Oakton PC260, PC250 Instruction Manual

pH/ORP/CONDUCTIVITY METER

PC250

PC260

Preface

This manual describes the operation of the following instrument.

Brand:	OAKTON
Series name:	OAKTON 200 series Handheld Water Quality Meter
Model:	PC250, PC260
Model description:	pH/ORP/Conductivity Meter

Be sure to read this manual before using the product to ensure proper and safe operation of the product. Also, safely store the manual so it is readily available whenever necessary. Product specifications and appearance, as well as the contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.

• Warranty and responsibility

Oakton Instruments. warrants that the product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship and agrees to repair or replace free of charge, at option of Oakton Instruments., any malfunctioned or damaged product attributable to responsibility of Oakton Instruments. for a period of Three (3) years from the delivery unless otherwise agreed in a written statement. In any one of the following cases, none of the warranties set forth herein shall be extended:

•Any malfunction or damage attributable to improper operation

•Any malfunction attributable to repair or modification by any person not authorized by Oakton Instruments.

•Any malfunction or damage attributable to the use in an environment not specified in this manual

•Any malfunction or damage attributable to violation of the instructions in this manual or operations in the manner not specified in this manual

•Any malfunction or damage attributable to any cause or causes beyond the reasonable control of Oakton Instruments. such as natural disasters

•Any deterioration in appearance attributable to corrosion, rust, and so on

•Replacement of consumables

Oakton Instruments. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY MALFUNCTIONS OF THE PRODUCT, ANY ERASURE OF DATA, OR ANY OTHER USES OF THE PRODUCT.

• Trademarks

•Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Other company names and brand names are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective companies. (R), (TM) symbols may be omitted in this manual.

CODE:M003811-3200828208-GZ0000581081

November,2019 © 2019 Oakton Instruments.

I

Regulations

•Regulations

•EU regulations

• Conformable standards

This equipment conforms to the following standards:

EMC:	EN61326-1
	Class B, Basic electromagnetic environment
RoHS:	EN50581
	9. Monitoring and control instruments

Warning: This product is not intended for use in industrial environments. In an industrial environment, electromagnetic environmental effects may cause the incorrect performance of the product in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

• Information on disposal of electrical and electronic equipment and disposal of batteries and accumulators

The crossed out wheeled bin symbol with underbar shown on the product or accompanying documents indicates the product requires appropriate treatment, collection and recycle for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) under the Directive 2012/19/EU, and/or waste batteries and accumulators under the Directive 2006/66/EC in the European Union. The symbol might be put with one of the chemical symbols below. In this case, it satisfies

the requirements of the Directive 2006/66/EC for the object chemical. This product should not be disposed of unsorted household waste. Your correct disposal of WEEE, waste batteries and accumulators will contribute to reducing wasteful consumption of natural resources, and protecting human health and the environment from potential negative effects caused by hazardous substance in products.

Contact your supplier for information on applicable disposal methods.

II

Regulations

• Authorised representative in EU

Cole-Parmer UK

9 Orion Court, Ambuscade Road Colmworth Business Park

St Neots Cambridgeshire

PE19 8YX, United Kingdom

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

• FCC rules

FCC Compliance Statement

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Responsible Party for FCC matter

Oakton Instruments

625 East Bunker Court,

Vernon Hills, IL, 60061, USA

Tel: [phone]

Note

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

III

For Your Safety

•For Your Safety

•Hazard classification and warning symbols

Warning messages are described in the following manner. Read the messages and follow the instructions carefully.

• Hazard classification

This indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This is to be limited to the most extreme situations.

This indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

This indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

• Warning symbols

Description of what should be done, or what should be followed.

Description of what should never be done, or what is prohibited.

VI

For Your Safety

• Safety precautions

This section provides precautions for using the product safely and correctly and to prevent injury and damage. The terms of DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION indicate the degree of immanency and hazardous situation. Read the precautions carefully as it contains important safety messages.

• Instrument and electrode

Do not disassemble or modify the instrument. Otherwise, it may heat up or be ignited resulting in a fire or an accident.

Harmful chemicals

Some electrodes are used with hazardous standard solutions. Handle them with care. The internal solution of pH electrode is highly concentrated potassium chloride (3.33 mol/L KCl). If the internal solution comes in contact with the skin, wash it off immediately. If it gets into the eyes, flush with plenty of water and then consult a doctor.

Broken glass

Broken glass may cause injury. The outer tube and tip of an electrode are made of glass. Handle them with care.

Do not use the phono jack under wet or humid conditions. Otherwise, it may cause a fire, electric shock, or breakage.

VII

For Your Safety

• Battery

Keep batteries out of reach of children. If someone accidentally swallows a battery, consult a doctor immediately.

If alkaline fluid from a battery gets into the eyes, do not rub the eyes, rinse with clean water immediately and then consult a doctor. Contact with alkaline fluid could cause blindness.

Do not put batteries in a fire, expose to heat, disassemble or remodel. Doing so can case fluid leakage, overheating or explosion.

VIII

Product Handling Information

•Product Handling Information

•Operational precautions (instrument)

•Only use the product including accessories for their intended purpose.

•Do not drop or physically impact the instrument.

•The instrument is made of solvent-resistant materials but that does not mean it is resistant to all chemicals. Do not expose the instrument in strong acid or alkali solution, or wipe with such solution.

•If the instrument is dropped into water or gets wet, wipe it using soft cloth. Do not heat to dry it.

•The instrument has a dust-proof and waterproof structure i.e., the instrument does not malfunction even when immersed in water of 1 m depth for 30 minutes. This does guarantee non-destructive, trouble-free, dust-proof, and waterproof performance in all situations.

•When replacing the batteries or when a serial cable connected, the instrument does not have the dust-proof and waterproof performance. The dust-proof and waterproof performance is maintained only when the covers are attached correctly.

•After replacing the batteries or removing the serial cable connected, make sure that the waterproof gasket attached to the cover is not deformed or discolored, or has foreign matter adhering to it. If the waterproof gasket is deformed, discolored or has foreign matter adhering to it, dust could get inside, water leaks could occur that could lead to instrument malfunction.

•To disconnect an electrode or serial cable, hold the connector and pull it off. If you pull at the cable, it may cause breakage.

•The phono jack communication between the instrument and a personal computer (referred to as PC in the rest of this document) may fail because of environmental conditions, such as electromagnetic noise.

•Do not replace the batteries in a dusty place or with wet hands. Dust or moisture could get inside the instrument, possibly causing instrument malfunction.

•Do not use an object with a sharp end to press the keys.

•If the power supply is interrupted while measurement data is being saved in the instrument, the data could be corrupted.

•A Ni MH rechargeable battery can be used in this instrument.

•Operational precautions (battery)

•Do not short circuit a battery.

•Position the + and side of the battery correctly.

•When the battery has depleted or the instrument will not be used for a long time, remove the batteries.

•Of the specified battery types, make sure to use two batteries of the same type.

•Do not use a new battery together with a used battery.

•Do not use a fully charged nickel-metal hydride battery together with a partially charged battery.

•Do not attempt to charge a non-rechargeable battery.

IX

Product Handling Information

•Environmental conditions for use and storage

•Temperature: 0 °C to 45 °C

•Humidity: under 80% relative humidity and free from condensation

•Avoid the following conditions:

•Strong vibration

•Direct sunlight

•Corrosive gas environment

•Locations close to an air-conditioner

•Direct wind

•Transportation

When transporting the instrument, repackage it in the original package box. Otherwise, it may cause instrument damage.

•Disposal

•Standard solution used for the calibration must be under neutralized before the disposal.

•When disposing of the product, follow the related laws and regulations of your country for disposal of the product.

X

Contents
■ Product Overview ..............................................................	1
● Package Content........................................................	1
● Key Features ..............................................................	2
● Product components.................................................	3
■ Basic operations................................................................	7
● Mode and measurement............................................	9
■ Calibration........................................................................	11
● pH Calibration ..........................................................	11
● ORP/mV Calibration.................................................	13
● Conductivity Calibration .........................................	15
● TDS calibration ........................................................	18
● Salinity calibration...................................................	19
● Temperature Calibration .........................................	21
■ Data...................................................................................	23
● Data capture and storage........................................	23
● Data transfer.............................................................	24
■ Setup.................................................................................	25
● P1 pH setup ..............................................................	25
● P1 COND setup ........................................................	29
● P2 TDS setup............................................................	36
● Data setup ................................................................	43

XI

Contents
● General setup...........................................................	50
● CLK setup.................................................................	59
■ Maintenance and storage ...............................................	64
● Maintenance and storage of the instrument .........	64
● Maintenance and storage of electrodes ...............	65
■ Error messages and trouble shooting...........................	67
■ Appendix ..........................................................................	72
● Appendix 1 ...............................................................	72
● Appendix 2 ...............................................................	75
● Appendix 3 ...............................................................	80

XII

Product overview

■ Product Overview

This section describes the package content, key features and product components of OAKTON 200 series Handheld meters.

● Package Content

2

3				5

4

1

After opening the carry case, remove the meter and check for damage on the instrument and confirm that the standard accessories all exist. If damage or defects are found on the product, contact your dealer.

OAKTON PC200 series Handheld meters and meter kit include the following items:

S.NO.	Name
1	Instrument
2	Instruction manual
3	2 AA batteries
4	Electrodes (Electrodes kit only)
5	Calibrating solutions

1

Product overview

●Key Features

•IP67 water ingress, dust-proof, shock-resistant, anti-slip meter housing.

•Large monochrome LCD (50 x 50 mm) with white LED back lighting.

•Built-in electrode holder (up to 2 electrodes).

•Foldable meter stand.

•Simple user interface and single parameter display.

•500 (for PC250) / 1000 (for PC260) data memory.

•Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) with temperature calibration.

•Adjustable auto shut-off time (1 to 30 minutes).

•Auto-hold / Auto stable / Real-time measurement modes with stability indicators.

•Powered by 2 x AA batteries.

•Real-time clock (only for PC260).

•PC (standard USB) / Printer (25 pin serial) connection via 2.5 mm diameter phono jack.

2

Product overview

● Product components

No	Name	Function
1	Monochrome LCD	Displays the measured value
2	Operation keys	Used for instrument operation
3	Electrode connector	Connect to the BNC connector of the electrode
4	Temperature connector (T)	Connect to the temperature sensor of the electrode
5	Battery cover	Open/close to insert/remove batteries
6	Electrode holder	Hold the electrode to carry with the instrument
7	Meter stand	Open stand to place the meter at an inclined position on a
		flat surface
8	Serial connector	Connects to the PC or printer with the appropriate cable

3

Product overview

● Display

			No	Name	Function
			1	Status Icon	Displays the current operation mode (Setup, Calibration,
					Measurement and Data mode)
	2			Parameters	Displays the measured parameters like pH, RmV, COND, Res,
					TDS and Sal
	3				Stability indicator shows value is stable for documentation in
					Auto Stable and Auto Hold modes
	4				Appears when the measured value display is stable and fixed in
					auto-hold mode
	5			Temperature display	Displays the measured temperature
				area
	6			Measured value, set	Displays the measured value and the set value
				item display area
	7				Indicates electrode sensitivity level
	8				Indicates error situation
	9				Indicates data being transfered to the printer or computer
	10				Displays the unit for the measurement parameter
	11				Displays the battery level

4

Product overview

● Battery level display

100% battery life

50% battery life

20% battery life

Batteries are weak and need replacement. Refer “ BATT LOW ” (page 67) to solve this

● pH Electrode sensitivity level

Electrode sensitivity above 95%(excellent)

Electrode sensitivity between 85% to 95% (very good)

Electrode sensitivity between 80% to 85%(good). Refer “ SLPE ERR ” (page 67) to solve this

5

Product overview

● Keypad operation

		Keypad	Name	Function
			CAL key	Switches from the measurement mode to the calibration mode.
				Starts calibration in the calibration mode.
				Switches the operation mode to the measurement mode.
			MEAS key	Releases the fixed measurement value mode in the auto hold
				mode and begins a fresh measurement.
			DATA key	Switches from the measurement mode to the data mode.
			MODE key	In the measurement mode, changes measurement parameters.
			SET key	Switches from the measurement mode to the setup mode.
			ENTER key	Determines the selection or setup.
				Saves data in the measurement mode and calibration mode.
			UP key	In the setup mode, navigates between various setups.
				Selects preferred option in some setup screens.
			DOWN key	Increases or decreases selected digit when entering numbers.
			POWER key	Powers ON/OFF the instrument.

6

Basic operations

■ Basic operations

This section describes function and basic operation method of each part of OAKTON PC200 series Handheld meters.

●Turning on the instrument

Inserting the batteries

This instrument is operated by batteries. You can use AA alkaline batteries or AA NiMH chargeable batteries. Perform the following procedure to insert batteries in the instrument.

1.Unscrew the battery cover on the back of the instrument counter-clock wise to unlock the battery cover.

2.Remove the battery cover and set the batteries inside.

3.Replace battery cover.

4.Screwthebatterycoverontheback of the instrument clockwise to lock the battery cover.

Note

•Do not replace the batteries in a dusty place or with wet hands. Dust or moisture could get inside the instrument and possibly cause an instrument malfunction.

•Do not short-circuit a battery.

•Note polarity as shown in the battery compartment.

•When the battery has depleted or the instrument is not used for a long time, remove the batteries.

•Of the specified battery types, make sure to use two batteries of the same type.

•Do not use a new battery together with an used battery.

7

Basic operations

● Connecting an electrode

To perform calibration/ measurement, it is necessary to use the appropriate electrode for measurement parameter. Recommended electrodes for various sample are listed in our product catalog. Use the following procedure to correctly connect the electrode to the instrument:

1.Insert the electrode connector by fitting its groove with the connector pin of the instrument (refer below table).

2.Turn the electrode connector clockwise by following the grooves.

3.Slide the connector cover on the connector.

4.When using a combination electrode equipped with a temperature sensor, insert the temperature jack (T) to the ATC socket on the meter.

CH1	CH2
pH Electrode	Conductivity Electrode

Electrode connector

Temperature jack (T)

8

Basic operations

●Mode and measurement

●Changing the operation mode

You can change the operation mode to four available modes depending on the purpose of use. The status icon indicates the current mode.

Icon	Name	Function
	Setup mode	Perform various setup functions.
	Calibration	Performs calibration.
	mode
	Measurement	Performs measurement.
	mode
	Data mode	Performs data setup. Displays the saved data.

You can change the operation mode using the corresponding key:

•Measurement mode: Press the key to change to the measurement mode.

•Calibration mode: In the measurement mode, press the key to change to the calibration mode.

•Data mode: In the measurement mode, press the key to change to the data mode.

•Setup mode: In the measurement mode, press the key to change to the setup mode.

9

Basic operations

● Changing the measurement parameter

This instrument measures multiple parameters. For measurement, an electrode corresponding to the measurement parameter is required. In the measurement mode, the measurement

parameter can be changed by pressing the key.

10

pH calibration

■ Calibration

This section describes the basic calibration method using OAKTON PC200 series Handheld meters, pH and conductivity electrode.

● pH Calibration

Calibration is necessary for accurate pH measurement. To perform pH calibration, follow the procedure detailed below:

Prerequisites

•Clean the pH electrode with DI (deionized) water and wipe it with tissue paper.

•Switch on the PC meter and plug in the pH electrode.

•Prepare buffer solution required for calibration.

•Keep the meter in pH measurement mode.

•Dip the pH electrode at least 3 cm in the calibration solution.

Note

•Perform two-point calibration using: pH 7 and 4 for acidic sample.

pH 7 and 10 for alkaline sample.

•Perform three-point calibration using pH7, 4 and 10 if you are unsure of the expected sample pH value. It is recommended to calibrate with pH7 first.

•Default buffer setup is BUFF USA. If you want to change to BUFF NIST or BUFF DIN, refer to “P 1.1 Buffer selection” on page 26.

Tip

•To abort an ongoing calibration process at any point of time, press the key.

•It is recommended to clear the previous calibration data before performing calibration. For erasing the calibration data, refer to “P 1.3 Erase calibration data” on page 28.

11

pH calibration

Calibration

5.After placing the pH electrode in the buffer solution, press the key.

6.The selected buffer standard appears on the meter screen and meter starts checking various calibration values with a blinking on screen.

7.Wait for the to stabilize (stable calibration reading).

8.Press the ENT key to confirm and save calibration data.

9.Meter displays DONE indicating end of the pH calibration procedure.

Note

If you want to know previous calibrated values, press the key when you are in the CAL mode.The display scrolls through the calibrated values and indicates slope and offset values.

12

ORP calibration

● ORP/mV Calibration

Calibration is necessary for accurate ORP measurement. To perform ORP calibration, follow the procedure detailed below:

Prerequisites

•Clean the ORP electrode with DI (deionized) water and wipe it with tissue paper.

•Switch on the PC meter and plug in the ORP electrode.

•Prepare standard solution required for calibration.

•Ensure that the meter is in mV measurement mode.

•Dip the ORP electrode into the standard solution ensuring that the solution level is at least 3 cm from the electrode tip.

Note

•Absolute value measurement mode and relative value measurement mode are the two types of measurement mode available for ORP (mV) measurement.

•In absolute value measurement mode, the handheld meter displays the actual voltage value.

•In relative value measurement mode, user can adjust the absolute mV value by calibration. If the mV value is adjusted, the meter automatically indicates relative mV value as RmV. The adjustment mV is applied as an offset to the absolute mV value.

•In the relative mV mode, the absolute mV value can be adjusted by ± 200 mV.

Tip

To abort an ongoing calibration process at any point of time, press the key.

13

ORP calibration

Calibration

10.After placing the electrode in the solution, press the key to switch to mV mode.

11.Press the key.

12.Meter starts reading mV values and the blinks until value stabilizes.

13.Wait for the to stabilize (stable calibration reading).

14.Use the keys to adjust the mV value to your desired value.

15.Press the ENT key to confirm and save calibration data.

16.Meter displays DONE that indicates end of the ORP/mV calibration procedure.

14

Conductivity calibration

● Conductivity Calibration

Calibration is necessary for accurate electrical conductivity measurement. To perform conductivity calibration, follow the procedure detailed below:

Prerequisites

•Clean the conductivity electrode with DI (deionized) water and wipe it with tissue paper.

•Switch on the PC meter and plug in the conductivity electrode.

•Prepare standard solution required for calibration.

•Press the key to keep the meter in COND mode.

•Dip the conductivity electrode in the standard solution till the hole at the upper part of the electrode is immersed.

Note

•Salinity, TDS, and resistivity of a sample solution are calculated from the measured value of conductivity.

•In conductivity calibration mode, the default calibration method is Auto calibration. If you like to change it to manual calibration method, refer “P 1.3 calibration mode setup” on page 32.

Tip

•For second or multiple point calibration, clean the conductivity electrode with DI water and follow the same procedure.

•If you are performing multiple point calibration, calibrate to the lowest conductivity first and then move to increasing conductivity values. This minimizes cross contamination.

•To abort an ongoing calibration process at any point of time, press the key.

15

Conductivity calibration

Calibration

Auto calibration

17.After placing the conductivity electrode in the standard solution, press the key.

18.Meter displays “Auto cal” as per set calibration method and starts measuring various calibration values with a blinking on screen.

19.Wait for the to stabilize (stable calibration reading).

20.Press the ENT key to confirm and save calibration data.

21.Meter displays DONE indicating end of the conductivity calibration procedure.

22.Repeat for other calibration points as required.

23.You can calibrate at one point for each range

16

Conductivity calibration

Manual calibration

1.After placing the conductivity electrode in the standard solution, press the key.

2.Meter displays “Manual cal” as per set calibration method and starts measuring various calibration values with a blinking on screen.

3.Wait for the to stabilize (stable calibration reading).

4.Use the keys to enter the electrical conductivity value of the standard solution used for calibration.

5.Press the ENT key to confirm and save calibration data.

6.Meter displays DONE indicating end of the conductivity calibration procedure.

7.Repeat for other calibration points as required.

8.You can calibrate at one point for each range.

17

Conductivity calibration

● TDS calibration

TDS (Total dissolved solids) is calculated from the measured conductivity value. So no TDS calibration is required and once conductivity mode is calibrated, TDS values will be recalibrated accordingly.

Set the required TDS curve in OAKTON PC200 series Handheld meters. Available TDS curves are;

-LINR (Linear factor with adjustable factor from 0.4 to 1.0)

-442 (Myron L 442 non-linear curve)

-EN (European environmental standard non-linear curve)

-NACL (non-linear salinity curve)

Note

To set a desired TDS method, refer “P 2.1 TDS curve selection” on page 37.

18