Turner AquaFlash User Manual

P/N: 998-8601
Revision: A
January 14, 2016

TURNER DESIGNS
845 W. Maude Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

2

1

Introduction

1.1

Description

4

1.2

Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) Fluorometry

4

1.3

Quick View Diagrams

4 1.4

Inspection

5

1.5

General Information, Precautions & Cleaning

5

2

Instrument Operation and Calibration

2.1

Button Identification and Function

6

2.2

Instrument Power Up

7

2.3

Calibration Check

8 2.4

Measuring a Sample

9

2.5

Data Displayed

10

2.6

Downloading Data

10

2.7

Installing the Interface/Integration Adaptor Cable

11

3

Sample Analysis Guidelines

12

4

Measurement Parameters

4.1

Chlorophyll

13

4.2

Photosynthetic Efficiency

13

5

Warranty

5.1

Terms

14

5.2

Warranty Service

14

5.3

Out of Warranty Service

14

Appendixes

A

Specifications

16

B

Warning Messages

17

C

Calibrating the AquaFlash

18

Table of Contents

AquaFlash User’s Manual

3

WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE) DIRECTIVE

Turner Designs is in the business of designing and selling products that benefit the well-being of
our environment. Accordingly, we are concerned with preserving the surroundings wherever
our instruments are used and happy to work with customers by complying with the WEEE
Directive to reduce the environmental impact resulting from the use of our products.

WEEE Return Process:

To arrange the return of an end-of-life product, proceed as follows:

If you purchased your instrument through a Turner Designs Distributor please contact your
local representative. They will instruct you where to return the end-of-life product.

If you purchased your instrument directly from Turner Designs please contact Turner
Designs Customer Service
By Phone: [phone] or Toll Free: [phone]
By Email: Customer Service at [e-mail]
Turner Designs will provide a WEEE RMA Number, a Shipping Account Number, and a Ship
to Address. Package and ship the product back to Turner Designs.

The product will be dealt with per Turner Designs’ end-of-life recycling program in an
environmentally friendly way.

AquaFlash User’s Manual

4

Battery panel

O-ring

Battery panel

O-ring

1 Introduction

1.1 Description
The AquaFlash is a handheld active fluorometer that provides estimates for Total

Chlorophyll (µg/L) and photosynthetic efficiency of algae (Yield). This information helps
users rapidly assess the photosynthetic capability of phytoplankton in both oligotrophic and
mesotrophic environments.

1.2 Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) Fluorometry
Pulse amplitude modulation is a process that uses varying light intensities, delivered in a

series of pulses, to look at specific phytoplankton fluorescence characteristics which are
used to directly estimate the photosynthetic efficiency of algae or plant material. There are
two measurement modes, single and multiple turnover. The AquaFlash is a multiple
turnover PAM fluorometer in that one saturating pulse of light is delivered to the sample to
quickly reach the maximum fluorescence value with the interest of looking at how efficient
algae are at photosynthesizing, essentially determining “health” of the organisms. Nutrient
limited or light stressed algae are examples of an “unhealthy” organism.

1.3 Quick View Diagrams

The AquaFlash uses four standard or rechargeable AAA user-replaceable batteries.

AquaFlash User’s Manual

5

Grasp the plastic tab firmly

and pull gently to remove.

1.4 Inspection
Upon receiving your instrument, please inspect everything carefully and make sure all

accessories are present. All shipments include:

1.5 General Information, Precautions and Cleaning

 The plastic battery tab at the back of the AquaFlash must be removed before use.

 Use caution around solvents, they may degrade the plastic case of the AquaFlash.
 If a sample is accidentally spilled inside the sample compartment, invert the AquaFlash

 If extra cleaning is needed, use a mild detergent to dampen a towel for cleaning.
 Although the AquaFlash floats, do not submerge it in water.
 Do not expose the AquaFlash to temperatures outside the specified range of

 The AquaFlash inside a storage pouch (batteries installed)
 Laminated Quick Start Guide (QSG)
 Data download cable and serial to USB adapter cable
 USB Flash Drive with User’s Manual, QSG, AquaFlash Software, and serial to

USB cable driver

Optional Accessories available:

 Wrist strap P/N 030-8500
 10mm x 10mm Square Glass Cuvette (1 ea) P/N 7000-955
 Adjustable Solid Secondary Standard P/N 8000-951
 AquaFlash Calibration Solution P/N 8600-225
 Replacement Download Cable P/N 021-0830
 Replacement Storage Pouch P/N 142-8000
 Replacement Communication Cable P/N 2300-115

Grasp it firmly and pull gently to remove it to activate the batteries that power the
AquaFlash.

to drain out the excess liquid. Then wipe the inside area dry with a clean soft towel or
tissue followed by a quick wipe using non-abrasive material, such as Kim Wipes.

5 to 40 °C or damage may occur to the unit that will not be covered under warranty.

AquaFlash User’s Manual

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2. Instrument Operation and Calibration

2.1 Button Identification and Function

CAL – Is used to calibrate the instrument. When selected it will prompt the user to insert
blank. After blank is read, it will prompt user to insert CAL solution. After CAL solution
is read, the screen will display “Calibration Done”.

NOTE: SEE APPENDIX C BEFORE CALIBRATING THE AquaFlash.

CAL VAL – Is used to assign a value to the calibration solution used when calibrating
the AquaFlash. When selected it will prompt the user to set a calibration value from 1 to

50. After the value is set, the user will press enter to save the setting.

READ – Begins the sample analysis procedure detailed in section 2.4.
ON/OFF – Turns the instrument ON or OFF.
ENTER –Allows users to proceed to the next screen/menu.
DATA – When the DATA button is pressed users can choose between either

sending/clearing data or setting date/time. Use the  keys to choose between the two
options; a marker will indicate the selection made.

If SEND/CLEAR DATA is selected, press ENTER and a submenu will display. Users
can choose, using  keys, to either send data to a connected computer, see section

2.6 or clear logged data; a marker will indicate the selection made.

o If SEND DATA is selected and ENTER is pressed, the instrument will send all logged

data out as an ASCII file, see section 2.6.

o If CLEAR DATA is selected, the following message will display; “ENTER TO

CONFIRM CLEAR DATA”; when ENTER is pressed all logged data will be deleted.

AquaFlash User’s Manual