Myron L PS6FCE User Manual

POOLPRO

Operation

Manual

™

MODEL PS6FC

E

17 June 2013

i

PLEASE NOTE:

Because of our commitment to product improvement, the substance
and style of this manual may change. When changes are made,
the updated manual is posted for download in PDF format from the
Myron L Website: www.myronl.com

BUFFER

°C°F

ORP TDSpHCOND

PS6FC

E

MIN

SALT

bluDock Enabled

Reference
Junction under
Glass pH Bulb

These Measurement keys will:

• Turn instrument on

• Measure parameter

• Exit any function

(Built-in

Electrodes)

Preprogrammed
variable
conductivity/
TDS ratios

Parameters

Wrist/neck strap slot

(strap user supplied)

pH/ORP Sensor
Protective Cap

This key for:

• Calibration

• Memory Clear

• Solution Selection

• Confirmation

Up key/Memory Store

Down key/Memory Recall

Conductivity Cell

Displayed here:

• Temperature

readout

• Memory Storage/

Recall

• pH Calibration

ORP

Electrode

pH Glass

Electrode

pH/ORP Sensor

(Replaceable)

Instrument
Illustration

Temperature
Sensor

Date & Time
displayed here

Measurement

P OOLP RO

™

Units Of Measurement

Parameter

mS - millisiemens/cm

(millimhos/cm)

µS - microsiemens/cm

(micromhos/cm)

PPM - parts per million

PPM - parts per million

PPT - parts per thousand

mV - millivolts

Conductivity

MIN/SALT

TDS

ORP

Mineral/Salt
TDS of NaCl

24 January 2012

Free Chlorine

For detailed explanations see Table of Contents

MODEL PS6FCE

Shown with bluDock™ option installed

i

ii

1

I. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the feature-packed Po o l Pr o ™, one of the
Myron L Company’s latest in an increasing line of instruments utilizing
advanced microprocessor-based circuitry and SMT manufacturing
processes. This circuitry makes the instrument extremely accurate,
reliable and very easy to use.

The Po o l Pr o now includes Myron L Company’s exclusive Free
Chlorine Equivalent (FCE) feature for making ORP-based free chlorine
measurements, as well as
bluDock™ option. You can also measure conductivity, Mineral/SALT
(Sodium Chloride/NaCl), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, ORP/Redox
and Temperature, all with one simple-to-use instrument. Additional
features include a clock with time and date, a memory of up to 100
locations with time and date stamp, the ability of the user to adjust the
timeout “Auto OFF”, and enhanced performance. See Features and

Specications on pages 2 & 3.

The most exciting new feature is data logging with the ability to download
the memory or stored test data wirelessly with its corresponding time, date
and instrument name. This feature allows the user to create spreadsheets
and graphs with ease, and quickly and accurately manipulate data more
effectively. The optional bluDock™ and accompanying U2CI software is
compatible with most computers using either Microsoft Windows XP™,
Vista™ or 7™, or Macintosh OSX™. The data may be imported into a
variety of spreadsheet formats like Microsoft Excel CSV™.
Please Note: Although the Myron L Company has performed extensive
testing, we cannot guarantee compatibility of all applications and formats.
We suggest testing your application and format for compatibility before
relying on it.

Bluetooth®

wireless data transfer with the

For your convenience, a brief set of instructions is provided on the
bottom side of your Po o l Pr o .

Special note.....Conductivity, Mineral/Salt, and TDS require mathematical

correction to 25°C values (ref. Temperature Compensation, pg. 37). On
the left of the Po o l Pr o ’s liquid crystal display is shown an indicator of the
salt solution characteristic used to model temperature compensation of
conductivity and its TDS conversion. The indicator may be KCl, NaCl, or
442™. Selection affects the temperature correction of conductivity, and
the calculation of TDS from compensated conductivity (ref. Conductivity
Conversion to Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pg. 40). The selection can
affect the reported conductivity of hot or cold solutions, and will change
the reported TDS of a solution. Generally, using KCl for conductivity,

NaCl for Mineral/Salt, and 442 for TDS will reect present industry

practice for standardization. This is how your instrument, as shipped
from the factory, is set to operate.

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3

II. FEATURES and SPECIFICATIONS

A. Features

• ORP-based FCE free chlorine measurement, displayed as ppm

concentration

• Ranges:

Conductivity, Min/Salt, TDS — 0-200,000 µS/ppm
pH − 0-14
ORP − ±999 mV; 0.00-9.99 ppm free chlorine

• Superior resolution 4 digit LCD displays full 9999 µS/ppm

• Accuracy of BETTER than ±1% of reading in a handheld instrument

±0.1% at calibration point

• All sensors are internal for maximum protection

• Improved 4 electrode sensor technology

• Waterproof to 1 meter/3 feet

• Autoranging conductivity/TDS

• Factory calibrations stored in microprocessor

• Prompts for easy pH calibration

• 3 conductivity/TDS solution conversions preprogrammed into

microprocessor

• Real Time Clock with Time and Date

• Data Logging with TIME and DATE in memory

• Memory stores 100 readings

• User adjustable timeout “Auto OFF”

•

Bluetooth®

wireless download capability with optional bluDock™

B. General Specications
Display 4 Digit LCD

Dimensions (LxWxH) 196 x 68 x 64 mm/

7.7 x 2.7 x 2.5 in.
Weight 352 g/12.4 oz.
Case Material VALOX*
Cond/MIN/SALT/TDS Cell Material VALOX*
Cond/TDS Electrodes (4) 316 Stainless Steel
Cond/MIN/SALT/TDS Cell Capacity 5 ml/0.2 oz.
pH/ORP Sensor Well Capacity 1,2 ml/0.04 oz.
Power 9V Alkaline Battery
Battery Life >100 Hours/5000 Readings
Operating/Storage Temperature 0-55°C/32-132°F
Protection Ratings IP67/NEMA 6 (waterproof to
1 meter/3 feet)

EMI/EMC Ratings EN61326-1: 2006 + Annex A: 2008
(hand-held devices)

(Conformité Européenne)

CISPR 11: 2003
IEC 61000-4-2: 2001 and,
IEC 61000-4-3: 2002

* ™ SABIC Innovative Plastics IP BV

Additional information is available on our website:

www.myronl.com

MADE IN USA

2

C. Specication Chart

If either ORP or pH is outside the specied limits, the instrument will display “-Or-”.

Mineral/Salt*

*

NaCl - Sodium Chloride

D. Warranty/Service

The Myron L Po o l Pr o ™, excluding the pH/ORP sensor, has a Two
(2) year limited warranty. The pH/ORP sensor has a six (6) month
limited warranty for materials and workmanship. If an instrument fails
to operate properly, see Troubleshooting Chart, pg. 34. The battery
and pH/ORP sensor are user-replaceable. For other service, return the
instrument prepaid to the Myron L Company.

MYRON L COMPANY

2450 Impala Drive

Carlsbad, CA 92010-7226 USA

[phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
[e-mail]

www.myronl.com

If, in the opinion of the factory, failure was due to materials or
workmanship, repair or replacement will be made without charge. A
reasonable service charge will be made for diagnosis or repairs due to
normal wear, abuse or tampering. This warranty is limited to the repair
or replacement of the Po o l Pr o only. The Myron L Company assumes
no other responsibility or liability.

3

5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Instrument Illustration .......................................i

I. INTRODUCTION ................................... 1

II. FEATURES and SPECIFICATIONS ....................2

A. Features ................................2

B. General Specications .....................2

C. Specication Chart ........................3

D. Warranty/Service..........................3

III. RULES of OPERATION.............................. 7

A. Operation ...............................7

B. Characteristics of the Keys ..................7

C. Operation of the Keys ......................7

1. Measurement Keys in General......... 7

2. COND, MIN/SALT & TDS Keys ........7

3. pH and ORP/Fr Chl Keys .............8

4. CAL/MCLR Key .................... 8

5. UP or DOWN Keys..................9

IV. AFTER USING the Po o l Pr o .......................... 9

A. Maintenance of the Conductivity Cell ..........9

B. Maintenance of the pH/ORP Sensor........... 9

V. SPECIFIC RECOMMENDED MEASURING

PROCEDURES .............................9

A. Measuring Conductivity, MIN/SALT & TDS ......9

B. Measuring pH ...........................10

C. Measuring ORP..........................10

1. ORP/FCE Mode Selection............. 10

2. Measuring ORP .................... 11

D. Measuring Free Chlorine Using FCE..........12

1. Prepare for FCE Measurement ......... 12

2. FC

E

Flow Method ................... 12

3. FCE Immersion Method............... 13

4. FCE Best Practices .................. 14

VI. SOLUTION SELECTION............................14

A. Why Solution Selection is Available ..........14

B. The 3 Solution Types .....................14

C. Calibration of Each Solution Type ............ 14

D. Procedure to Select a Solution .............. 15

VII. CALIBRATION.................................... 16

A. Calibration Intervals ......................16

B. Rules for Calibration of the Po o l Pr o .......... 16

1. Calibration Steps .................. 16

2. Calibration Limits ..................17

C. Calibration Procedures .................... 17

4

1. Conductivity, MIN/SALT &TDS

Calibration....................17

2. Reloading Factory Calibration ........ 18

3. pH Calibration ....................18

4. ORP/Fr Chl Calibration .............21

5. Temperature Calibration............. 21

VIII. CALIBRATION INTERVALS .........................21

A. Suggested Intervals ......................21

B. Calibration Tracking Records ............... 21

C. Conductivity, MIN/SALT, TDS Practices .......22

D. pH and ORP Practices ....................22

IX. MEMORY........................................22

A. Memory Storage .........................23

B. Memory Recall ..........................23

C. Clearing a Record/Memory Clear ............ 23

X. TIME and DATE................................... 24

A. Setting TIME ............................24

B. Setting DATE............................25

C. Date Format (US & International) ............ 26

XI. TEMPERATURE FORMAT “Centigrade & Fahrenheit” ..... 26

XII. TOTAL RETURN to FACTORY SETTINGS..............27

XIII. CELL CHECK ....................................27

XIV. AUTO OFF ......................................28

XV. bluDock™ WIRELESS DATA TRANSFER INSTRUCTIONS ...29

A. Software Installation ......................29

B. Hardware Setup .........................30

C. Memory Stack Download ..................30

XVI. CARE and MAINTENANCE .........................31

A. Temperature Extremes ....................31

B. Battery Replacement...................... 31

C. pH/ORP Sensor Replacement ..............31

D. Cleaning Sensors ........................32

XVII. TROUBLESHOOTING .............................34

XVIII. ACCESSORIES...................................36

A. Conductivity/TDS Standard Solutions .........36

B. pH Buffer Solutions .......................36

C. pH Sensor Storage Solution ................ 36

D. ORP Sensor Conditioner Solution............36

E. Soft Protective Carry Cases ................37

F. Hard Protective Carry Cases ...............37

G. Replacement pH/ORP Sensor ..............37

H. bluDock™ Wireless Data Transfer

Accessory Package ................... 37

XIX. TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION (Tempco)

of Aqueous Solutions ........................37

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A. Standardized to 25°C ..................... 37

B. Tempco Variation.........................37

C. An Example............................. 38

D. A Chart of Comparative Error ...............39

E. Other Solutions ..........................39

XX. CONDUCTIVITY CONVERSION to

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) ............40

A. How it’s Done ...........................40

B. Solution Characteristics ...................40

C. When does it make a lot of difference?........ 40

XXI. TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION (Tempco)

and TDS DERIVATION .......................41

XXII. pH and ORP .....................................42

A. pH ....................................42

B. ORP/Oxidation-Reduction Potential/REDOX ...44

C. Free Chlorine ...........................45

1. FCE as an Indicator of Sanitizing

Strength ..................... 45

2. FCE Free Chlorine Units ............. 45

XXIII. SOFTWARE VERSION .............................46

XXIV. GLOSSARY......................................47

6

III. RULES of OPERATION

A. Operation
Using the instrument is simple:

• Individual or multiple parameter readings may be obtained by
lling individual sensors or entire cell cup area.

• Rinse the conductivity cell or pH/ORP sensor well with test
solution 3 times and rell. Temperature and/or measurement

extremes will require additional rinses for maximum accuracy.

• Press the desired measurement key to start measurement.

Pressing the key again does no harm and restarts the 15
second auto “off” timer.

• Note the value displayed or press the MS key to store the

reading (ref. Memory Storage, pg. 23). It’s that simple!

B. Characteristics of the Keys

• Though your Po o l Pr o has a variety of sophisticated options,
it is designed to provide quick, easy, accurate measurements
by simply pressing one key.

• All functions are performed one key at a time.

• There is no “off” key. After 15 seconds of inactivity the

instrument turns itself off (60 seconds in CAL mode). User
adjustable up to 75 seconds.

• Rarely is it necessary to press and

to Select a Solution, pg. 15; or Cond. MIN/SALT or TDS
Calibration, pg.17).

hold

a key (as in Procedure

C. Operation of the Keys (See Instrument Illustration on pg. i)

1. Measurement Keys in General
Any of the measurement keys in the upper part of the keypad turns on
the instrument in the mode selected. The mode is shown at the bottom
of the display, and the measurement units appear at the right. Pressing
a measurement key does this even if you are in a calibration sequence
and also serves to cancel a change (ref. Leaving Calibration, pg. 17).

2. COND, MIN/SALT and TDS Keys
These 3 keys are used with solution in the Conductivity Cell.
Precautions:

• While lling cell cup ensure no air bubbles cling on the cell wall.

• If the proper solution is not selected (KCl, NaCl, 442),

refer to Why Solution Selection is Available, pg. 14 and
Procedure to Select a Solution, pg. 15.
a. COND Key
Solution to be tested is introduced into the conductivity cell and a press

of displays conductivity with units on the right. On the left is

shown the solution type selected for conductivity.

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b. MIN/SALT key

MIN

SALT

A press of

displays Total Dissolved Solids with units (PPM &

PPT).

on the right. On the left is shown solution type selected (NaCl) for
mineral/salt (ref. Solution Selection, pg. 14). An overrange condition
will show only [- - - -].
c. TDS key
A press of

displays Total Dissolved Solids with units on the right.

This is a display of the concentration of material calculated from
compensated conductivity using the characteristics of a known
material. On the left is shown solution type selected for TDS (ref.
Solution Selection, pg. 14).

3. pH and ORP/Fr Chl Keys
Measurements are made on solution held in the pH/ORP sensor well
(ref. pH and ORP, pg. 42). The protective cap is removed and the sensor

well is lled and rinsed with the sample enough times to completely

replace the pH Sensor Storage Solution.

After use, the pH/ORP sensor well must be relled with Myron L pH

Sensor Storage Solution, and the protective cap reinstalled securely
(ref. Maintenance of the pH/ORP Sensor, pg. 9 and Cleaning Sensors,

2. pH/ORP, pg. 32).
a. pH Key
A press of
right.

displays pH readings. No units are displayed on the

b. ORP/Fr Chl Key
A press of

displays Oxidation-Reduction Potential/REDOX

reading in millivolts, “mV” is displayed.

4. CAL/MCLR Key

A press of

allows you to enter the calibration mode while

measuring conductivity, TDS or pH. Once in CAL mode, a press of this
key accepts the new value. If no more calibration options follow, the
instrument returns to measuring (ref. Leaving Calibration, pg. 17).

If

is held down for about 3 seconds, CAL mode is not entered, but

“SEL” appears to allow Solution Selection (ref. pg. 14) with the Up or
Down keys. As in calibration, the CAL key is now an “accept” key.
While reviewing stored records, the MCLR side of the key is active to
allow clearing records (ref. Clearing a Record/Memory Clear, pg. 23).

8

5. UP or DOWN Keys

MIN

SALT

While measuring in any parameter, the

or

keys activate

the Memory Store and Memory Recall functions.
While in CAL mode, the keys step or scroll the displayed value up or
down. A single press steps the display and holding either key scrolls the
value rapidly.
While in Memory Recall, the keys scroll the display up and down through
the stack of records (ref. Memory Recall, pg. 23).

IV. AFTER USING the Po o l Pr o
A. Maintenance of the Conductivity Cell
Rinse out the cell cup with clean water. Do not scrub the cell. For oily

lms, squirt in a foaming non-abrasive cleaner and rinse. Even if a

very active chemical discolors the electrodes, this does not affect the
accuracy; leave it alone. (ref. Cleaning Sensors, pg. 32)

B. Maintenance of the pH/ORP Sensor
The sensor well must be kept wet with a solution. Before replacing

the rubber cap, rinse and ll the sensor well with Myron L pH Sensor

Storage Solution. If unavailable, you can use an almost saturated KCl
solution, pH 4 buffer or at least a strong table salt solution. NEVER
USE DISTILLED WATER. (ref. pH and ORP Practices, pg. 22).

V. SPECIFIC RECOMMENDED MEASURING
PROCEDURES

If the proper solution is not selected (KCl, NaCl, 442), see Solution
Selection, pg. 14.

NOTE: After sampling high concentration solutions or temperature
extremes, more rinsing may be required. When sampling low conductivity
solutions, be sure the pH cap is well seated so that no solution washes
into the conductivity cell from around the pH cap.

A. Measuring Conductivity MIN/SALT & Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS)

1. Rinse cell cup 3 times with sample to be measured. (This
conditions the temperature compensation network and
prepares the cell.)

2. Rell cell cup with sample.

3. Press

,

or

.

4. Take reading. A display of [- - - -] indicates an overrange
condition.

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B. Measuring pH

1. Remove protective cap by squeezing its sides and pulling up.

2. Rinse sensor well 3 times with sample to be measured. Shake
out each sample to remove any residual liquid.

3. Rell both sensor wells with sample.

4. Press .

5. Note value displayed.

6. IMPORTANT: After use, ll pH/ORP sensor well with Myron L
pH Sensor Storage Solution and replace protective cap. If
Myron L pH Sensor Storage Solution is unavailable, you can
use a strong KCl solution, a pH 4 buffer, or a saturated solution
of table salt and tap water (ref. Cleaning Sensors, 2. pH/ORP,
pg. 32).

C. Measuring ORP
The PS6 features the ability to measure the activity of oxidizing or
reducing chemicals in solution as ORP mV. The instrument also includes
an innovative Free Chlorine Equivalent (FCE) feature (Measuring Free
Chlorine Using FCE, pg. 12) that uses ORP and pH to measure free
available chlorine (FAC) concentration in ppm. ORP mV and ppm of
free available chlorine (FAC) are the two most commonly used sanitizer
units of measure in water quality management.

Do not allow pH/ORP sensor to dry out.

1. ORP / FCE Mode Selection
The PS6 allows the user to choose between measuring oxidizing
sanitizers using either ORP mV or as parts per million (ppm) of equivalent
free chlorine. Use ORP to directly measure the oxidizing power of all
sanitizers like ozone, bromine, peracetic acid or chlorine. Use FCE to
measure the strength of oxidizing sanitizers as ppm of equivalent free
chlorine. To select between ORP and Free Chlorine modes:

1. Press

2. Press and hold

The current preference for ORP units of measure is displayed.

Factory setting for this preference is ORP mV. (See Figure 1, next
page.)

10

.

for approximately 3 seconds.

Figure 1

3. Press the or

Figure 2

PPM

keys to toggle between mV (standard

ORP mode) and FCE ppm. The setting chosen is displayed. (See
Figure 2.)

4. Press any parameter key to exit ORP unit preference selection
or let the unit time out. ORP unit preference will be saved.

2. Measuring ORP

1. Ensure the PS6FCE is in ORP mode (ref. ORP/FCE Mode
Selection, pg. 10).

2. Remove protective cap by rotating while grasping and pulling up.

3. Rinse sensor well and cell cup 3 times with sample to be
measured. Shake out each sample to remove any residual liquid.

4. Rell both sensor well and cell cup with sample.

5. Press .

6. Take reading.

7. Press MS to store reading in memory, if desired.

IMPORTANT: After use, ll pH/ORP sensor well with Myron L

11

13

pH Sensor Storage Solution and replace protective cap. If

Myron L pH Sensor Storage Solution is unavailable, you can
use a strong KCl solution, a pH 4 buffer, or a saturated solution
of table salt and tap water (ref. Cleaning Sensors, 2. pH/ORP,
pg. 32). Do not allow pH/ORP sensor to dry out.

D. Measuring Free Chlorine Using FC

E

The FCE function can be used to measure discrete samples, owing
solution and bodies of water. Measurement technique is particular to the
type of sample. For accurate results, use the FCE Flow Method described

in section 2 below to measure discrete or owing samples. Use the FCE

Immersion Method described in section 3 below in situations where the
PS6FCE can be dipped to obtain a sample. Read through section 4. FCE
Best Practices before you begin.

1. Prepare for FCE Measurement

1. For ease of measurement, set the instrument’s Auto oFF feature
to 75 sec (ref. Auto oFF, pg. 28).

2. Ensure the FCE mode has been activated (ref. ORP/FCE Mode
Selection, pg. 10).

3. Remove protective cap from the pH/ORP sensor by rotating
while grasping and pulling up.

2. FCE Flow Method

1. Empty the pH/ORP sensor well of all storage solution.

2. Hold the PS6FCE at a 30º angle (cup sloping downward).

3. Thoroughly ush the sensor well and cell cup with a steady

stream of the solution you intend to measure by allowing the

solution to ow into and out of the sensor well and cell cup for at

least 10 seconds.

4. Let sample ow continuously into conductivity cell with no

aeration.

5. Allow both the sensor well and cell cup to remain lled with

sample.

6. Press

. The instrument will begin alternating between a

predicted nal ORP value and a free chlorine equivalent

concentration in ppm. Both readings will change rapidly at

rst.

12