Thermo Scientific A324, A324 Instruction Manual

English

pH /

Thermo Scientific Orion Star A324
Portable pH/ISE Meter

ISE

Instruction Sheet

Preparation

Power Source

1. Power adapter (sold separately)
a. Select the appropriate wall socket plug plate.
b Slide off the clear plastic cover from the plug plate.
c. Slide the plug plate into the groove on the back of the

power adapter.

d. Connect the power adapter to the meter and power outlet.

2. Batteries (included with meter)
a. Select four AA alkaline batteries.
b. Confirm that the meter is powered off.
c. Remove the battery compartment cover – loosen the

screws holding the battery cover, release the top portion
of the battery cover from the meter (use a coin or your
finger) and release the bottom portion of the battery cover.

d. Orientate the batteries as shown in the battery

compartment housing and insert batteries.

e. Replace the battery compartment cover and screws.

Electrodes and Other Connections

DO/
RDO

ATC/
COND

Orion Star A324
Portable

Use coin
or finger
to lift.

Remove screws

REF

USB

POWER

1. Prepare the pH electrode or ion selective electrode (ISE) and any other
applicable electrodes according to the directions in the electrode user guide.

2. Connect the appropriate items as labeled on the meter and
as shown in the figure above:

For additional information on meter setup and operation, refer to the reference guide.
The reference guide is on the included CD and available at

www.thermoscientific.com/water.

BNC

RS232

Orion Star A324 Portable pH/ISE Meters

Display Information

Display Icon Description

Shown when the meter is running on AC power.

Shown when the meter has batteries installed.

Indicates data is being sent to a computer or printer.

Indicates data is being sent to the data log.

Shown when an alarm is set and the alarm value is reached.

Indicates the meter is set to be interfaced with a printer or computer via the RS232 port.

Indicates the meter is set to be interfaced with a printer or computer via the USB port.

Displays the time and date entered in the setup menu.

C

25.0˚

ATC

HOLD

M

100

pH

ready

7.000 pH

0.0mV

BUFFERS: 1.68, …

STANDARDS:

0.10 1.0 10

cal

view log

setup

Displays the current temperature based on the temperature probe reading or
entered temperature value. Shows the origin of the temperature as MAN
(entered temperature) or ATC (temperature probe).

Shown when is pressed and the displayed measurement is frozen.

Indicates a calibration was successfully completed.

Indicates the pH or ion selective electrode condition as good (two bars), fair (one bar) or
bad (slash through it), based on the last saved calibration and measurement stability.

Indicates a method is in use and the number of the method being used.

Indicates the type of measurement and determines the type of calibration
that will be performed.

Specifies the stability of the electrode as stabilizing or ready.

Shown when the meter is in AUTO-READ mode. The icon will blink while
the reading is stabilizing and stop blinking when the reading is stable and the
measurement is locked on the display.

Displays the measurement value based on the last saved calibration and current
electrode reading. Units are shown to the right of the value.

Shows the raw millivolt reading of the electrode.

Shows the buffer values used for the last saved calibration. pH mode only.

Shows the standard values used for the last saved calibration. ISE mode only.

Shows the operator assigned sample ID number.

Shows the operator assigned user ID number.

Displays the action that will be performed when f1 is pressed.

Displays the action that will be performed when f2 is pressed.

Displays the action that will be performed when f3 is pressed.

2

Orion Star A324 Portable pH/ISE Meters

Keypad Display Information

Press the f1, f2 and f3 function keys to perform the action shown above each key
on the display.

Press to turn the meter on.

When the meter is on, press and quickly release to turn the display backlight on or
off or hold down to turn the meter off.

In the measurement mode, press to take a measurement.

In the setup, calibration and other menus, press to escape the current menu and
return to the measurement mode.

In the measurement mode, press to enter the setup menu.

In the setup, calibration and other menus, press to scroll up through a list of options.

In the continuous measurement mode, press to freeze the displayed measurement and
press again to unfreeze the measurement .

In the setup, calibration and other menus, press to scroll left through a lis t of options.

In the measurement mode, press to change the displayed measurement mode. Options
are pH, mV, RmV (relative mV ), ORP and ISE.

In the setup, calibration and other menus, press to scroll right through a list of options.

In the measurement mode, press to log or print a measurement.

In the setup, calibr ation and other menus, press to scr oll down through a lis t of options.

Keypad

1. Press to power the meter on. When the meter is on, press and quickly release to turn the

backlight on or off or press and hold

2. Press

to exit any meter function and return to the measurement mode.

3. The f1, f2, and f3 function keys perform a variety of meter operations. The menu-specific operation is

shown above each key. For example, press f1 in the measurement mode to start a calibration.

4. The

, , or keys are used as navigation keys (up, right, down, left) when selecting from
a fixed list or grid of meter options. In the measurement mode, these keys are used to access the setup
menu, change the measurement mode, manually log or print a measurement and hold (freeze) a displayed
measurement.

for about three seconds to power the meter off.

3

Orion Star A324 Portable pH/ISE Meters

pH and ISE Calibration

One to five pH buffers can be used for calibration. Always use fresh pH buffers and select buffers that
bracketthe sample pH and are one to four pH units apart. Prepare the pH electrode according to the instructions
in the electrode use guide. Connect the pH electrode and any other electrodes to be used (ATC probe, reference
electrode) to the meter. Power on the meter and set the measurement mode to pH.

One to five standards can be used for ISE calibration. If more than one standard is used to calibration, start
with the lowest concentration standard and work up to the highest concentration standard last. Always
use fresh standards. Select standards that bracket the sample concentration and are a decade apart in
concentration. Prepare the ion selective electrode according to the instructions in the electrode use guide.
Connect the ISE and any other electrodes to be used (ATC probe, reference electrode) to the meter. Power on
the meter and set the measurement mode to ISE.

1. In the measurement mode, press f1 (cal).

2. Rinse the pH or ion selective electrode and any other electrodes in use with distilled water, blot dry with a
lint-free tissue and place into the pH buffer or ISE standard.

3. When the electrode and buffer or standard are ready, press f3 (start).

4. Wait for the pH or concentration value on the meter to stabilize and stop flashing and perform one of the
following actions:

a. Press f2 (accept) to accept the displayed value.

b. Press f3 (edit) to access the numeric entry screen and edit the value.

i. Press

f3 (enter) to select the highlighted item and repeat until the value at the measured temperature
is shown above the numeric entry screen.

ii. Press f2 (done) to exit the numeric entry screen.

iii. Press f2 (accept) to accept the entered value.

5. Press f2 (next) to proceed to the next buffer or standard and repeat steps 2 through 4 or press
f3 (cal done) to save and end the calibration. If five buffers or standards are used, the calibration will save
and end once the fifth value is accepted.

a. If a one point calibration is performed, press f2 (accept) to accept the displayed slope value or press

f3 (edit) to access the numeric entry screen, enter the slope value and press f2 (accept).

6. The meter will display the calibration summary including the average slope. Press f1 (meas) to export
the data to the calibration log or press f2 (print) to export the data to the calibration log and a printer or
computer. The meter will automatically proceed to the measurement mode.

, , or to highlight a number, decimal point or negative sign; press

4

Orion Star A324 Portable pH/ISE Meters

Measurement

Press while taking a measurement in the continuous measurement mode to freeze the display and
press
a measurement to manually export the measurement to the data log, if the data log is enabled in the
setup menu.

1. Rinse the pH or ion selective electrode and any other electrodes in use with distilled water, blot dry with a

2. Start the measurement and wait for it to stabilize.

3. Remove the electrode from the sample, rinse with distilled water, blot dry and place into the next sample.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all samples.

5. When all samples have been measured, store the electrode according to its user guide.

a second time to unfreeze the display and continue the measurement. Press while taking

lint-free tissue and place into the sample.

a. If the meter is in AUTO-READ mode (default setting), press

icon stops flashing, record the pH or concentration and temperature of the sample.

the
Press

b. If the meter is in continuous mode, the meter will immediately start taking a measurement and

update the display whenever the measurement changes. Wait for the display to show ready and
record the pH or concentration and temperature of the sample.

c. If the meter is in timed mode, the meter will log measurements at the preselected time interval,

regardless of the measurement stability. The meter will update the display whenever the
measurement changes, so the pH or concentration and temperature of the sample can be recorded
when the display shows ready.

again to start a new measurement.

to start the measurement. When

Read Type Selection

1. In the measurement mode, press .

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

5. Press

a. If Timed is selected and the time interval needs to be changed – highlight Timed; press

hours (HH), minutes (MM) or seconds (SS); press f3 (edit) to access the numeric entry screen; use the
numeric entry screen to change the values and press f1 (back) when the time interval is correct.

6. Press

, , or to highlight pH Channel and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Mode and Settings and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Read Type and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Auto, Continuous or Timed and press f3 (select).

to return to the measurement mode.

to highlight

5

Orion Star A324 Portable pH/ISE Meters

Setup Menu

Navigating the Setup Menu

1. In the measurement mode, press

2. Press

, , or to scroll through the main setup menu options. Press f3 (select) to

to enter the main setup menu.

select a main setup menu option.

3. Press

or to scroll through setup submenu options. Press f3 (select) to select a setup

submenu option.

4. Perform the appropriate actions to set the desired parameter in the setup submenus.

a. To select a value from a list of options, press

or to highlight the desired value and press

f3 (select) to set the value.

b. To enter a numeric value, use the numeric entry screen.

i. Select the value to be entered by pressing f3 (select) or f3 (edit). The numeric entry screen will

popup on the display.

ii. Press

, , or to highlight a number, decimal place or negative sign; press

f3 (enter) to select the highlighted item and repeat until the desired value is shown on the top
of the numeric entry screen.

iii. Press f2 (done) to save the value and exit the numeric entry screen.

5. Press f1 (back) and then

to return to the measurement mode at any time.

Setup Menu Overview

pH Channel Settings Log View Diagnostics

Method

Mode & Settings

t Measure Mode
tRead Type
tResolution
tBuffer Group (pH)

or

tMeasure Unit (ISE)
tStability
tAveraging
tTemp Comp (ISE only)

tBlank Correct (ISE only)

t

Alarm Settings

tSample ID

Temperature

tManual Temp Value
tTemperature Unit
tTemperature Calibration

t Export Data
t Data Log
t Date / Time
t Language
t Key Press Beep
t Alarm Beep
t Contrast
t Auto Shut Off
t User ID

t Data Log
t Calibration Log

t Meter Self Test
t Factory Reset
t About Meter

6

Orion Star A324 Portable pH/ISE Meters

pH Buffer Group Selection

The selected buffer group allows for the automatic recognition of certain pH buffers during a pH calibration.
The USA buffer group includes pH 1.68, 4.01, 7.00, 10.01 and 12.46 buffers and the DIN buffer group includes
pH 1.68, 4.01, 6.86, and 9.18 buffers.

1. In the measurement mode, press

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

5. Press

6. Press

, , or to highlight pH Channel and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Mode and Settings and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Buffer Group and press f3 (select).

or keys to highlight USA or DIN and press f3 (select).

to return to the measurement mode.

ISE Measurement Unit Selection

1. In the measurement mode, press .

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

5. Press

6. Press

, , or to highlight pH Channel and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Mode and Settings and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Measure Unit and press f3 (select).

or to highlight ppm, M, mg/L, percentage (%), ppb or None and press f3 (select).

to return to the measurement mode.

ISE Automatic Blank (Non-Linear) Correction Selection

The automatic blank correction feature uses an algorithm to compensate for the non-linearity of an ion selective
electrode in low level standards and samples. The meter determines whether blank correction is the best
measurement strategy by analyzing the electrode response during a calibration with at least three calibration
points. The average slope displayed when using this feature may be outside the slope range specified in the
electrode user guide due to the set of non-linear equations used to calculate the blank correction.

1. In the measurement mode, press

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

5. Press

6. Press

, , or to highlight pH Channel and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Mode and Settings and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Blank Correct and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Yes or No and press f3 (select).

to return to the measurement mode.

.

7

Orion Star A324 Portable pH/ISE Meters

Viewing the Calibration Log

1. In the measurement mode, press .

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

5. Press

, , or to highlight View Log and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Calibration Log and press f2 (accept).

or to highlight pH – Channel or ISE – Channel and press f2 (select).

or to highlight pH, RmV, ORP, ISE or Temperature as the calibration type

and press f2 (select).

6. The meter will display a list of calibrations for the selected channel and calibration type. The list shows
the sequential number of the calibration and the date and time it was saved (07/01/2011 12:45).

7. To view the calibration data, press

or to highlight a specific calibration and press f2 (select).
Press f2 (print) to print the calibration, press f3 (info) to view the electrode slope between pH buffer or
ISE standard points or press f1 (back) to return to the list of calibrations.

8. Press

to return to the measurement mode.

Viewing the Data Log

1. In the measurement mode, press .

2. Press

3. Press

4. The meter will display a list of the data points. The list shows the sequential number of the data point and

the date and time the data point was saved (07/01/2011 12:45).

5. To view the measurement information for an individual data point, press

point and press f2 (select). Press f2 (print) to print the data point or press f1 (back) to return to the list of
data points.

6. Press

, , or to highlight View Log and press f3 (select).

or to highlight Data Log and press (accept).

or to highlight the data

to return to the measurement mode.

Water Analysis Instruments

www.thermoscientific.com/water

North America

166 Cummings Center
Beverly, MA 01915 USA
Toll Free: 1-800-225-1480
Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]

Netherlands

Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]

China

Tel: [phone]
wai.asia@thermofisher.com

©2011 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks
are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. & its subsidiaries.

India
Tel: [phone]
wai.asia@thermofisher.com

Singapore
Tel: [phone]
wai.asia@thermofisher.com

Japan
Tel: [phone]
wai.asia@thermofisher.com

Australia
Tel: [phone]
in Australia (1300) 735-296
InfoWaterAU@thermofisher.com

68X576604 RevA 0811

9 0 0 1 : 2 0 0 8