LaMotte WaterLink 3 Express Lab User Manual

OVERVIEW WATERLINK® 3 EXPRESS
PROFESSIONAL IN-STORE LAB

The compact waterproof WaterLink® 3 Express colorimeter measures
15 different pool and spa tests using unit dose vials (UDVs) for the most
important test factors such as Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, Bromine,
pH, Calcium Hardness, Alkalinity, Cyanuric Acid, Copper, Iron, Nitrate
and Borate. This innovative colorimeter is easy-to-use with the foil­sealed UDV reagent system that has the precise amount of reagent
needed to run the tests. LaMotte chemists developed Unit Dose Vials
(UDVs) specifically for the in-store pool and spa analyst who desired
similar precision to current water labs but without the time consuming
procedures and range limitations on test strips.

This precise in-store lab is simple to use, just add the pool or spa water
sample using the pre-calibrated 3 mL pipettor to the sealed vials which
contain all the reagents needed for each test. The vials are inverted,
placed in the colorimeter chamber and the results are ready in an
instant. A complete set of tests can be completed in less than 4 minutes.
Later in the season, if metals tests are omitted, testing times can be
reduced to 2 minutes. When completed, the vials are thrown out and the
next test is started.

With all the necessary reagents in disposable vials, there’s no time
wasted in test preparation or cleanup. Since there are no tubes to clean
for future testing, overall time savings are doubled. The margin for error
is also significantly reduced since the user no longer has to measure
reagents and the simple-to use pre-calibrated pipettor saves time by
adding the correct amount of water sample to the vials.

This versatile new colorimeter allows analyst to measure other tests
such as Biguanide, Biguanide Shock, Phosphate and Manganese using
either liquid reagents or TesTabs

®

tablet reagents. The ability to run
these test only improves the retailer’s expertise in resolving water quality
issues and allows them to measure all their tests on one complete in­store lab. Another bonus allows the English text on the meter to convert
to Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

The WaterLink

®

3 Express colorimeter digitally displays the test results
and the user-friendly push-button system permits easy forward/reverse
scrolling through the test series along with sending the test results into
the DataMate 10.0 software program (sold separately). The test data
is sent through the USB connection from the colorimeter into the PC
loaded with the DataMate 10.0 software that analyzes the information
and recommends products along with treatment instructions.

CONTENTS

General Information

Packaging and Delivery  4
General Precautions  4
Safety Precautions  4
Limits of Liability  5
Warranty  5
Specifications  6
EPA Compliance  7
CE Compliance  7
IP67 Certification  7

General Operating Procedures

The Keypad  8
The Display & The Menus  8
UDV Sample Holder  8

Setting up the WaterLink® 3 Express Lab

Setting Up the Colorimeter Lab for the 

Chlorine & Bromine UDV Series

Colorimeter 9
Meter Set up with DataMate Software 9
UDV Racks 9
Counter Mat 10
Unit Dose Vials 10

Testing with the WaterLink® 3 Express Lab

Chlorine and Bromine UDV Series  10
Trouble Shooting  12
Other Series  12

Phosphate 13
Biguanide 15
Biguanide (Hydrogen Peroxide) Shock 17
Manganese 19

Setting up the WaterLink® 3 Express Colorimeter

Run PC Link  21
Absorbance  21
Setting the Clock  21
Setting the Data Logger  22
Setting the Power Save  22
Setting the Backlight Time  22
Selecting a Language  23

Battery

Battery Operation  24
Battery Replacement  25

Maintenance

Cleaning  25
Repairs  25
Meter Disposal  26
UDV Disposal  26

Accessories & Replacement Parts 27

GENERAL INFORMATION

PACKAGING & DELIVERY 

Experienced packaging personnel at LaMotte Company assure adequate
protection against normal hazards encountered in transportation of
shipments. After the product leaves the manufacturer, all responsibility for
its safe delivery is assured by the transportation company. Damage claims
must be filed immediately with the transportation company to receive
compensation for damaged goods.

Should it be necessary to return the instrument for repair or servicing, pack
instrument carefully in a suitable container with adequate packing material.
A return authorization number must be obtained from LaMotte Company
by calling 1-800-344-3100, ext. 2 or emailing [e-mail]. Attach a
letter with the authorization number to the shipping carton which describes
the kind of trouble experienced. This valuable information will enable the
service department to make the required repairs more efficiently.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS 

Before attempting to set up or operate this instrument it is important to read
the instruction manual. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or
damage to the equipment.

The WaterLink
wet or corrosive environment. Care should be taken to prevent water or
reagent chemicals from wet colorimeter tubes from entering the colorimeter
chamber. Wipe colorimeter tubes with soft cloth before placing into
colorimeter chamber.

®

3 Express Colorimeter should not be stored or used in a

NEVER PUT WET TUBES IN COLORIMETER.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 

Read the labels on all LaMotte reagent containers prior to use. Some
containers include precautionary notices and first aid information. Certain
reagents are considered hazardous substances and are designated with
a * in the instruction manual. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can be
found at www.lamotte.com. Read the MSDS before using these reagents.
Additional emergency information for all LaMotte reagents is available 24
hours a day from the Poison Control Center listed in the front of the phone
book or by contacting the 24 hour emergency line for ChemTel 1-800-255­3924 (USA, Canada, Puerto Rico); locations outside the North American
Continent 813-248-0585 (call collect). Be prepared to supply the name and
four-digit LaMotte code number found on the container label or at the top
of the MSDS or in the contents list of the procedure. LaMotte reagents are
registered with a computerized poison control information system available
to all local poison control centers.

Keep equipment and reagent chemicals out of the reach of young children.

4

LIMITS OF LIABILITY 

Under no circumstances shall LaMotte Company be liable for loss of life,
property, profits, or other damages incurred through the use or misuse of its
products.

WARRANTY 

LaMotte Company warrants this instrument to be free of defects in parts
and workmanship for 2 years from the date of shipment. If it should
become necessary to return the instrument for service during or beyond
the warranty period, contact our Technical Service Department at 1-800­344-3100, ext. 2 or [e-mail] for a return authorization number or
visit www.lamotte.com for troubleshooting help. The sender is responsible
for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent
damage in transit. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from
action of the user such as misuse, improper wiring, operation outside of
specification, improper maintenance or repair, or unauthorized modification.
LaMotte Company specifically disclaims any implied warranties or
merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages. LaMotte Company’s
total liability is limited to repair or replacement of the product. The warranty
set forth above is inclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral, is
expressed or implied.

5

SPECIFICATIONS 

INSTRUMENT TYPE: Colorimeter

Readout 160 x 100 backlit LCD, 20 x 6 line graphical

display

Wavelengths 428 nm, 525 nm, 568 nm, 635 nm

Wavelength Accuracy ±2% FS

Readable Resolution Determined by reagent system

Wavelength Bandwidth 10 nm typical

Photometric Range –2 to +2 AU

Photometric Precision ± 0.001 AU at 1.0 AU

Photometric Accuracy ±0.005 AU at 1.0 AU

Sample Chamber Accepts 25 mm diameter flat-bottomed test

tubes, 10 mm square UDV cuvettes, 16 mm COD
test tubes

Light Sources 4 LEDs

Detectors 4 silicon photodiodes with integrated

interference filters

Pre-Programmed Tests YES, with automatic wavelength selection

Languages English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and

Italian

USB Port Mini B

Power Requirements USB wall adapter or USB computer connection

or lithium ion rechargeable battery

Battery Charge Life: Approximately 380 tests with

backlight on to 1000 tests with backlight off.

Electrical Ratings Provided on nameplate label

Waterproof IP67 with USB port plug in place

Dimensions (LxWxH) 3.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches, 8.84 x 19.05 x 6.35 cm

Weight 13 oz, 362 g (meter only)

6

EPA COMPLIANCE 

The WaterLink® 3 Express Colorimeter is an EPA-Accepted instrument.
EPA-Accepted means that the instrument meets the requirements for
instrumentation as found in test procedures that are approved for the
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) or National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance monitoring programs.
EPA-Accepted instruments may be used with approved test procedures
without additional approval.

CE COMPLIANCE 

The WaterLink® 3 Express Colorimeter has earned the European CE Mark
of Compliance for electromagnetic compatibility and safety. The Declaration
of Conformity for the WaterLink® 3 Express Colorimeter is available at www.
lamotte.com.

IP67 CERTIFICATION 

The Waterproof WaterLink® 3 Express meets IP67 standards for protection
against dust and immersion only when the USB port plug is in place.
Documentation is available at www.lamotte.com.

7

GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

THE KEYPAD 

The keypad has 6 buttons which are used to perform specific tasks.

This button will scroll up through a list of menu selections.

ENTER

The button is used to select choices in a menu viewed in
the display.

This button controls the backlight on the display.

This button will scroll down through a list of menu
selections.

EXIT

This button exits to the previous menu.

This button turns the meter on or off.



ENTER



EXIT

THE DISPLAY & THE MENUS 

The display has a header line at the top and a footer line at the bottom. The
header displays the title of the current menu. The footer line displays the
time and the date, the data logger status and the battery status. The menu
selection window is in the middle of the display between the header and the
footer. Some of the menus are looping menus. The top and bottom menus
are connected in a loop. Scrolling down past the bottom of the menu will
lead to the top of the menu. Scrolling up past the top of the menu will
lead to the bottom of the menu. A black bar will indicate the menu choice.
Pressing
bar. The

ENTER

will select the menu choice that is indicated by the black

EXIT

button allows an exit or escape from the current menu and a
return to the previous menu. Pressing at any time will turn the meter
off.

UDV SAMPLE HOLDER 

Position the UDV Adapter (Code 1724) so that
the notches in the adapter fit around the posts on
the chamber. Turn the adapter counterclockwise
until the arrows are at the top and bottom of the
chamber and the adapter is locked in place. Turn
the adapter clockwise to unlock the adapter and
remove it from the chamber.

8

SETTING UP THE WATERLINK® 3 EXPRESS LAB

SETTING UP THE COLORIMETER LAB FOR THE 
CHLORINE AND BROMINE SERIES

The Chlorine and Bromine Series use Unit Dose Vial (UDV) reagents. The
powder reagents are packaged single test amounts in square plastic vials
with foil tops. The UDV chamber adapter, which is shipped in the meter
chamber, is used with these reagent systems. (The Other Series uses
various forms of reagent systems. The reactions are read in a round glass
tube and the UDV adapter must be removed from the meter chamber)

COLORIMETER

Remove the colorimeter and USB cable from the box. Save this box for 1.
shipping purposes if needed in the future.

If using the meter as an in-store water analysis lab, use the USB 2.
connector cable. The colorimeter must be connected to the computer
by the USB cable to transfer data to the DataMate™ PC software
program.

METER SET UP WITH DATAMATE SOFTWARE

Follow this procedure to send data from the Waterlink 3 Express colorimeter
into the DataMate software program.

Turn the WaterLink 3 Express Colorimeter OFF.1.

Setting up the WaterLink

®

3 Express Lab

Plug the USB cable mini connector into the back of the WaterLink 3 2.
Express Colorimeter.

Plug the larger USB cable type A connector into the computer USB 3.
port. The colorimeter will automatically turn ON once the USB cable is
connected to the computer and the colorimeter.

In the Programs section on your computer open the DataMate (Dmate) 4.
software program and click “Meter Setup” on the Home Screen.

In the DataMate Comport Setup Wizard window, select the WaterLink 3 5.
Express option, then click NEXT button.

The DataMate software program will now display “Meter Found”.6.

Click “Finish” to save the settings.7.

The WaterLink 3 Express colorimeter is now ready to transfer test 8.
results to the DataMate software program.

UNIT DOSE VIAL (UDV) RACKS

Remove the components of the white plastic racks from the packaging 1.
and attach the grid portion by flipping up the four sides from the base.

Do not add the middle grid. Only one grid is actually needed since this 2.
will allow the UDVs to slide into the rack more easily when filling.

9