
change temperature units, recall
data

5. ON/OFF button

6. Electrode Collar

7. Electrode

(NOTE: The Electrode cap is not shown.)

TRACER DISPLAY

1. Bar graph display

2. Measurement units

3. Main display

4. Range calibration
and battery indicators

1
2

5. Temperature display

6. Renew indicator

7. HOLD indicator

6
7

5

5

10

7

0
0

m

t

mg/L

S

pp

2

µ

m

88.88

BAT pH

HML

RENEW

-8.8.8

HOLD

10
20
12

3
4

°C

5

°F

BASIC OPERATION

Powering the TRACER

The TRACER uses four CR 2032 Lithium Ion batteries. 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 after the last button push.

TDS Compensation Ratio

The TDS value is determined by multiplying the conductivity measurement
by a known conversion ratio factor. The meter allows the selection of a
conversion ratio factor in the range of 0.4 to 1.0. The selected ratio will
vary with application but is typically set between 0.5 and 0.7. In the salinity
mode the range is 0.4 to 0.6 auto. The stored ratio factor will briefly appear
in the lower temperature display when the meter is first turned on or when
changing the measurement function to TDS.

To change the ratio while in the TDS measurement mode
(ppm or mg/L):

1. Turn the TRACER on.

2. Press and release the CAL button twice.
The stored ratio will appear in the display.

3. Press the MODE button to change the
ratio value in steps of 0.1.

4. When the desired ratio is displayed, press
and release the CAL button to store the
value and return to the normal mode.

5. If no buttons are pressed for 5 seconds,
the meter will return to the measurement
mode.

10

0

20

0.7

L

6

Changing the Displayed Temperature Units

To change the displayed temperature units between °C or °F:

1. With the TRACER off, press and hold the CAL button.

2. With the CAL button pressed, momentarily press the ON/OFF button.
When SELF CAL appears in the display, release the CAL button. The
TRACER will return to the operational mode with the temperature
displayed in the new units.

Data Hold

Press the MODE button to freeze the current reading. The HOLD icon will
appear. The reading will be stored. Press the MODE key to return to normal
operation.

Auto Power Off

The auto-power off feature automatically shuts the meter off 10 minutes
after the most recent button press:

Auto Power OFF Disable

1. To disable the Auto Power Off feature:

2. Turn the unit on.

3. Press CAL once (quickly).

4. Immediately and simultaneously press the MODE and ON/OFF
buttons for approximately 2 seconds, until "oFF" is briefly displayed.

To disengage this feature, turn the unit off with the ON/OFF button. The next
time the unit is powered up, Auto Power OFF mode will be engaged again.

Low Battery Indicator

The “BAT” indicator will be displayed when the batteries become weak. Refer
to the Maintenance section for battery replacement information.

7

Measurement and Display Considerations

¬ 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. (“HOLD” will be displayed in the bottom left of the
display.) Press the MODE button again or turn the meter off and then
on.

¬ For maximum accuracy, allow sufficient time for the temperature of

the probe to reach the temperature of the sample before calibrating.
This will be indicated by a stable temperature reading on the display.

Considerations and Technique

¬ Do not touch the inner surfaces of the conductivity electrodes.

Touching the surface of the platinized electodes may damage and
reduce the life of the probe.

¬ Store the electrode in the wetting cap with the sponge moistened with

pH 4.0 buffer solution.

¬ Always rinse the electrode in deionized or distilled water between

measurements to avoid cross contamination of the sample. Double
rinsing is recommended when high accuracy is required.

¬ Periodically, accumulated salt deposits from the reference electrode

may build up in the storage cap, and should be rinsed away. These
deposits could affect measured values of low conductivity samples.

¬ When measuring low conductivity samples, extra care is recommended

in rinsing the probe to avoid contamination of the sample with electrolyte
from the pH reference electrode. This will only be a factor when
the volume of the sample. (Example: Try a 200 to 500 mL sample.)

¬ When a 20mL sample cup is usedthe electrode should not be allowed

to sit in the sample for any longer than necessary, to avoid electrolyte
leakage into the sample, raising the conductivity value.

8

TESTING

Getting Started

¬ Remove the cap from the bottom of the Tracer to expose the pH

electrode, reference junction and conductivity electrodes.

¬ Before the first use or after storage, soak the electrode in tap water or

pH 4 buffer solution for about 10 minutes.

¬ 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 moves to
the very tip of the electrode. The electrolyte should fill the circular
junction window at the tip of the electrode.

¬ White KCL crystals may be present in the cap or on the electrode.

This is to be expected depending on the length of time in storage.
These crystals will dissolve while soaking the electrode or they can
be rinsed away with tap water.

¬ For best results calibrate with pH 7 buffer solution first, then calibrate

with the buffer solution closest to the expected pH value of the solution
or material to be tested.

¬ To preserve the pH electrode life keep the sponge in the protective cap

soaked with tap water or pH 4 buffer solution.

¬ For best results, calibrate for conductivity with a standard in the

expected range of the sample. For maximum accuracy calibrate from
low conductivity value standards to high value standards.

¬ When the meter is calibrated for conductivity, salinity or TDS the meter

must be in the conductivity mode. See page 14. For storage see page

17.

Changing Measurement Function

The meter can be set to measure pH, Conductivity, TDS, or Salinity. To
change the mode:

1. Press and hold the MODE button for 2 seconds and the display will
begin to scroll through the units.

µs (Conductivity: pH; ppm S (Salinity); ppm (TDS); mg/L (TDS

NOTE: The "HOLD" finction cannot be on when changing the
measurement function. If "HOLD" is displayed in the lower left corner
of the display, briefly press the MODE button to turn it off.

9

2. When the desired units are displayed, release the MODE button.
NOTE: 1 part per thousand (ppt) equals 1000 parts per million (ppm).
Example: 3.1 ppt = 3,100 ppm.

3. Release the MODE key when the desired mode is displayed.
NOTE: The “HOLD” function cannot be used when changing the
measurement function. If “HOLD” is displayed in the lower left corner
of the display, briefly press the MODE button to turn it off.

MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE

Measurement

1. For small samples fill a sample cup to the 20 mL
line with the test sample. Sample depth must be
greater than or equal to 1.5 inches. pH can also
be measured by contact of the electrode tip with
a wet surface. For larger samples, like pools, go
to step 2

2. Press the ON/OFF button. (8888 and then SELF
CAL will appear in the display during the initial
diagnostics).

3. Press and hold the MODE button to scroll to the desired
measurement mode.

4. Immerse the TRACER electrode in the sample.
Make sure the electrode is completely submersed.

5. Slowly stir the sample with the TRACER to remove air
bubbles if in the Conductivity, TDS or Salinity mode.

6. If the TRACER is in the Conductivity, TDS, or Salinity
mode, the meter will automatically auto-range to the
proper range and then display
the reading. The display will flash “0000” while auto­ranging.

7. If the TRACER is in the pH mode, the reading will flash
until it has stabilized. This may take
several seconds depending on the buffer capacity
of the sample.

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

NOTE: 1 part per thousand (ppt) equals 1000 parts per million (ppm).
Example: 3.1ppt=3,100 ppm

10

Conductivity

TDS (ppm)

TDS (mgL)

pH

Salinity

0

µS

100.9

25.0

1000

0

ppm

1000

0

790

°C

25.0

°C

mgL

790

25.0

1000

°C

2

7

790

pH

HML

78.6

12

0

Sppm

790

°F

25.0

NOTE: When measuring samples with low conductivity, thoroughly rinse the
probe with distilled or deionized water before placing it in the sample to
avoid contamination of the sample with electrolyte from the pH reference
electrode. Also increase the sample size to 200 to 500 mL to decrease the
chance of contamination. If a sample cup is used, do not allow the probe to
sit in the sample for any longer than necessary to avoid electrolyte leakage
into the sample. Leakage will raise the conductivity level.

Measuring the TDS of Soil

1. Fill a 50 mL beaker with the soil sample. Tap the beaker lightly on
a hard surface to remove trapped air. Remove excess soil from the
surface.

2. Empty the soil into a 250 mL wide-mouth flask.

3. Add 100 mL of distilled water. Stopper and shake vigorously.

4. Wait 30 minute. (Shake the flask vigorously three or four times
during this period.)

5. Filter the contents of the flask. Collect the filtrate in a beaker.

6. Rinse the electrode with distilled or deionized water to remove
impurities.

7. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the TRACER on. Make sure the
meter is in the TDS mode.

8. Immerse the electrode in the filtrate. Make sure the tip of the
electrode is completely immersed.

9. Stir the filtrate with the electrode to create a homogeneous solution.

10. Gently stir the filtrate with the electrode. Read the TDS value of the
filtrate from the display.

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

1000

°C

11

Measuring the pH 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.

12

Storing Readings

1. Press the MOLD button to store a reading. The
storage location number will be displayed on the
lower display, while the main display shows the
stored reading. The meter will enter the HOLD mode
and the "HOLD" indicator will appear.

2. Press the MODE button again to exit the HOLD mode
and return to normal operation.

3. If more than 25 readings are stored, previously

2

1563

L

HOLD

10

µS

stored reading (starting with number 1) will be
overwritten.

Recalling Stored Readings

1. Press the CAL button and then press the MODE button. The location
number (1 through 25) will briefly appear and then the value stored
in that location will appear. The displayed units will flash, indicating
that the storage recall mode is active.

20

4

10

2

20

15

2

1423

L

10

µS

72.3

20

°F

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

3. To exit the storage mode, press the CAL button and the TRACER will
return to normal operation after displaying “End”.

Clearing Stored Memory

Turn the TRACER on. Press and hold the ON/OFF button for 4 seconds. The
display will briefly display “clr” when the memory is cleared.

13

CALIBRATION

For the most accurate results, allow sufficient time for the temperature of
the probe to reach the temperature of the sample before calibrating. This
will be indicated by a stable temperature reading on the display.

Preparation of pH 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.

Calibration: pH (1, 2 or 3 points)

1. Place the electrode into a buffer solution (4, 7, or 10). Press and hold
the CAL button until "CAL" appears in the lower (temp.) display. When
doing a 2 or 3 point calibration, calibrate with pH 7 buffer first, then
follow with pH 4 then pH 10 buffer.

2. The TRACER automatically recognizes the solution and calibrates
itself to that value (the circled number on the LCD will match the
solution). Note that if the solution is more than 1 pH unit off from
the L (4), M (7), H (10) pH buffer, or if the electrode slope is low, the
TRACER will assume an error and abort the calibration ("End" will be
displayed, and the unit will return to measuring mode.).

3. During calibration, the pH reading flashes on the main display.

4. When calibration is complete, the TRACER automatically displays
"SA", then "End" and reurns to normal operation mode.

5. The appropriate circled indicator (L, M, or H) appears on the LCD
when a particular calibration or series of calibrations has been
completed within one power cycle. Then the TRACER is turned off,
the circled indicator configuration and the calibration data will be
retained.

6. For a two or three point calibration, repeat Steps 1-4.

7. See Reset Calibration Data to clear all calibration data from the
meter.

14