YSI 9600 User Manual

YSI Environmental

Pure Data for a Healthy Planet.™

YSI 9600

Nitrate Monitor
Operations

Manual

NITRATE MONITIORING WITH YSI 9600 AT

FRESHWATER SITE; 1 HOUR SAMPLE INTERVAL

6

5

4

3

mg/L NO3-N

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7/10/03 0:00 7/15/03 0:00 7/20/03 0:00 7/25/03 0:00 7/30/03 0:00

Time

9600
USER QC
YSI QC

YSI Environmental 2 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE 9600 7
SECTION 2 GETTING STARTED 8

2.1 UNPACKING 8

2.2 UNDERSTANDING THE 9600 MODE OF OPERATION 12

2.3 PREPARING REAGENTS 13

2.4 FILLING THE REAGENT BAGS 16

2.5 PREPARING THE CADMIUM COLUMN 18

2.6 INSTALLING THE CADMIUM COLUMN 20

2.7 INSTALLING THE REAGENT BAGS 22

2.8 USING THE WASTE BAGS 23

2.9 ASSEMBLING THE NITRATE MONITOR 25

SECTION 3 PREPARING FOR A 9600 DEPLOYMENT 27

3.1 INSTALLING THE NUviewTM PC SOFTWARE 27

3.2 CHOOSING A CABLE FOR THE 9600 28

3.3 POWERING THE 9600 29

3.4 ATTACHING THE SECOND STANDARD BAG 31

3.5 INTERFACING WITH THE 9600 32

SECTION 4 STARTING A 9600 DEPLOYMENT 34

4.1 UNDERSTANDING CALIBRATION OF THE 9600 34

4.2 CHECK LIST FOR DEPLOYMENT READINESS 34

4.3 PREDEPLOYMENT SYSTEM CHECK 36

4.4 PREDEPLOYMENT SET-UP 39

4.5 INSTALLING THE INLET FILTER 42

SECTION 5 USING THE 9600 IN THE FIELD 44

5.1 PICKING A DEPLOYMENT SITE 44

5.2 POWERING THE 9600 DURING A DEPLOYMENT 44

5.3 VIEWING AND UPLOADING DATA DURING A DEPLOYMENT 45

5.4 STOPPING A DEPLOYMENT 49

5.5 DEPLOYING THE 9600 WITH A DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM 49

5.6 9600 POSTDEPLOYMENT TEST – QUALITY ASSURANCE 56

5.7 9600 MAINTENANCE AND NEW DEPLOYMENTS 56

SECTION 6 MANAGING 9600 FILES 58

6.1 INTRODUCTION 58

6.2 DIRECTORY 58

6.3 UPLOAD FILES TO YOUR PC 59

6.4 DELETING FILES 59

6.5 DETERMINING AVAILABLE FILE MEMORY 60

SECTION 7 ANALYZING DATA WITH ECOWATCH FOR WINDOWS 61

7.1 INTRODUCTION 61

7.2 INSTALLING ECOWATCH FOR WINDOWS 61

7.3 GLOSSARY 61

7.4 VIEWING AND PLOTTING NITRATE DATA 63

7.5 USING TOOLBAR SHORTCUTS 68

YSI Environmental 3 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 8 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION 70

8.1 CHEMISTRY 70

8.2 EFFECT OF PH 71

8.3 FLOW SYSTEM DETAILS 71

8.4 PUMPING SEQUENCES 72

8.5 FLOW RESTRICTION PROBLEMS 72

8.6 CALIBRATION OF SAMPLE AN D STANDARD PUMPS 72

8.7 CALIBRATION DETAILS 72

8.8 SYSTEM LINEARITY 73

8.9 TEMPERATURE EFFECTS 74

SECTION 9 UPGRADING 9600 FIRMWARE AND SOFTWARE 76

9.1 UPGRADING 9600 MONITOR FIRMWARE 76

9.2 UPGRADING NUVIEW PC SOFTWARE 77

SECTION 10 TROUBLESHOOTING 78
SECTION 11 FERRITE BEAD INSTALLATION 80

SECTION 12 9600 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS 81
SECTION 13 WARRANTY AND SERVICE INFORMATION 82

SECTION 14 REQUIRED NOTICE 85

SECTION 15 9600 SPECIFICATIONS 86

15.1 SENSORS 86

15.2 SYSTEM 86

SECTION 16 ACCESSORIES 87

SECTION 17 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 88

APPENDIX A ECOWATCH FOR WINDOWS COMMANDS 96

YSI Environmental 4 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SAFETY AND EMC CONSIDERATIONS

9600 NITRATE MONITOR

Before using the 9600, the user should carefully read the caution messages listed below and should
review Sections 11 and 12 of this manual on Safety and EMC considerations.

CAUTION: Operation of the YSI 9600 Nitrate Monitor requires the use of a variety of

chemicals. With one exception (elemental cadmium), the user is required to purchase these
chemicals from a vendor of their choice. Users should consult the Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) supplied by these vendors for all reagents before their use. Users should ALWAYS wear
appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and safety glasses with side shields when
handling any of these chemicals.

For proper operation of the YSI 9600, cadmium metal MUST be purchased in packaged form as the
YSI Model 9612 Cadmium Column Assembly. An MSDS for the material captured in the cadmium
column is automatically supplied to the user by YSI. To protect against potential hazards
associated with inhalation of cadmium dust, the cadmium column should be handled in a fume hood
during activation. After the reducing capacity of the cadmium column has been exhausted, the entire
sealed column should be disposed of in accordance with regulatory requirements, e.g. hazardous
waste. Users should NEVER open the cadmium column in attempts at regeneration. If the
cadmium is accidentally spilled, appropriate spill measures should be taken.

The waste generated from use of the YSI 9600 contains potentially toxic organic chemicals, but most
importantly, contains Cd

Users should NEVER discharge waste from the YSI 9600 into the environment, instead retaining it in
the waste bags that are provided with the instrument. Likewise, unless specifically approved by the
local wastewater authority, users should NEVER dispose of the reaction waste into a sanitary or
storm sewer. The waste should be disposed of in accordance with regulatory requirements with an
approved waste handler.

2+

that according to the USEPA is toxic and a probable human carcinogen.

CAUTION FOR INSTRUMENTS USE D IN EUROPEAN CO M MUNITY (CE)

COUNTRIES:

Nitrate Analyzer complies with the Residential, Commercial and Light Industrial Class B Limits for
radio-frequency
laboratory equipment with no qualifiers. However, if you are using your YSI 9600 Nitrate Monitor in a
European Community (CE) country or in Australia or New Zealand, when communicating with the
instrument you must attach a ferrite bead to the interface cable in order to comply with the industrial
immunity specified in EN61326 for Industrial, Scientific and Medical laboratory equipment. The
ferrite bead (YSI Item Number 699296) is NOT supplied as standard equipment with the 9600 and
should be purchased as an accessory by customers requiring its use. Attachment of the bead is shown
graphically in Section 11.

YSI Environmental 5 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

As described in the Declaration of Conformity (YSI Item # 699298), the YSI 9600

emissions specified in EN55011 (CISPR11) for Industrial, Scientific and Medical

YSI Environmental 6 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE 9600

The YSI 9600 Nitrate Monitor is a powerful instrument that allows the user to continuously record nitrate
levels at a variable sample interval and thus provides a much greater capability to detect nutrient events
than the spot sampling activities which have historically been carried out. The 9600 can be custom
configured with regard to detector cell to provide maximum accuracy for the type of water that you
normally monitor. For applications where typical nitrate levels are over 2 mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen, the
9600 should be configured with a 2 mm cell (designated 9600-02 for ordering purposes). For applications
where typical nitrate levels are below 2 mg/L, the monitor should be equipped with a 10 mm detector cell
and designated 9600-10. The 9600-02 and 9600-10 are designed primarily for freshwater and
estuarine/near coastal applications, respectively, but there may be some cases where the greater range of the
9600-02 will be required for brackish water studies and some cases where freshwater nitrate levels are
consistently low enough to require the greater accuracy of the 9600-10. Note that users cannot change the
detector cell that was purchased with their particular 9600 in order to meet the requirement of a new
application. While detector cells can be switched from 2 mm to 10 mm or vice versa, this action must be
carried out by factory-trained personnel.

To accurately measure nitrate, the 9600 uses flow injection technology combined with a chemical reaction
sequence which is defined in literature from both the USEPA and Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water and Wastewater. The intensity of the color produced by the chemical reaction sequence is
determined by standard absorbance spectroscopy and compared to that of a standard of known
concentration in order to quantify the amount of nitrate in an environmental sample. The use of flow
injection technology minimizes the amount of reagents required and the amount of waste generated.

Key features of the YSI 9600:

• Works on standard cadmium reduction/diazotization principle. Standard Methods #4500-NO

• Can be custom configured relative to detector cell for most freshwater applications (2 mm) or for most

estuarine and near coastal applications (10 mm).

• Easy-to-use NUview

Windows
provided with each instrument.

• Easy access to reagent and waste bags and internal battery pack for field replacement.

• Good battery life (approx. 70 days at a 1 hour sample interval at 20 C) with internal D-cell battery

pack. Also can be powered externally by 12 V lead acid battery, AC adapter, or data collection
platform for longer deployments.

TM

software for data analysis and custom presentations. Both software packages are

TM

PC software for simple set-up and deployment. Proven EcoWatch for

• Automatic calibration at user-selected interval. Calibration points do not affect data continuity for

sample intervals of 30 minutes and greater.

• SDI-12 and RS-232 interfaces standard for use with computers and data collection platforms.

• Waste collection system included with instrument to avoid cadmium

• Minimal waste volume because of pump design – approximately 7 liters of waste in 30 days at a 1 hour

sample interval.

• CE and Australian C-Tick Compliance

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discharge into the environment

3

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E.

YSI Environmental 7 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Large, non-volatile memory for data storage.

• System can be used at depths up to 200 feet.

• All firmware and software is user-upgradeable via the YS I Web page.

SECTION 2 GETTING STARTED

This section is designed to quickly familiarize you with the hardware and s oftware components of the YSI
9600 and its accessories. By the end of Section 2 you will have...

 Unpacked the 9600 Nitrate Monitor and confirmed that all components are present
 Become familiar with the general features and set-up configurations of your 9600
 Prepared the required reagent solutions
 Filled and installed the collapsible reagent delivery bags and the waste bags
 Activated and installed the cadmium column
 Assembled the instrument in preparation for a deployment or laboratory test

Successful completion of the above list is essential for you to continue on to Section 3, which focuses on
setting up the hardware to allow a successful computer interface with the 9600. In subsequent sections, you
will learn about how to set up the 9600 to log data during a deployment , deploy the monit or, and manage the
data files which are generated during field studies.

2.1 UNPACKING

When unpacking your 9600 Nitrate Monitor, be certain not to discard any parts or supplies that were
supplied with the instrument. As you proceed through the unpacking process, use the packing list
(available immediately after opening the box) to ensure that all items are included. Finally, be sure to
inspect all assemblies and components for damage. Proceed by the following steps to unpack the 9600:

• Open the flaps at the top of the box and remove the packing list and sealed information packet which

contains several items, including the manual and the software necessary to interface with the 9600 and
analyze the data, and set the items aside.

• After removing the cardboard tray that contains the information packet, remove the 9600 from the

shipping box by grasping the bail and pulling straight up as shown in the picture below. It may be
prudent to have two people present for this initial unpacking step: one to lift the instrument by the bail
and another to pull the box from the assembly. Note carefully that the 9600 weighs approximately 30
pounds with no chemicals present so make certain that the person removing the instrument from the
box is capable of lifting this amount of weight.

YSI Environmental 8 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• After removal from the box, place the 9600 on a flat surface, usually the floor, and inspect it for any

damage that might have occurred in transport. If any parts are damaged or missing, contact your YSI
representative immediately. If you do not know which YSI dealer you obtained your YSI 9600 from,
refer to Section 13 of this manual for contact information.

• If no damage is present, proceed with the removal of the carousel from the outer housing of the 9600

as defined in the steps below:

• Using a large Phillips head screwdriver, remove the four (4) screws from the sides of the instrument

assembly which hold the inner carousel to the outer assembly as shown in the picture below. Make
certain to retain the screws in a safe place for reassembly prior to use of the 9600.

• After the screws hav e been removed, grasp the bail and lift straight up to remove the carousel as shown

in the picture below. If the carousel binds to the outer shell, have a second person hold the outer shell.
Place the carousel in an upright position on the floor or a bench top after removal.

Lift by Bail

Remove these screws

YSI Environmental 9 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Locate the package containing the cadmium column and remove the box from the carousel. Also

locate the 9615 Syringe Kit which is near the cadmium column. Set these items aside for later use.

• Locate the seven (7) one liter reagent bags that are present in the individual compartments of the

carousel. Note that one of the bags is loose in the compartment and has a tubing assembly attached to
its middle port. This bag should be removed immediately and set aside for later use. Note that the
other six bags are attached to tubing by multicolored threaded fittings. Note also that each bag has a
colored tie-wrap on the top of the container that is coordinated with the color of the fitting to which the
bag is attached.

• As you inspect the reagent bags, note carefully that there is a small (50 mL) plastic bag that is

permanently attached to the side of the internal cylinder as shown in the picture below. This bag
MUST NOT BE REMOVED as it contains silicon oil. The 50-mL bag is designed to expand and
contract with temperature and depth changes to equalize the pressure between the pump chamber and
the water at the site.

Note Permanent
Attachment

Lift straight up by bail

YSI Environmental 10 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Using only your fingers (no tools), remove each 1 L reagent bag from its color-coded fitting by

grasping the bag-end of the assembly with one hand and turning the nut counterclockwise with the
other as shown in the picture below. Set the bags aside for later use.

• Inspect the detector cell that protrudes from the underside of the pressure manifold as shown in the

pictures below and confirm that it is correct according to your order – either a 9600-02 with a 2 mm
cell or a 9600-10 with a 10 mm cell. Besides the label that is attached to the cell as an identifier, it is
also possible to differentiate the cells by the fact that the 10 mm cell has two tan colored nuts attaching
the tubing while the 2 mm cell has one tan colored nut and one smaller stainless steel fitting.

2 mm Detector Cell 10 mm Detector Cell

• Remove the battery lid by loosening the four (4) knurled screws on the top of the battery lid as shown

in the picture below. If the screws cannot be turned, use any slotted screwdriver to loosen them
slightly and then screw them out until the battery lid can be removed

YSI Environmental 11 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

CAUTION: The battery lid screws are captive. Do NOT continue to turn them after the
battery lid can be removed.

• Confirm that the battery pack is present in the compartment, but do NOT connect its battery lead to the

mating connector at this time.

• Replace the battery lid.

After completing the unpacking and inspection sequence outlined above, proceed to Section 2.2 below to
gain a basic understanding of the Model 9600 mode of operation.

Loosen 4 battery lid screws
and lift battery lid straight up

2.2 UNDERSTANDING THE 9600 MODE OF OPERATION

The Model 9600 is designed to allow users to monitor the nitrate concentration in env ironmental water over
long periods of time with minimal maintenance required. It is NOT designed for spot sampling of nitrate
since the minimal interval between samples is 15 minutes. The system operates by the principle of
injection analysis (FIA) using a series of precise low-volume pumps to mix an aliquot of the water at an
environmental site with user-prepared reagents that produce a colored solution. The intensity of the color
is measured in a detector cell using a green light-emitting-diode (LED) as the light source and a photodiode
as the detector and this intensity is proportional to the concentration of nitrate in the sample. The detector
cell is also equipped with a reference photodiode to automatically compensate for any changes in LED
intensity during a study. Because the pumps are low-volume, minimal waste is generated by the 9600 FIA
system during field studies and this waste can readily be captured in the containers supplied to prevent
environmental contamination.

It is important to understand that, in its normal configuration with the cadmium column in place, the 9600
measures the sum of the nitrate AND nitrite in the water being monitored. Normally, however, because
the biological process of nitrification is active at most sites, there is very little nitrite in most environmental
water and therefore the 9600 reports its readings as nitrate. Users who are concerned that there is indeed a
significant quantity of nitrite in the water at their monitoring sites should either carry out studies with the
9600 with no cadmium column in place or should collect water samples at the site and perform laboratory
analyses for nitrite to determine if its presence is having a significant effect on the overall accuracy of the
measurement.

Users interface to the Model 9600 via a PC that is running the YSI software designated as NUview
which is supplied with each nitrate monitor as part of the information packet. This software provides a
simple interface for set-up and deployment of the nitrate monitor that is ideal for the vast majority of
studies. Under the standard set-up routine, the user inputs specific information about the pending

flow

TM

YSI Environmental 12 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

deployment, such as study name, sample interval, and the frequency of auto calibration, into a “Wizard”
based interface, with this portion of the set-up taking a minute or less. The Wizard then guides the user
through a predeployment pumping routine which takes approximately 60 minutes to assure that the
instrument is functioning properly and provides error messages if any problem is apparent. After a
successful predeployment test, the user simply starts the deployment and transports the 9600 to the desired
site for deployment. The study can either be started immediately during laboratory set-up of the nitrate
monitor, or delayed by several hours to allow the study to start after deployment. The key is that the
default FIA sequence for the pumps is ideal for the monitoring of nitrate, and no user “programming” of the
9600 hardware is required.

During deployments, a blank (puri fi ed wat e r ) and a standard (made up to a concentration that matches the
typical nitrate values at a particular site) are automatically run at an interval selected by the user. Use of
these periodic blank and standard reagents allows the instrument software to automatically compensate the
data for any instrument drift during deployment and provides an on-board quality assurance methodolog y.
For most deployments, it will be sufficient to run a blank and standard twice during each 24 hour logging
period. For sample intervals of 30 minutes and greater (typical for most deployments), the calibration
reagents are run through the system

The overall length of a deployment is generally limited by a combination of the quantity of reagents present
in the instrument assembly at the beginning of the study and the sample interval chosen by the user. For
example, the reagents will be expended in approximately 30 days if an interval of 1 hour is chosen between
samples, but approximately 60 days if the interval is set to 2 hours.

While most studies will be carried out using the pumping sequence (number of pumping pulses for each
particular pump at a specified time in the overall routine ) for “typical” nitrate-N concentrations in the 0-5
mg/L range, NUview software also allows users who are monitoring water with very high nitrate
concentrations (5-10 mg/L) to select a special pumping sequence to enhance their accuracy.

You now should have a basic understanding of the capabilities of the YSI 9600 and be ready to proceed to
the next section where you will prepare reagents for use in the deployment of the nitrate monitor.

between samples so that no discontinuity occurs in the logged data.

2.3 PREPARING THE REAGENTS

Four different reagent solutions and distilled or deionized water are required for the use of the Model 9600
nitrate monitor. In this section, you will be given instructions on how to prepare these reagents. In
addition, the 9600 utilizes a column of elemental cadmium which must be “activated” prior to use and
instructions for this procedure are also provided.

CAUTION: All chemicals are potentially harmful and should be handled with care. Be sure to
consult the MSDS for each of the chemicals before preparing any of the reagent solutions. It is very
important to wear appropriate protective equipment including safety glasses with side shields and
use disposable gloves when handling solid chemicals and when preparing and transferring solutions
of these chemicals.

2.3.1 PURCHASING THE REAGENTS

The sources used for the various reagents that have been used in YSI development studies on the 9600 are
provided below. However, users can purchase reagents from any source of their choosing as long as the
chemicals are (a) identical in formulation and (b) equivalent in purity – ACS Reagent Grade or better. An
appropriate quantity of the reagents should be purchased based on the frequency of deployment of your

9600.

YSI Environmental 13 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Ammonium Chloride – Fisher Scientific, Item Number A661-500

Sulfanilamide – Sigma , Item Number S-9251

N-(1-napthyl)ethylenediam i ne dihydrochloride (NED) – Aldrich, Item Number 22,248-8

Potassium Nitrate -- Alfa Aesar Chemical, Item Number 13443

Hydrochloric Acid (10 % v/v; 1.2 M) -- Fisher Scientific, Item Number LC15070-6 (10 liter container)

Copper Sulfate Solution (10 % w/v) -- Spectrum Chemical Mfg. Corp., Item Number C-283

BRIJ 35 Surfactant, Sigma -- 430AG-6

Kodak Photo-Flo 200 Wetting Agent -- Warehouse Photographic, Carrollton, TX, 800-400-8203,
www.warehousephoto.com, 146-4502. Alternatively, this chemical can be purchased at most camera
stores or photo supply houses.

2.3.2 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND CONTAINERS

Before proceeding with solution preparation, YSI recommends that you first make sure that you have
available the necessary equipment and storage vessels. First, you should have the proper bottles for storage
of at least 1.5 liters of each reagent. The plastic bottles recommended by YSI for this purpose are 2 liters
in capacity and are graduated so that 1.5 liters of solution can be prepared to the required accuracy for most
of the reagents. These bottles can be purchased from Fisher Scientific in packs of 6 or 12 as Fisher Item
Number 03-311-3g. Second, for preparation of the nitrate standards in various concentrations, you will
need a 1000 mL glass volumetric flask to obtain the desired accuracy. Third, users will require an
adjustable volume pipet for the 0 to 1 mL range such as the Brinkman Eppendorf model which can be
ordered from Fisher Scientific under Item Number 05-402-50. Fourth, if you wish to prepare nitrate
standards above 2 mg/L, you will need glass pipets with the appropriate volumes. For example, to prepare
a 5 mg/L nitrate standard, you will need a 5 mL glass pipet. Finally, users will require a balance that will
weigh accurately to at least 0.01 gram and preferably one which has an accuracy of 0.001 gram. In
summary, the following parts are required prior to reagent preparation:

• Graduated Plastic Bottles with 2 L capacity (at least 6)

• Volumetric Flask for 1000 mL (at least 1)

• Adjustable pipetter for 0-1 mL volumes (at least 1)

• Glass pipet s of va ri o us deno minations (depending on standard concentrat i ons req ui re d)

• Laborato ry bal a nce wit h wei ghi n g accuracy of 0.0 1 g

2.3.3 SOLUTION PREPARATION

The following instructions should be followed to prepare the aqueou s solutions that will be required for use
with the 9600 Nitrate Monitor. At least 1.5 L of the reagents and 3 L of the final standard should be
prepared in order to have enough solution volume to set up the nitrate monitor properly for a deployment.

CAUTION: Be sure to consult the MSDS for each chemical before proceeding and use safe
laboratory practices as outlined above during their handling.

BUFFER – Weigh 128 g of ammonium chloride to the nearest gram and place the solid in a 2 L graduated

plastic bottle. Add 1.5 L of purified water (distilled or deionized) and stir or shake until the solid is
completely dissolved. Using the adjustable pipetter, add 75 uL of 10 % copper sulfate solution and shake
well to mix.

YSI Environmental 14 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SULFANILAMIDE – Weigh 15 g of sulfanilamide to the nearest gram and place the solid in a 2 L
graduated plastic bottle. Add 1.5 L of 10 % hydrochloric acid and shake or stir until all of the solid is
dissolved. Using the adjustable pipetter, add 1.5 mL of BRIJ 35 surfactant.

NED – Weigh 1.50 g of N-(1-napthyl)-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (NED) to the nearest 0.01 g and
place the solid in a 2 L graduated plastic bottle. Add approximately 1.5 L of purified water and shake or
stir until the solid is completely dissolved. Then add 3.75 mL of Photo-Flo 200 and sh ake well to mix.

NOTE CAREFULLY: The NED reagent is light sensitive and the storage bottle should be either
kept in the dark or covered with some material, e.g., aluminum foil, to prevent premature
degradation.

WASH – Place 1.5 L of water in a 2 L graduated plastic bottle. Add 3.75 mL of Photo-Flo 200 and shake
well to mix.

CAUTION: It is CRITICAL for proper operation of the 9600 for the Photo-Flo 200 to be included in
both the NED and Wash reagents. Do not attempt to deploy without adding the Photo-Flo to these
solutions.

1000 MG/L NITRATE-NITROGEN STANDARD – Weigh 7.22 g of potassium nitrate to the nearest

0.01 g and quantitatively transfer the solid to a 1000 mL volumetric flask. Add approximately 500 mL of
purified water and swirl the mixture until the solid is completely dissolved. Then add additional water to
fill the flask to the top graduation mark. Mix well by repeated inversion of the flask. Transfer the
standard to a dry 2-L plastic bottle for storage. YSI recommends that this standard be stored in a
refrigerator and then warmed to ambient temperature prior to use. If refrigerated, the standard will be
stable for approximately 3 months.

VARIABLE NITRATE-NITROGEN STANDARDS – Nitrate-nitrogen standards in various
concentrations can be prepared by diluting the 1000 mg/L standard prepared in the section above. Using
this method, accurate aliquots of the concentrated standard are transferred to the 1000 mL volumetric flask
and then the flask is filled to the top graduation mark and inverted repeatedly to assure good solution
homogeneity. Examples of the amount of 1000 mg/L standard to dilute to 1000 mL are shown in the Table
below:

Final Nitrate-N Standard Conc Amount of 1000 mg/L Standard Final Volume

6 mg/L 6.00 mL 1000 mL
4 mg/L 4.00 mL 1000 mL
2 mg/L 2.00 mL 1000 mL
1 mg/L 1.00 mL 1000 mL

0.50 mg/L 0.50 mL 1000 mL

0.20 mg/L 0.20 mL 1000 mL

0.10 mg/L 0.10 mL 1000 mL

NOTE: Users can also purchase 1.0 mg/L nitrate-N standard from YSI in 500 mL quantities as Model
Number 3885.

SELECTING A NITRATE STANDARD CONCENTRATION – For your initial deployment using
either a 9600-02 (2 mm detector cell) or a 9600-10 (10 mm detector cell), YSI recommends using a
standard that is 1mg/L in nitrate-nitrogen (nitrate-N). This standard will assure readings that are accurate
to 5 % of the reading or 0.2 mg/L whichever is greater, with the 9600-02 and 5 % of the reading or 0.02
mg/L, whichever is greater, with the 9600-10. Once you obtain more information about the typical high
and low limits of nitrate concentration at a particular site, you might want to use standards of different
values to maximize accuracy. For example, with a 9600-02, if the water at your site is known to

YSI Environmental 15 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

consistently contain concentrations of nitrate higher than 6 mg/L, then users might consider employing a
higher standard concentration such as 6 mg/L nitrate-N. For many estuarine and near coastal studies,
where nitrate concentrations may always be below 0.5 mg/L nitrate-N, the use of a 0.2 mg/L standard will
probably improve the data accuracy. Note, however, that YSI does not recommend using standards less
than 0.1 mg/L of nitrate-N.

CAUTION: Use of standards with concentrations higher than 8 mg/L of nitrate-N may compromise the
accuracy of the 9600.

NOTE: The procedure noted above for the variable nitrate-nitrogen standards will have to be carried out
multiple times in order to generate enough standard to fill the two reagent bags as described below.
Alternatively, a larger volumetric flask can be used in the preparation as long as the amount of 1000 mg/L
standard shown in the table is increased appropriately.

After preparing the reagent solutions, be sure to label each storage bottle appropriately.

BLANK– The blank is typically purified water which has a salinity which is roughly that of the water at
the site for brackish and oceanographic applications and simply deionized or distilled water for freshwater
applications.

2.4 FILLING THE REAGENT BAGS

Under deployment conditions, chemical reagents are fed into the FIA system of the Model 9600 from
collapsible reagent bags that you unpacked and set aside in Section 2.1 above. Thus, to operate the nitrate
monitor, you must transfer solutions from the storage bottles to the bags prior to each deployment. The
bags are nominally 1 L, but will in fact require approximately 1.2 L of solution for complete filling and
maximum deployment times.

CAUTION: Be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment including safety glasses and gloves
while filling the reagent bags. In addition, be certain to point the reagent bag fittings away from
your face when you are expelling air from the bag through the partially-open fittings as described
below.

NOTE: The reagent bags are color-coded to match the threaded fittings on the nitrate monitor tubing to

facilitate installation. Be sure to put each reagent in the proper color-coded bag according to the
information in the table below:

REAGENT BAG COLOR

Standard – 2 bags White

Blank – Purified Water Black

Buffer Blue

NED + Photo-Flo 200 Red

Sulfanilimide + BRIJ Yellow

Wash – Purified Water + Photo-Flo 200 Green

It may also be prudent for the user to label each bag with a “magic marker” prior to filling.

NOTE: For the Predeployment Check of the analyzer as described in Section 4.2 below, you will need
TWO 1 liter bags filled with your standard solution. Note that you have been furnished with two
bags labeled with a white tie-wrap, one of which has a tubing assembly attached.

YSI recommends that the method outlined below be used to fill each of the reagent bags:

YSI Environmental 16 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Locate the 60 mL plastic syringe that was supplied with your Model 9600 in the 9615 Syringe Kit and

remove the plunger. Clamp the syringe to a ringstand with the Luer Lock bottom fitting “down” and
the syringe opening “up”.

• Remove the Luer Lock plug from the side port on the reagent bag and make sure that the pinch clamp

on the middle port of the bag is open. CAUTION: Make sure that you save the side port plug for
resealing the bag after filling.

• Attach the reagent bag via the side port to the Luer Lock fitting at the bottom of the syringe and tighten

securely. See the pictures below for the proper set-up to begin filling reagent bags.

• Make sure that the pinch clamp on the middle port of the bag is in the “open” position.

• Pour the appropriate reagent into the 60-mL syringe and allow it to drain into the reagent bag. Repeat

the addition of reagent until the bag is full and reagent overflows slightly out of the middle port of the
bag.

• Close the pinch clamp on the middle port of the reagent bag so that no solution can escape via this

route.

• Carefully remove the syringe from the side port of the reagent bag and seal the side port with the plug

which was set aside above. With the bag completely sealed, invert the bag back and forth several
times to loosen any bubbles that might be present.

• Now hold the bag in your hand with the connectors “up” and move it slightly back and forth until any

bubbles present are near the side Luer Lock fitting. Loosen the Luer Lock plug slightly (Do no t
remove it) and squeeze the bag gently to expel any bubbles out through the port as shown in the picture
below. Then quickly retighten the Luer Lock plug. See the picture below.

YSI Environmental 17 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

The reagent bag is now ready for installation in the nitrate analyzer.

Repeat the filling process for all six reagent bags. Note that the wash (green fitting) and blank (black
fitting) bags should be filled with purified water only.

NOTE: Be sure to rinse the 60 mL syringe with purified water before switching reagents to avoid cross
contamination in the reagent bags.

2.5 PREPARING THE CADMIUM COLUMN

The cadmium column that was set aside during the unpacking process in Section 2.1 is a key ingredient in
the Model 9600 function and MUST be activated prior to use in the nitrate monitor. Activation should be
carried out according to the instructions below.

CAUTION: Cadmium, according to the USEPA, is toxic and a probable human carcinogen. Be sure
to handle the column and perform the activation process in an approved fume hood. Be sure to
wear appropriate personal protective equipment including eye protection and wear gloves while
handling the column and performing the activati on process. Failure to observe these precautions
may lead to potentially serious health problems.

To activate the cadmium column, you must locate the 10-mL plastic syringe assembly that is part of the
9615 Syringe Kit that was supplied with the nitrate monitor. Note that the syringe is fitted with tubing and
a threaded fitting. This syringe is used to push reagents through the cadmium column during the activation
process. You will also require the following reagents that were prepared or purchased above:

• Hydr ochloric Acid (10 % v/v)

• Ammonium Chloride Buffer Solution

• Copper Sulfate Solution (10 % w/v)

Once the reagents and the 10 mL syringe assembly have been located, you are ready to proceed to the next
step.

2.5.1 PREPARING THE COPPER SULFATE REAGENT

The copper sulfate solution (10 % w/v), purchased as described in 2.3.1 above, MUST be diluted prior to
its use in cadmium column activation. Perform the dilution by placing 2 mL of the purchased 10 % (w/v)

YSI Environmental 18 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

reagent in a beaker or other suitable container and adding 8 mL of purified water. The resulting 2 % (w/v)
solution will be used as part of the cadmium column activation process.

2.5.2 CADMIUM COLUMN ACTIVATION

CAUTION: In case an inadvertent leak occurs during the following procedure, it is prudent to
perform all operations with the apparatus placed in a flat glass baking dish with dimensions of about
9” x 18 “ x 1”. This procedure allows all leaks to be contained and allows for proper cleanup and
disposal of any spilled reagents.

Working in an approved fume hood, open the box and remove the cadmium column assembly – shown

•

in the picture below.

• Wearing appropriate protective equipment, remove the threaded plugs at the ends of the column

assembly and set aside for later reassembly.

• Place about 15 mL of 10 % (v/v) hydrochloric acid in a beaker or other suitable vessel. With the

syringe plunger fully depressed, place the threaded fitting at the bottom of the syringe assembly in the
reagent and withdraw 10 mL into the syringe by pulling back on the plunger.

• Connect the threaded connector on the syringe assembly to one end of the cadmium column and

tighten by hand – no tools should be used. Mark the direction of flow that you have chosen through
the column by using a marker to place an arrow on the cadmium column assembly.

• Hold the open end of the cadmium column over a beaker or other suitable vessel and then depress the

plunger on the syringe assembly to push the acid steadily through the column as shown in the picture
below. The entire injection process should take approximately 15 seconds.

YSI Environmental 19 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Rinse and fill the syringe assembly with 10 mL of purified water and repeat the injection procedure

through the column to rinse out the acid. Again, the injection process should take approximately 15
seconds.

• Rinse the syringe assembly with purified water and fill it with the 2 % (w/v) copper sulfate solution

prepared in 2.5.1 above. Connect the syringe assembly to the cadmium column and slowly inject 5 mL
of the reagent into the column while holding the open end of the column over a beaker. The injection
of the 5 mL aliquot of reagent should take approximately 30 seconds. Do not remove the syringe
assembly (which still should contain 5 mL of solution) from the cadmium column .

• Reinsert the threaded plug in the open end of the column assembly.

• Set the entire assembly aside for at least 15 minutes to allow proper activation. No damage to the

column will occur if the assembly is left for several hours in this state.

• After the initial activation, remove the threaded plug from the open end of the column, slowly inject

the remaining 5 mL of the copper sulfate solution into the cadmium column and again set the assembly
aside for 15 minutes or longer after reinserting the plug in the open end of the column.

• Remove the syringe from the assembly and rinse it with purified water. Remove the threaded plug

from the other end of the column assembly .

• Fill the syringe with 10 mL of the ammonium chloride buffer solution which was prepared as

described in 2.3.3 above. Inject all of the buffer reagent through the cadmium column at a rate so that
the entire injection takes about 15 seconds.

• Remove the syringe from the column assembly and reinsert the threaded plugs in each end of the

assembly.

The cadmium column is now activated and ready for installation.

2.6 INSTALLING THE CADMIUM COLUMN

The next step in setting up for deployment is to install the cadmium column in the carousel of the nitrate
analyzer. Remove the carousel from the outer shell of the analyzer and place it on the floor or a bench top
in the vertical position supported by its three legs.

YSI Environmental 20 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

g

Locate the two black straps in one of the carousel segments that will be used to retain the cadmium column
assembly. Note that there is a section of tubing within the straps with two ends with brown threaded
fittings that are connected by a translucent nut.

NOTE: For optimum performance, the cadmium column should be installed in the flow system of the
carousel so that the direction of flow through the column is the SAME as that used in its activation.

To make sure that the direction of flow through the cadmium column is correct, note that one of the
sections of tubing within the carousel straps tubing goes to a circular tan fitting with two other pieces of
tubing connected to it. This fitting on this section should be attached to the OUTLET of the cadmium
column as marked during the activation process. See the picture below left to identify the tubing nut that
goes to the cadmium tube outlet.

Loosen the straps by pushing up on the tab and pulling on the strap as shown in the picture ab ove right.

Remove the translucent coupling nut so that the two threaded brown fittings are free. As noted above,
identify the threaded nut that goes to the circular tan adapter. Remember that this nut should be attached to
the OUTLET of the cadmium column assembly.

Screw the threaded fittings on the tubing ends into the ends of the cadmium column assembly after
removing the plugs from the column. Use only finger tightening to make the connection – no tools should
be used.

Align the connected cadmium column assembly vertically within the strap clamps and pull the end of the
straps so that the column assembly is held in place firmly as shown in the picture below. Note that the
straps should fit within the indentations on the cadmium column assembly.

Outlet

CAUTION: Be certain to retain the two black plugs that were removed from the cadmium
column prior to its installation. These plugs will be required to seal the column assembly
for proper disposal after its reducing capacity has been expended.

Circular Fittin

YSI Environmental 21 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Now proceed to the installation of the reagent bags as described in Section 2.7 below.

2.7 INSTALLING THE REAGENT BAGS

The next step in setting up the Model 9600 for field use is to install the six 1-liter reagent bags containing
solutions prepared in Section 2.4 above into the nitrate monitor carousel. Remove the carousel from the
outer shell of the analyzer and place it on the floor or a bench top in the vertical position supported by the
three legs. Then follow the step-by-step instructions below to install the reagent bags.

• Locate the six lines of reagent tubing which have color-coded threaded fitting on the ends. The ends

of the tubing with threaded fittings will be found hanging below the middle plate of the carousel and
should be retrieved manually. Note that these are the only loose fittings within the carousel, so their
identification should not be a problem.

• Note that there are three compartments in the top section of the carousel and that each compartment

must hold two reagent bags. The bags will be placed on the hooks that are hanging from the top plate
of the reagent compartments.

• Retrieve one of the fittings which is hanging in the carousel, note its color and then locate the filled

reagent bag with the same colored tie-wrap on its middle port. Make sure that each bag has the proper
reagent as shown in the table below. As long as the color code was followed in the filling of the
reagent bags, no possibility of error exists at this step. Make sure that the recovered tubing is routed
through the hole in the middle of the bottom plate rather than around the edges.

REAGENT BAG COLOR

Standard – 2 bags White

Blank – Purified Water Black

Buffer Blue

NED Red

Sulfanilimide Yellow

Wash – Purified Water Green

• Make the tubing to reagent bag connection by screwing the threaded fitting on the tubing into the

middle port of the reagent bag. Tighten securely with fingers only – no tools should be used.

• Hang the connected bag from one of the six hooks in the upper plate of the carousel.

• Repeat the sequence for the remaining five reagent bags making sure that t here are tw o b ags hanging

in each compartment, one on each hook.

• Open the pinch clamps on all bags and flick the middle port of each of the bags with your finger to

cause any remaining air bubbles to move to the top (closed end) of the reagent bags as shown in the
picture below.

YSI Environmental 22 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Flick fitting to force
bubbles to top of bag

2.8 USING THE WASTE BAGS

As received by the user, the two 5 liter waste bags will already be connected and reside in the bottom
compartment of the carousel. However, YSI sugg est s that u sers become acquainted with the routing of the
tubing to the bags from the pump manifold so that reattachment after each deployment will be easier.

Note that each waste bag is enclosed in a plastic net that will support the weight of the liquid waste during a
deployment. The net material is an integral part of the waste bag assembly and should NOT be removed.
The waste bag assembly is attached via the metal clips to two hooks on the bottom of the carousel’s middle
plate. Each of the two waste bag assemblies should be attached to two different hooks for proper function.

Note also that a single waste line from the manifold connects to a “T” fitting which distributes the effluent
from the system between the bags as shown in the picture below. Because the flow path to one bag may be
slightly more facile than the other, it is not uncommon for effectively all of the waste to accumulate in a
single bag until it is full and then the waste stream shift to the other bag. Users should not be concerned by
this phenomenon.

2.8.1 REMOVING THE WASTE BAGS

To remove the waste bags, place the carousel on the floor or on a bench in a vertical orientation, supported
by its three legs. Then follow the step-by-step instructions below:

From Pump Manifold

T-Fitting

To Waste Bags

YSI Environmental 23 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Make certain that the pinch clamps on the two waste bags are CLOSED.

• Remove the threaded fittings from the middle ports of the waste bags.

• Remove the waste bag assemblies (waste bag enclosed in netting) from the hooks on the underside of

the center plate of the carousel.

• Set the waste bag assemblies aside for proper disposal of the waste.

CAUTION: The waste solution will contain potentially hazardous organic compounds, hydrochloric
acid, and, most importantly, cadmium ions (Cd

carcinogen. Users should be aware of two important warnings when dealing with this waste
solution:

• Be certain to wear appropriate personal protective equipment including disposable

gloves and proper protective eyewear when handling the waste bags and the waste
solution.

• Be certain to dispose of the waste properly. Unless specifically allowed by your local

wastewater authority, the waste should NOT be emptied into a sanitary sewer, i.e. a sink
drain. Instead, the waste should be collected in a suitable container and disposed of
with an approved waste handler. This waste handler should be contacted BEFORE you
accumulate waste in laboratory or field studies so that the proper storage vessels are
available and a schedule for waste pick-up has been arranged.

• To empty each bag into the appropriate container, invert the bag so that the port is in the “down”

position and is over the waste container. Then carefully open the pinch clamp and allow the waste
solution to flow out of the bag. Use gentle pressure on the bag to facilitate the process and make sure
that all of the solution has been removed. Note, however, that it is not important to rinse the waste
bag before reinstallation.

2.8.2 ATTACHING THE WASTE BAGS

To install the waste bags prior to deployments, place the carousel on the floor or bench in a vertical
position supported by its three legs, as shown in the pictures above, and follow the step-by-step instructions
below.

• Open the pinch clamp on the port of the waste bag and place the bag assembly on a flat surface.

• Place your hand on the closed end of the bag and move it across the bag toward the end with the

fitting, squeezing out any air through the pinch clamp fitting.

• Close the pinch clamp.

• Locate one of the tan-colored threaded fittings on the waste lines and attach it to the pinch clamp port

of the waste bag. Tighten securely with fingers only – no tools sho ul d be use d.

• Hang the empty waste bag assembly (waste bag in netting) on two of the hooks on the underside of the

center plate of the carousel.

• Install the second waste bag repeating the steps above.

2+

) which are toxic and a potential human

YSI Environmental 24 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Open the pinch clamps on the ports of the waste bags.

2.9 ASSEMBLING THE NITRATE MONITOR

Before assembling the Model 9600 nitrate monitor for deployment, make sure the following has been done:

• The cadmium column has been activated properly and installed in the carousel.

• The six reagent bags have been filled, attached to the proper connectors, are properly installed, i.e.,

hanging from individual hooks in the carousel, and all of their pinch clamps have been OPENED.

• The two waste bag assemblies are properly attached to the effluent lines and the metal rings at the tip

of each assembly are attached to the hooks on the bottom of the carousel center plate. OPEN the
pinch clamps on the waste bag assemblies.

CAUTION: Make absolutely certain that the pinch clamps on all of the bags (reagent and waste) are
OPEN so that fluid can be pumped within the system. Failure to open ALL pinch clamps will result
in total failure and may damage the pumps.

After this check list has been completed, assemble the 9600 by following the instructions below:

• Place the outer shell of the monitor on the floor near the carousel.

• Lift the carousel by the bail, raising it above the top of the outer shell as shown in the picture below:

• Slide the carousel into the outer shell making sure that the two rectangular indentations on the top plate

of the carousel are aligned with the black strips on the outside of the outer shell as shown in the
pictures below. Note carefully that the inlet filter should be on the side of the strip that has two

YSI Environmental 25 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

eyebolts attached to it. The picture on the left below shows th e correct orientation; the one on the
right shows the incorrect placement of the carousel within the outer shell.

CAUTION: Make certain that no sections of tubing are pinched between the outer shell and the
carousel during the assembly process.

• With the carousel supported by the outer shell and the top plate slots aligned with the outer shell strips,

press down on the top plate until the outer shell is seated in the circular slot on the carousel top plate
and the four (4) side screw holes in the strips on the outer shell are aligned properly with the holes in
the top plate.

• Install the four screws that were set aside in the disassembly process described in Section 2.1 above.

Use either a standard Phillips head screwdriver for this process or a battery powered driver with a
Phillips bit.

CAUTION: If a power driver is used, make sure that it is on a minimal torque setting to avoid
overtightening the screws.

CAUTION: The eyebolts which are used to attach the bail to the top of the carousel are DESIGNED
TO BE AT AN ANGLE as shown in the picture below. Do NOT attempt to straighten the alignment
of the eyebolts.

Correct

Incorrect

DO NOT CHANGE ALIGNMENT
OF EYEBOLTS

YSI Environmental 26 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 3 PREPARING FOR A 9600 DEPLOYMENT

In Section 2, you set up the physical components of your Model 9600 – cadmium column, reagent bags,
and waste bags. In this section, you will learn how to install the PC software which allows interface to
your 9600, power your instrument with either a battery pack or a power supply, attach a cable to the 9600,
and establish an interface between the nitrate monitor and your PC.

3.1 INSTALLING NUVIEW PC SOFTWARE

Locate the NUview CD-ROM which was shipped as part of your 9600 package and which you unpacked in
Section 2.1 above. The CD contains a file that will install software to your PC that will allow you to interface
to the 9600 in order to:

• Configure y our inst rument for a depl oyment

• Start a depl oyment

• Interact wit h the 9600 during depl oyment s to upload data

• Stop a deployment

This software is designated NUview and the Model 9600 can ONLY be operated from a computer which is
running this software.

3.1.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

NUview software will run properly on computers with the following characteristics:

• IBM Compatible PC

• Windows

• 32 MB memory

• 20 MB available disk space

• CD-ROM Drive

• RS-232 Serial Port

• Monit o r ca pable of 800 x 600 resolution or better

3.1.2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

To install NUview software to your computer, perform the following steps:

• Place the NUview CD-ROM into the CD drive of your computer.

• Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to view files on the CD-ROM. Double-click on the

The display will indicate that the set-up routine is proceeding. Follow the instructions on the screen as the
installation proceeds. For most applications, the default settings should work without problems. After
installation, there is no need to restart the computer.

®

2000, or XP

Setup.exe file.

YSI Environmental 27 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

3.2 CHOOSING A CABLE FOR THE 9600

Depending on your applications, several YSI cables can be used to interface your 9600 to a computer
running NUview software. The use of each of the cable types is explained below.

3.2.1 MODEL 6067B LABORATORY CABLE

The 6067B is a short cable with a slide-in connector for the 9600 communication port on one end and a
DB-9 (for serial computer connection) on the other. The cable also has an MS-4 connector which can be
used to input power to the 9600 from the optional 9689 power supply – see section 3.3.2 below for more
information on the 9689. If your applications involve the remote deployment of the 9600 where the
instrument is powered on internal batteries and then recovered for data upload, then the relatively­inexpensive 6067B is probably the ideal cable interface to your 9600. The cable can be used in the
laboratory to set up the instrument for deployments as described in Section 4 below and to upload data in
the laboratory or in the field when no provision for a water tight connection to the 9600 is required.
However, users should note the following limitation of the 6067B before choosing to purchase this cable
for use with the 9600:

• The connection between the cable and the 9600 is NOT watertight and so the cable cannot remain in

place for field deployments

To use the 6067B with your 9600, simply align the keys on the “sonde” end of the cable and the
communication port on top of the 9600 and press the connectors together. Then plug the DB-9 end of the
connector into a serial port on a computer running NUview software. To power the instrument using the
9689 power supply, connect the MS-4 connector on the 9689 to the mating connector on the cable.

3.2.2 STANDARD YSI 6-SERIES CABLES

Users of the 9600 who also have YSI 6-series field cables, su ch as the Models 6090, 6091, 6092, or 6093,
can utilize these cables for interface to the 9600 under limited conditions. These cables have a silver,
water-tight “sonde” connector with a knurled nut on one end and a smaller military-style (MS) connector
on the other end. When using these cables to interface to the 9600, the optional YSI 6095B MS-8 to DB-9
adapter must be connected to the MS-8 end of the cable. Place the MS-8 ends of the cable and adapter
together, and rotate until the alignment pins engage and the male and female portions of the connector slide
together. Once the bodies of the connectors are fully engaged, twist the knurled ring on the cable until the
two pieces lock together.

Once the cable is assembled, attach the knurled silver connector to the communication port on the top of
your 9600. Rotate the knurled end until the metal “key” engages and then tighten the connector by turning
the knurled nut clockwise using fingers only – no tools should be used.

Connect the DB-9 end of the cable assembly to a serial port of the PC on which you have installed NUview
software in Section 3.1 above.

CAUTION: Users with existing 6-series field cables should be aware of the following limitation for use
with the 9600.

• The 9600 CANNOT be powered by auxiliary devices such as the 9689 power supply, 12 volt lead acid

batteries, or data collection platforms during deployments using these cables. The current draw when
the 9600 is actually making measurements is too great for the wires in the cable.

YSI Environmental 28 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

3.2.3 MODEL 9600 FIELD CABLES

As noted in Sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 above, the major limitation of the use of existing YSI cables with the
9600 is that the nitrate monitor CANNOT be powered externally through these cables during deployments
using the 9689 power supply, auxiliary batteries, or data collection platforms. However, special field
cables such as the 9691, 9692, and 9693 are available for use with the 9600 under these conditions. These
cables utilize heavier gauge wires than the standard YSI cables such that the 9600 can be remotely powered
for distances of up to 100 feet between the power supply and the nitrate monitor.

NOTE CAREFULLY: The 96XX series field cables can be identified by the YELLOW plastic
overmold on each of the connectors. The standard YSI 6-series cables have BLACK plastic
overmolds on the connectors.

As described above for the standard 6-series cables in Section 3.2.2, users must utilize a 6095B adapter
with the 96XX cables in order to interface to a computer running NUview software

Remember that if you will be powering your 9600 IN THE FIELD USING AUXILIARY POWER OF
ANY TYPE you will need to use a 96XX field cable – a standard 6-series cable will NOT function in this
mode.

Once you have selected the cable that is suitable for your application, proceed to the next section on
applying power to the 9600.

3.3 POWERING THE 9600

3.3.1 INSTALLING AND USING THE BATTERY PACK

For remote deployments, the Model 9600 operates off a factory sealed battery pack containing 14 alkaline
D batteries operating at an initial voltage of approximately 10.5 volts. A battery pack has been shipped
with your 9600 and will be found in the battery compartment as described above in the unpacking
instructions.

NOTE: For initial set-up of the 9600, YSI recommends using the battery pack as described below.
However, if you have purchased the Model 9689 power supply, you may also use this item to power the
instrument during the set-up process. If you wish to use the 9689 in the absence of batteries, proceed to
Section 3.3.2 below.

CAUTION: Users should use ONLY battery packs which have been purchased from YSI for use with
the 9600. Use of alternative battery packs could damage the instrument.

To properly install the Model 9600 battery pack, follow the step-by-step instructions belo w:

• With the assembled Model 9600 in a vertical position on the floor or a benchtop, locate the battery lid

on top of the instrument as shown in the picture below left:

YSI Environmental 29 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Using your fingers only, loosen the four captive screws on the battery lid until they turn freely.

NOTE: If the screws are too tight to remove by hand, it is permissible to use a slotted screwdriver to
loosen them.

• Grasp the handle on the battery lid and pull straight up to remove it, exposing the battery compartment

as shown in the picture above right. Set the lid aside for later reassembly.

• Locate the hexagonal battery pack that is stored in the battery compartment and is shown in the picture

above right. Note that there is a cable attached to the battery pack with a 2-wire connector.

• Note that there is also a cable coming out of the side of the battery compartment that also has a mating

2-wire connector.

• Connect the two 2-wire connectors together to power the instrument from the battery pack.

• Replace the battery lid and tighten the four screws using your fingers only.

IMPORTANT: If the two battery cables are connected, then the batteries are slowly being
discharged even if the instrument is not being used actively. Therefore, for periods of inactivity
lasting more than a few hours, YSI recommends that you remove the battery lid and disconnect the
two connectors in order to maximize the lifetime of your battery pack.

Battery Lid

CAUTION: The battery lid screws are captive. Do NOT continue to turn them after the
battery lid can be removed.

Battery Pack

3.3.2 USING THE MODEL 9689 POWER SUPPLY

Although the Model 9600 has internal batteries, using the optional Model 9689 power supply for laboratory
studies and for instrument calibration and set-up is often convenient and extends battery life. The 9689 will
automatically convert line voltages of 90 to 264 VAC to 12 VDC and allows for the use of line input cords
from most countries world-wide. The Model 9689 is supplied with an American/Canadian cord.

To use the 9689, attach the four-pin connector from the power supply to the mating connector on the 6067B
cable or the 6095B adapter when using a field cable. Twist the connectors together and then simply plug
the power cord into the appropriate AC outlet. The 9600 is equipped with reverse voltage protection so

Lift

YSI Environmental 30 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

that both the battery pack described in 3.3.1 above and the 9689 power supply can both be plugged in with
no concern about damage to the alkaline batteries.

CAUTION: Remember that it will ONLY be possible to power the 9600 with the 9689 for field
applications when a special 96XX cable with yellow plastic ends is used. While the 9689 can be used
with standard YSI cables for instrument set-up and data upload, it cannot be used to power the
instrument for actual field studies.

CAUTION: Note that, while physically compatible with the 9600 cables (see below), other YSI power
supplies such as the 6037, 6038, and 6123 should NOT be used with the 9600 since they do not supply
enough power to operate the pumps correctly, regardless of the cable used.

3.4 ATTACHING THE SECOND STANDARD BAG

For the Predeployment Check described in Section 4.2 below, the “sample” which is run should be
identical to the standard used for the deployment. To carry out this step, you must locate the second
standard bag which has tubing assembly attached to its middle port and which was filled with standard in
Section 2.4 above.

To install the second standard bag for the predeployment check, follow the step-by-step instructions below:

• Use the picture below to locate the inlet filter and its guard which are located on the top of the top plate

of the carousel.

• Remove the inlet filter guard by unscrewing it in a counterclockwise direction and set it aside for later

use.

• Remove the inlet filter assembly by unscrewing it in a counter clockwise direction and set it aside for

later use. Be sure to unscrew the entire assembly by grasping it close to the inlet port rather than
grasping just the filter itself.

• Lay the second standard bag on the top of the carousel and attach the white threaded fitting on its

tubing assembly to the inlet filter port as shown in the picture below. Tighten with finger pressure
only – no tools should be used.

Inlet filter and guard

YSI Environmental 31 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Open the pinch clamp on the middle port of the second standard bag.

• Hold the bag vertically so that the ports are on the bottom and tap the middle port to cause any trapped

air to move to the bottom of the bag.

If you have followed the step-by-step instructions above, your 9600 should be:

• Equipped with full reagent bags.

• Equipped with empty waste bags.

• Reassembled with the carousel inside the outer shell.

• Have the second standard bag attached to the 9600 inlet port.

• Powered using either the internal battery pack or the 9689 power supply.

• Attached to a serial port on a PC on which you have installed NUview software.

Make certain that all of these steps are complete before proceeding to the next section where you will
interface to the 9600 using NUview software.

3.5 INTERFACING TO THE 9600

To run NUview software, click on the Windows Start button. Go to Programs>NUview and click on the
NUview icon.

The program will display the following screen.

YSI Environmental 32 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Clicking on the System selection in the top menu bar and then choosing the Select entry will display the
following screen that allows you to set up several items for later use.

Before proceeding, you should enter the following information in the System menu:

• Select a designation for your 9600 and type it in under Unit ID. This entry must be 15 characters or

less.

• Select an SDI12 address for your unit if you are going to use it with a data collection platform. YSI

recommends leaving the value at the default of zero (0) unless you have a specific reason to change it.

• Enter the date format by clicking on the arrow and selecting the preferred format.

• In time, you will be able to select from a variety of languages for the NUview menus. At the time of

release, however, only English is available, so no choice is possible for this item.

The “Board Info” data at the bottom of the display cannot be changed by the user and shows the current
versions of firmware in the two circuit boards that are present in the 9600.

Clicking on the Help|About selection in the top menu bar will display the following screen and will allow
you to ascertain the current version of NUview software on your PC.

Now proceed to Section 4 of the manual where you will begin a 9600 deployment.

YSI Environmental 33 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 4 STARTING A 9600 DEPLOYMENT

4.1 UNDERSTANDING CALIBRATION OF THE 9600

As described above, part of the reagent package of the 9600 is a standard (usually 1mg/L or higher
concentration for a 9600-02 and 1 mg/L or lower for a 9600-10) and a blank (purified water with no nitr ate
present). These reagents are run through the system periodically during a deployment providing on-board
calibration that compensates for any instrument drift. These calibration points are used to convert the
optical readings from actual samples into nitrate values in mg/L of nitrate-N. This calibration protocol is
transparent to the user.

When starting a 9600 deployment, users will have to make three choices that will affect the calibration of
the instrument during the study. These choices are input to the 9600 software in the deployment “Wizard”
which is described in Section 4.4 below.

1. The first choice is the frequency of calibration, i.e., how often the standard and blank are run during a

deployment. YSI generally recommends that calibration be carried out every 12 hours and no less
often than once every 24 hours. The number that you will enter is the number of samples between
calibration points. Thus, if you want to calibrate every 12 hours and your sample interval is 1 hour,
you would enter 12. However, if your sample interval were 30 minutes (0.5 hours) you would enter
24 to obtain a calibration every 12 hours.

2. The second choice is the concentration value for the nitrate standard in units of mg/L of nitrate-N.

YSI recommends the use of a standard with a concentration of 1 mg/L for your first deployment at a
given site. If it turns out that the nitrate levels at this location are consistently lower or higher than this
value, then you can choose standards of other concentrations for subsequent studies.

3. The final choice is your sample interval that does in fact have an indirect effect on the timing of the

calibration. A standard calibration protocol (blank and standard analyzed by the 9600 flow system)
takes slightly less than 15 minutes to complete. This means that it is not possible to run the calibration
routine between samples at the lowest allowed sample interval of 15 minutes. If a 15 minute sample
interval is selected, the calibration sequence will thus displace one data point, slightly interrupting the
continuous data stream. For sample intervals over 15 minutes, the calibration will automatically occur
between samples and a continuous data stream will be logged at the user-selected interval.

NOTE CAREFULLY: When using your 9600 with a data collection platform (DCP) via an SDI-12
interface, the MINIMUM SAMPLE INTERVAL ALLOWED IS 30 MINUTES. See Section 5.5
below for details on the setting up of your instrument for DCP interface.

More information on these selections is found in Section 4.4 below.

4.2 CHECK LIST FOR DEPLOYMENT READINESS

After interfacing to the 9600 with NUview software as described above, the following display will be
shown.

YSI Environmental 34 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

4.2.1 PREDEPLOYMENT BATTERY VOLTAGE CHECK

The voltage associated with your alkaline batteries will help you to determine if you have sufficient battery
capacity prior to a deployment. To read the battery voltage, click on the System selection in the top menu
bar and the display shown below left will appear. Click on the Check Battery Voltage selection and the
current battery voltage will be displayed as shown below right.

With regard to the battery voltage, YSI recommends the following:

• Check your battery voltage before each deployment.

• Make sure that the battery voltage is at least 10.0 volts prior to any deployment of 30 days or greater.

4.2.2 PREDEPLOYMENT HARDWARE CHECK

To continue the process of setting up the 9600 for a field de pl oy ment, click on the Start Deployment button
to move to the screen shown below left. This screen is designed as a reminder to perform a critical system
check prior to moving to the next step. Carefully read each item and when you are sure that the action has
been completed, click the box to activate a check mark. Note that all items MUST be checked as shown
below right before it is possible to proceed to the next step.

YSI Environmental 35 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

After all items have been checked, click the Next button to proceed to the Predeployment System Check as
described in Section 4.3 below

4.3 PREDEPLOYMENT SYSTEM CHECK

After clicking the Next button in the Check List box, the following screen will appear:

First, select the range in which you anticipate your field nitrate readings to be – 0-5 mg/L for “Normal”
readings and 5-10 mg/L for “High” readings – by clicking the proper button. Note that you should always
select the “Normal” setting when using a 9600-10 with a 10 mm detector cell.

Now make a decision on the running of a Predeployment System Check as described below.

From the above screen, you have the ability to choose one of two options:

• Run a Pre-Deployment System Check which will assure that your instrument will function correctly in

an upcoming deployment by clicking the button as shown in the figure above.

• Bypass the Predeployment System check and proceed immediately to the next portion of the

Deployment Wizard by clicking the Next button as shown in the figure below.

CAUTION: YSI strongly recommends that you perform a predeployment check prior to each
deployment. If you do NOT carry out the test, you may deploy your instrument for several days and
then find that your data is flawed because of some instrument malfunction, e.g., improperly installed
reagent bags or pinched tubing. Further, without the predeployment test, the accuracy of your data
may be compromised by the fact that you will not have calibrated the relative volumes of the sample
and standard pumps as described in Section 8.6 below. Finally, if you deploy without performing a
Predeployment Check and experience any difficulties with the system performance, it will be much
more difficult for the problem to be isolated by YSI Technical Support personnel. With this in
mind, USERS SHOULD
THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS DESCRIBED BELOW IS RELEVANT.

ALWAYS PERFORM A PREDEPLOYMENT CHECK UNLESS ONE OF

Click Here to Run
Predeployment Check

Click Here to Bypass
Predeployment Check ,
But See Caution Below

YSI Environmental 36 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• You wish to start a deployment study IN THE FIELD as described in Section 4.4 below and you have

already run (and passed) a Predeployment Check in the laboratory.

• After performing and passing the Predeployment Check and starting a deployment as described below,

you realize that a mistake has been made in one or more of the entries you made in the Predeployment
Setup Wizard as shown below. These entries include the sample interval, the file and site names, the
standard concentration, and the time for starting the deployment. Under these conditions, you should
stop the deployment and then return immediately to the Predeployment Setup screen, and then
bypassing the Predeployment Check by clicking the Next button.

• After deploying an instrument following a successful Predeployment Check and valid Predeployment

Setup entries, you return to the field, access the instrument in real-time with a laptop PC and decide
that conditions warrant a change in either file/site name (you might be moving the instrument to a new
location) or sample interval. As above, you should then stop the deployment, return immediately to
the Predeployment Setup screen, and then bypass the Predeployment Check by clicking the Next
button.

For most deployments, click the “Start Predeployment System Check” button to proceed. The following
screen will appear indicating that the predeployment check has begun. Note that a countdown timer will
indicate the progress of the test and that the test will take approximately 1 hour. If you want to stop the
test for any reason, simply click the “Cancel” button at the top of the window.

After the test is complete, one of two types of display will appear – indicating that the test was successful
or that it failed the test criteria – as shown below.

YSI Environmental 37 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

If the test was passed, simply click “OK” and then click the Next button to proceed to the final set-up
screen.

If the display indicates that there was a failure in the predeployment systems test, note the nature of the
failure mechanism as shown above:

1. The error message on the left indicates that the absorbance readings from the sample and standard

(which are identical in the Predeployment Check) differ by more than the standard tolerance.

2. The error message on the right indicates that the absorbance readings from the two runs differ by m ore

than the standard tolerance.

3. The error message at the bottom indicates that the absorbance readings of either the standard or the

sample (or both) are too low.

Next see Section 10, Troubleshooting, for help in overcoming the problem and repeat the Predeployment
Check by clicking the “Yes” button on any of the error codes to return to the first screen of the Deployment
Wizard as shown below.

If the error messages continue to be observed, click the “No” button in the error window to show the
following diagnostic screen.

YSI Environmental 38 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Then contact YSI Technical Support for advice and have the following information available for the YSI
representative:

• The nature of the error message as noted in (1), (2), or (3) above.

• A copy of the absorbance values that are shown on the screen after the test has failed similar to that

shown above.

Note that you also have the option to click the Next button after clicking the “No” button in the diagnostic
screen and move ahead with the deployment with the knowledge that there could be a problem with your
system. HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD ONLY CHOOSE THIS OPTION IF, AFTER CONTACT

WITH YSI TECHNICAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL, YOU UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THE
FAILURE MECHANISM AND HAVE DETERMINED THAT IT WILL HAVE ONLY A MINOR
EFFECT ON DEPLOYMENT DATA.

After completing the Predeployment System Check, proceed to Section 4.4 below to set up the instrument
software for your particular deployment.

4.4 PREDEPLOYMENT SET-UP

When clicking the Next button after the Predeployment System Check has either been passed or bypassed,
the following screen will appear in which you will enter important information about your field study as
described below:

YSI Environmental 39 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Select the Sample Interval for your study – the time between samples in hours:minutes. Use the

incrementing/decrementing buttons or simply click on the box and enter a number from the PC
keyboard. Allowed intervals are 15 minutes and all other even increments of 15 minutes such as 30,
60, 75, 90 minutes. The software will NOT allow the entry of Sample Intervals that are not
increments of 15 minutes. For example, Sample Intervals of 25 minutes or 1 hour and 55 minutes
would be rejected. For your first deployment, YSI recommends a Sample Interval of 1 hour.

NOTE CAREFULLY: When using your 9600 with a data collection platform (DCP) via an SDI-12
interface, the MINIMUM SAMPLE INTERVAL ALLOWED IS 30 MINUTES. See Section 5.5
below for details on the setting up of your instrument for DCP interface.

• Choose a value for the Samples per Calibration entry – the number of actual sample readings

between calibration points. If you select a 1 hour sample interval and 12 Samples per Calibration,
then your instrument will be calibrated every 12 hours or twice a day. For your first deployment, YSI
recommends a Samples per Calibration value of 12 together with a Sample Interval of 1 hour

• Choose a time to Start Logging – the time that your deployment will actually start. Note, however,

that the first two points in every deployment sequence are a blank and a standard and to complete this
calibration routine requires slightly less than 15 minutes. The 9600 software takes this calibration into
account and will automatically run the first actual sample at the next “even” sample interval point after
the calibration. Thus, if you choose 15:00:00 as the time to “Start Deployment”, the calibration
routine will start at 15:00:00 and your first sample will be run at various points depending on what
sample interval you chose as documented below:

Sample Interval Time of First Sample

15 minutes 15:15:00
30 minutes 15:30:00

1 hours 16:00:00
2 hours 17:00:00

YSI Environmental 40 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Note that you can also choose to Log Immediately by clicking on the box to activate a check mark, in
which case the calibration routine will start as soon as you complete the information on the set-up screen
and click the Finish button. Users should be aware that choosing this option will almost always result in
their samples being run at times that are not on the hour, the half hour, or the quarter hour. As an example,
if you choose a 1 hour sample interval and choose the Log Immediately option and start the study at 15:50,
the calibration routine will begin immediately and the first sample will be logged 1 hour after the start of
the calibration, i.e., at 16:50.

• Enter the concentration value of the standard that you have chosen to use. VALUES MUST BE

ENTERED IN MG/L OF NITRATE-NITROGEN. YSI recommends that you use a standard with a
value of 1.00 mg/L nitrate-N for your first d epl oy ment.

• Enter the LogFile Name – the designation that will identify the data from the study both within the

9600 memory and after upload to your computer. NOTE CAREFULLY: The LogFile entry must be 8
characters or less and must not use illegal Windows filename characters such as /, \, |, period, colon,
asterisk, question mark, greater than, less than, space and comma.

• Enter the Site Name – usually this is simply a phrase that describes the deployment such as “Upstream

Bridge at Clear Stream”. Note that all keyboard characters can be used for the Site Name, but the
length is limited to 31 characters.

• Confirm that the ID which you entered in Section 3.5 above is correct or alter it if desired.

Once you have entered all of the information into the set-up Wizard, simply click the Finish button at the
bottom of the screen and the confirmatory display shown at right below will appear.

IMPORTANT: After you start your deployment, you MUST make a decision as to WHEN to remove the
second sample bag from the inlet port and replace it with the inlet filter. The choice of time for the
change is dictated by the fact that the 9600 should not attempt to run a sample when there is no liquid
covering the inlet port. If the inlet filter is exposed to air when a sample routine is run, air will be sucked
into the system and could compromise the accuracy of several subsequent points until all of the gas is
purged from the system. In addition, extended pumping of air into the system will inactivate the cadmium
column and result in complete instrument malfunction. To prevent problems from developing, you have
two choices:

YSI Environmental 41 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

CHOICE 1:

Start the deployment but LEAVE THE SECOND STANDARD BAG IN PLACE UNTIL YOU ARE
ACTUALLY AT THE FIELD SITE AND THEN REPLACE IT WITH THE INLET FILTER. This
procedure effectively eliminates any chance that air will be sucked into the system no matter what the
timing of your deployment. YSI GENERALLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU FOLLOW THIS
PROCEDURE FOR MOST DEPLOYMENTS. NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT IF YOU CHOOSE THIS

OPTION, YOU NEED TO BE SURE TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

• Tape the second standard bag to the top of the carousel as shown in the picture below so that

it does not move in transit and disconnect from the analyzer inlet port.

• Remember to take the inlet filter assembly (filter and guard) with you when you proceed to

the deployment site

CHOICE 2:

Replace the second standard bag with the inlet filter in the laboratory before the deployment begins. Then
either start the deployment in the field via interface to a laptop PC at the site or start the deployment far
enough into the future that you will be assured of having the instrument submersed at the site before a
sample routine is run. The latter procedure will work in most cases, but there is always the chance that
your trip to the deployment site will be delayed and a sample will be run before the inlet filter is submersed
and air will be introduced into the system.

NOTE: You should run at least one Predeployment Test after attaching your 9600 to a PC in the
laboratory and prior to starting a deployment. If you choose to exit NUview and then start the study
in the field using a PC you should follow the instructions in Section 4.3 above to BYPASS the
Predeployment Check.

Tape

4.5 INSTALLING THE INLET FILTER

To install the inlet filter to the inlet port, refer to the pictures and step-by-step instructions below:

YSI Environmental 42 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Close the pinch clamp on the second standard bag.

• Remove the second standard bag fitting from the inlet port and set the bag aside for future use.

• Thread the inlet filter assembly onto the inner threads of the inlet port and tighten by hand – no tools

should be used.

• Thread the inlet filter guard onto the outer threads of the inlet port assembly and tighten by hand – no

tools should be used.

Remember to submerse the inlet port of the 9600 at the deployment site BEFORE THE FIRST SAMPLE
IS RUN to prevent air from being sucked into the system.

After completing Section 4 of the manual, you will have:

• Referred to a Check List to make sure that the hardware and reagent systems are set up properly.

• Run a Predeployment System Check to prove that your system hardware is functioning properly.

• Entered important information about your particular deployment into a set-up Wizard.

• Made a decision as to when you will install the inlet filter on your sample line.

• Started the deployment.

Section 5 below provides hints on how to pick a deployment site, how to power the 9600 in the field, how
to interface to the nitrate monitor to access your data, and how to use the 9600 with a data collection
platform.

Install inlet filter assembly

Install inlet filter guard

YSI Environmental 43 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 5 USING THE 9600 IN THE FIELD

5.1 PICKING A DEPLOYMENT SITE

Because of its relatively large size, selection of sites for deployment of the 9600 is likely to require more care
than for deployment of smaller water quality instrument s such as YSI 6-series sondes. The key requirement
for the deployment site is that the ENTIRE ANALYZER MUST BE IMMERSED for the instrument to
function correctly. Total immersion of the analyzer assures that the reagents are at the same temperature as
the water being analyzed and is necessary for the quoted accuracy specification to be met.

The analyzer can be deployed in either an upright position with its inlet port “up” or in a horizontal position
with its inlet port on the side. For the upright position, approximately 3 feet of water is required to imm erse
the inlet filter and provide a “cushion” to make sure that the inlet port remains under wate r during changes in
water level. For the horizontal position, approximately 18 inches of water i s required t o take into account the
same concern and provide a margin of safety.

For vertical deployments with the inlet port in the “up” position, the 9600 can either be suspended by a ro pe or
chain attached to the bail or can be placed on the bottom of the water body and kept in place by stakes driven
into the bottom around the outer shell of the instrument. Note that the 9600 should NOT be suspended from
the cable alone for deployments where a cable is left attached to an instrument during the study.

CAUTION: Do NOT attach deployment ropes or chains to the handle of the BATTERY
COMPARTMENT. This part is NOT designed to withstand the acute stresses that can sometimes
occur during field deployments. When transporting the unit, be certain to carry it BY THE BAIL.

For horizontal deployments, a rope or chain (user-supplied) can be attached to the two eyebolts on the si de of
the 9600 outer shell and then a separate rope or chain can be attached to the MIDDLE of the first rope or
chain to suspend the analyzer. The 9600 can also be placed on the bottom and kept in place with stakes
driven into the bottom on the edges of the analyzer, but the unit MUST be placed so that the eyebolts are in
the “up” position for proper function of the detector cell no matter whether a 9100-02 (2 mm cell) or 96 00-10
(10 mm cell) is deployed.

Generally, the vertical deployment is most convenient if there is sufficient water at the site t o allow total
submersion of the instrument under these conditions. Advantages of the vertical deployment include t he
ability to use the existing bail for suspension deployments and easier access to the communication connector
(for data upload) and the inlet filter (for cleaning or changing under heavy fouling conditions).

5.2 POWERING THE 9600 DURING A DEPLOYMENT

As noted above, users have basically three choices for supplying power to the nitrate monitor during
deployment:

• An internal battery pack that contains 14 alkaline D cells with an output voltage of approximately 10.5

volts. One of these packs is supplied with each nitrate monitor and replacements are available from
YSI as Model Number 9611.

• A power supply (Model Number 9689) which will automatically convert line voltages of 90 to 264 to

12 VDC and allows for the use of line input cords from most countries worldwide. The Model 9689 is
supplied with an American/Canadian cord. Note that, while physically compatible with the 9600
cables, other YSI power supplies such as the 6037, 6038, and 6123 should NOT be used with the 9600
since they do not supply enough amperage to operate the pumps correctly.

YSI Environmental 44 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• An auxiliary power source with a voltage range of 10 to 20 volts and supplying a current of at least 2

amperes. A typical application under these conditions would be a lead acid battery alone or one that is
being powered by solar cells as part of a data collection platform package.

Combinations of the battery pack and power supplies can also be used. For deployments involving remote
power sources such as the 9689 power supply or auxiliary batteries, YSI recommends that you also have an
internal 9611 battery pack in place in the instrument. The presence of the battery pack will provide data
continuity in the event of power outage (for the 9689 power supply) or premature auxiliary ba ttery failure
or discharge.

As described above in Section 3.3 on cables for the use with the 9600, it very important to purchase the
proper cable if you are going to use an auxiliary power source for your 9600 deployments. Under these
conditions, you MUST purchase the cables with a 96XX designation (9691, 9692, or 9693). While
standard 6-series cables in the 60XX series, e.g., 6090 and 6067B, can be used for interface to set up a
deployment, they CANNOT be used to transmit power from remote sources when actual operation of the
9600 pumps is required.

5.3 VIEWING AND UPLOADING DATA DURING A DEPLOYMENT

Using a laptop PC which is running NUview software, you will be able to visit your 9600 deployment site
and both upload the data from the instrument memory or view the last 10 data points to make sure that the
instrument is functioning properly.

CAUTION: If your have to remove the 9600 from the water at the site in order to interface to the
communication port of the nitrate monit or, y ou sh ould take care to do this WHEN THE UNIT IS NOT
TAKING A READING. If the inlet filter is exposed to air when a sample routine is run, air will be sucked
into the system and could compromise the accuracy of several subsequent points until all of the gas is
purged from the system. With this in mind, make sure that you do NOT remove the analyzer from the
water for at least 15 minutes after the start of each analytical sequence. For example, if you started you
study on the hour at a 1-hour sample interval, only remove the 9600 fro m th e wa ter during the 35-minute
period between 20 minutes after the hour and 5 minutes before the hour. The extra 5 minutes after the
completion of the sequence and before the start of the next sequence is “insurance” to take into account any
discrepancy between the 9600 internal time and external time keeping devices.

To upload or view your deployment data, simply connect your PC to the 9600 with one of the cable options
described above and run NUview. The following display will be seen.

YSI Environmental 45 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Use the options in this display to either view your data, upload your data, or stop your deployment as
described in the two sections below.

NOTE CAREFULLY: There is no need to stop the deployment to view or upload the data that is being
logged for the study currently in progress. DO NOT STOP THE STUDY IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON
LEAVING THE INSTRUMENT IN THE FIELD FOR A CONTINUATION OF THE EXISTING
DEPLOYMENT. See Section 5.4 below for more information on actually stopping a study.

5.3.1 VIEWING DATA

Clicking the Quick View button at the top of the display for an actively logging 9600 will provide a display of
the last 10 data points logged to the internal memory of the 9600. Two for ms of t he data can be viewed
depending on whether the Show Raw Values box is checked.

If the Show Raw Values box is NOT CHECKED, then the nitrate-N concentrations and absorbances
associated with the last 10 data points logged to 9600 memory will be displayed as shown below. Normally ,
you will use this mode to check that your 9600 is functioning properly by making sure t hat the data appears
rational for your particular site.

If the Show Raw Values box is CHECKED, then you will view the raw signal and reference photodetector
outputs for the last 10 samples, the last 10 blanks, and the last 10 standards as shown bel ow. Thi s ty pe of
view will be particularly useful if the data found in the Quick View of the actual concentrations and
absorbances indicates instrument malfunction. The window which contains the information in the Raw
Value Quick View should then be saved to a file for analysis by YSI Technical Support personnel.

YSI Environmental 46 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

5.3.2 UPLOADING DATA

After interfacing the deployed 9600 to your PC that is running NUview software, click t he File butt on to
produce the following display.

Highlight the file that you want to transfer to your PC and then click the Upload button on the left of the
display. The following screen will appear providing two choices for the data format of the uploaded data.

The raw data found in the memory of the 9600 can be uploaded in two formats by clicking the appropriate
selection as described below:

YSI Data Format (.DAT extension) – This data format will probably be preferred by most users and is

•

compatible with the proven YSI data analysis software EcoWatch for Windows
will allow custom reporting and plotting of the data from the 9600 and will allow the interconversion
between concentration units of mg/L of nitrate-N and uM (micromolar) nitrate. Most importantly,
nitrate-N data uploaded in .DAT format will be processed to take into account the periodic calibration
of the 9600, automatically compensating the data for any drift. When you upload in .DAT format,
only three parameters are available for display in EcoWatch for Windows – nitrate concentration, the
optical absorbances associated with each point, and battery voltage. Note that the optical absorbance
has NOT been compensated for calibration drift.

Comma Separated Values (.CSV extension) -- Uploading data from the 9600 in this data format will

•

allow users to obtain the raw data parameters that are used to calculate the nitrate values uploaded in
the YSI Data Format. Files of this type can readily be opened in spreadsheets such as Excel for

TM

. This software

YSI Environmental 47 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

advanced data analysis and troubleshooting if required by the user. The following parameters are
found in the file:

• The raw signal photodiode response for all samples, blanks, and standards in sequential listing.

• The raw reference photodiode response logged at the time of each sample, blank and standard

reading.

• The batte ry voltage.

• A date and time stamp for each sample, blank, and standard reading.

In general, users will always want to upload their data in BOTH .DAT (YSI) and in .CSV (Comma
Separated Variable) formats when visiting a site. If the monitor is functioning correctly, there is generally
no need for the user to consult the .CSV file, but, if apparent data irregularities exist, the .CSV file will be
required for troubleshooting by YSI Technical Support and this will require an additional trip to the
deployment site unless the file was uploaded routinely along with the .DAT file.

After choosing the file type to be uploaded, click OK and the screen below left will appear allowing you to
follow the progress of the upload. Click Details on the initial screen to follow the progress of the data
transfer as shown at the right below.

The file will automatically be uploaded to the C:\PROGRAM FILES\NUVIEW\DATA subdirectory on
your computer hard disk. When the upload is complete, the display will return to the directory of files in
the analyzer as shown above. Close this window to return to the deployment display as shown below.

YSI Environmental 48 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

NOTE CAREFULLY: When interfacing your PC to the 9600 to perform data uploads and quick views as
described above, you have in no way affected the actual study which is presen tly in progress. Thus, there
is no need to restart the study after performing these operations.

5.4 STOPPING THE DEPLOYMENT

To stop a deployment, interface to the deployed 9600 with your PC which is running N Uview soft ware to
generate the active deployment screen as shown below left. Click on the Stop Deployment sel ection to show
the display below left that requires you to confirm the Stop Deployment command in order to prevent
accidentally terminating the study during field interfaces. To stop the deployment click “Yes” and the
deployment will be stopped as evidenced by a return to the Start Deployment display.

5.5 DEPLOYING THE 9600 WITH A DATA COLLECTION PLATFORM

5.5.1 INTRODUCTION AND METHOD OF OPERATION

The most efficient method of communication for use of the 9600 with data collection platforms (DCPs)
made by a variety of manufacturers is the SDI-12 protocol and the ability to utilize this protocol is built into
the 9600 firmware.

SDI-12 is an industry-standard serial digital interface bus. The bus was designed to allow compatibility
between data collection devices and sensors of various manufacturers.

Running the 9600 in SDI-12 mode requires it to be connected to a SDI-12 master device or, in this specific
application, a data collection platform. These DCPs provide the commands necessary to communicate with
the 9600 in SDI-12 mode. For complete SDI-12 technical specifications please contact:

Campbell Scientific, Inc.
P.O. Box 551
Logan, Utah 84321 USA

[phone]

When a 9600 is set up for this application, the external DCP requests data from the 9600 at preset intervals.
The DCP then logs the data that is returned from the 9600 in its own internal memory for later download or

YSI Environmental 49 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

remote transmission. NOTE CAREFULLY: The ONLY data returned by the 9600 to the DCP will be the
Nitrate-N concentration in units of mg/L.

It is important to note, however, that the 9600 operates in a slightly different manner from YSI 6-series
sondes in the SDI-12 mode as described below. The important difference to the average user is the method
of set-up before attachment of the sonde or 9600 to the DCP.

• For a multiparameter YSI 6-series sonde, the user attaches the instrument to a computer prior to

deployment and makes sure that the desired sensor and report output are present and that other factors
such as the number of wiping operations for the optical sensors and the warm-up time for the oxygen
sensor are correct. The instrument is then attached to the DCP that has been programmed via its own
software to control the data acquisition from the sonde. The first key is that it is NOT necessary to
start a logging study in the sonde software prior to attachment to the DCP. The second key is that the
timing of data acquisition by the instrument is controlled by the DCP.

• For the 9600, the user attaches the nitrate monitor to a computer prior to deployment and goes through

the standard 9600 set-up procedure as for a study that does not involve use of a DCP. In addition, the
user MUST ACTUALLY START A DEPLOYMENT with the 9600 during the predeployment
interface with NUview software. The instrument is then taken to the field and attached to the DCP
which, as for 6-series sondes, has been programm ed to cont rol t he data acquisi t i on fr om the 9600.
The first key is that the 9600 MUST already be running a study prior to attachment of the DCP. The
second key is that the DCP will NOT control the timing of the analytical sequence; instead only the
acquisition of data from the 9600 is controlled by the DCP. Because the SDI-12 interface protocol is
carried out in this manner, the data sent to DCP after it issues a request will be the last data point
logged to 9600 memory. The date/time stamp on the data that originates in the DCP thus could be in
error by as much as the Sample Interval of the 9600. For example, if the 9600 is logging data
internally at a 1 hour sample with the analytical sequence starting on the hour, the data from this
sequence will not be logged to 9600 memory until approximately 15 minutes after the hour. If the
DCP, requests data from the 9600 at 10:00, then the last available data in memory will have been
logged at 9:00 and it will be this data which will be transferred to the DCP. The DCP date/time stamp
will thus be 10:00 for data which was acquired at 9:00 and this small error will have to be accounted
for in data analysis. For this reason, the 9600 will upload the last sample time to the DCP, as well as
the nitrate readings. NOTE: No Date/Time Stamp from the 9600 will be transferred to the DCP, only
nitrate concentration values.

NOTE CAREFULLY: When using your 9600 with a data collection platform (DCP) via an SDI-12
interface, the MINIMUM SAMPLE INTERVAL ALLOWED IS 30 MINUTES.

5.5.2 USING THE 9600 WITH THE YSI 6200

The YSI 6200 Data Collection Platform can be purchased from Endeco/YSI along with the supporting
software for the DCP that is designated EcoWatch DCP. Key advantages of the 6200 for use with the
9600 are (1) the physical interface is simple in that the MS-8 connector from a 96XX cable can be directly
attached to its mating connector on the DCP and (2) the setting up of the software interface is more facile
than for most generic DCPs due to the use of EcoWatch DCP. If you would like more information on the
YSI 6200 or need additional support for setting up your existing 6200 with a 9600 Nitrate Monitor, please
use the following contact information:

Endeco/YSI
13 Atlantis Drive
Marion, MA 02738
800-363-3269

YSI Environmental 50 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

There are three basic steps through which you will have to proceed to use your 9600 with the YSI 6200
Data Collection Platform:

• Start a deployment study as described above in Section 5.5.1.

• Connect the MS-8 end of a 96XX cable to the mating MS-8 connector on the DCP enclosure.

• Attach a serial cable between the proper connector on the 6200 and a serial port on your PC. Run

EcoWatch DCP software and follow the abbreviated instructions outlined below that are specific for
the interface between the 9600 and 6200.

Specific EcoWatch DCP/6200/9600 Set-up Instructions:

• Click on the 6200 selection in the top menu bar. Then select “Supervisor Mode” from the list.

• Enter “YSI6200” as the Supervisor Password. Note that the letters “YSI” MUST be capitals.

• Return to the main EcoWatch DCP screen and again click on the 6200 selection in the top menu bar.

Now select “New” from the list and enter a file name.

• Select a file name and click “OK.” The 6200 will scan SDI-12 addresses from 0 – 9. The 6200 will

acknowledge all SDI-12 sensors that have been properly connected, as pictured in the dialog box
below.

NOTE: If the 9600 is not detected in this operation, make certain that the cables between the 6200,
the 9600 and your PC are connected correctly. Also make sure that the 6200 is powered properly,
either from an internal battery pack or from AC power. Retry the interface, and if the 9600 is still
not located, contact Endeco/YSI for help. See above for contact information

• After the 6200 has successfully scanned all of the SDI-12 address lines, the following display will

appear:

YSI Environmental 51 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Click “OK” and the system will detect all internal sensors (such as meteorological) which are

associated with the 6200 package. Click the Next button every time a sensor is detected until the
following screen is displayed.

• Select Direct Connect to PC and click the Next button. The 6200 will take about 30 seconds to

reboot and to synchronize its clock with that of the PC. Click Finish to complete the setup wizard.

• Click on the 6200 selection in the top menu bar and then choose the Advanced|Add Sensor selection

as shown in the displays below.

YSI Environmental 52 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Select the “9600 Nitrate Monitor – SDI-12” option in the Select Sensor pop-up window. This will load

the default settings for the nitrate monitor.

• After the default settings for the nitrate monitor have been loaded, the following dialog box allows the

user to change the default COM port, sensor name, and SDI-12 address. Select OK after making the
necessary changes.

• Click on the 6200 selection in the top menu bar and then the 6200 DCP Setup|System selection as

shown below.

• Make the following entries into the following dialog box:

• A site description

• A Sample Interval for the 6200 that defines the rate at which the 6200 will query the 9600 for a

data point.

Note: ensure that the Auto-Calculate Sample Duration box is checked. The nitrate monitor will
automatically determine the appropriate sample duration.

YSI Environmental 53 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• After finalizing your entries in the dialog box above, click Apply and, after a period of about 30

seconds for reprogramming, the 6200/9600 interface will be completely set up and data will begin to
be acquired by the 6200 at your programmed interval. If the computer remains attached to the 6200,
data will be shown in the following form under the 9600 Nitrate Monitor tab at the bottom of the
display.

• After assuring that data is being acquired, remove the PC interface cable from the internal connector of

the 6200 and the system will continue to collect data at your site.

To upload the data from the 6200 to your PC or to set up the system for remote transmission of the data, see
the 6200 manual and the Help section of EcoWatch DCP. If you do not understand these operations,
contact Endeco/YSI for assistance. See above for contact information.

YSI Environmental 54 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

5.5.3 USING THE 9600 WITH OTHER DATA COLLECTION PLATFORMS

To use the 9600 with commercial data collection platforms from manufacturers like Campbell, Sutron, or
Handar, you will need to interface the 9600 to the DCP using the 6096 adapter which has a MS-8 connector
on one end (which attaches to a 96XX field cable) and flying wire leads on the other (which attach to the
DCP). The wiring between the 6096 and the DCP should be done according to the following color codes
for the 6096:

WIRE COLOR MS-8 PIN

DESIGNATION

Yellow C RS-232 TX
Orange D RS-232 RX

Green E Alarm

Grey G RS-232 Out
Blue H RS-232 In

Red A +12 V DC

Black B Ground

Purple F SDI-12

Bare B Shield

Consult the manual of your particular DCP or contact the manufacturer directly to obtain information on
how to physically connect the 9600 to the DCP using the 96XX/6096 cable system. Once properly wired,
you will need to set up the DCP software to issue the proper command to receive data from the 9600.
You will again be required to consult you DCP manual to complete this software set-up.

IMPORTANT: Remember that, no matter whether a YSI 6200 or another DCP is used with the 9600, you
MUST ACTUALLY START A DEPLOYMENT using NUview software before detaching the instrument
from your PC and connecting it to the DCP.

5.5.3 USING THE 9600 WITH OTHER DATA COLLECTION PLATFORMS

To use the 9600 with commercial data collection platforms from manufacturers like Campbell, Sutron, or
Handar, you will need to interface the 9600 to the DCP using the 6096 adapter which has a MS-8 connector
on one end (which attaches to a 96XX field cable) and flying wire leads on the other (which attach to the
DCP). The wiring between the 6096 and the DCP should be done according to the following color codes
for the 6096:

WIRE COLOR MS-8 PIN

DESIGNATION

Yellow C RS-232 TX
Orange D RS-232 RX

Green E Alarm

Grey G RS-232 Out
Blue H RS-232 In

Red A +12 V DC

Black B Ground

Purple F SDI-12

Bare B Shield

Consult the manual of your particular DCP or contact the manufacturer directly to obtain information on
how to physically connect the 9600 to the DCP using the 96XX/6096 cable system. Once properly wired,

FUNCTION

FUNCTION

YSI Environmental 55 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

you will need to set up the DCP software to issue the proper command to receive data from the 9600.
You will again be required to consult you DCP manual to complete this software set-up.

IMPORTANT: Remember that, no matter whether a YSI 6200 or another DCP is used with the 9600, you
MUST ACTUALLY START A DEPLOYMENT using NUview software before detaching the instrument
from your PC and connecting it to the DCP.

5.6 9600 POST DEPLOYMENT CHECK – QUALITY ASSURANCE

After completing a field deployment study, YSI recommends that you carry out one of the following
protocols to assess the performance of your 9600. Note that the first protocol is the one recommended by
YSI.

• PREFERABLE: At the time of recovery, DO NOT STOP THE STUDY. After removal of the 9600

from the water at the site, reattach the second standard bag containing the predeployment check
standard solution to the inlet port after removing the inlet filter. Take the 9600 to your laboratory and
let it run for a few hours with the second standard bag attached. Be sure to tape the second standard
bag to the top of the analyzer as shown in Section 4.4 above. Compare the nitrate-N concentration
readings recorded after attachment of the second standard bag with the known value to determine the
quality of the 9600 performance.

• ACCEPTABLE: At the time of recover, STOP THE STUDY. After removal from the water at the

site, take the analyzer to the laboratory and reattach the second standard bag containing the
predeployment check standard solution to the inlet po rt after removing the inlet filter. Run a
“Predeployment Check” and determine if any errors are observed at the end of the test. If no errors
occur, the analyzer performance for the run was probably wit hi n specifi cations. If errors are observed
after the test, note the form of the error and the absorbance readings on the screen and contact YSI
Technical Support to assess the extent of the effect the presence of errors might have ha d on yo ur
deployment data.

5.7 9600 MAINTENANCE AND NEW DEPLOYMENTS

After your 9600 has been brought to the laboratory after a deployment, perform the following routine
maintenance operations prior to the next deployment of the instrument:

• Remove the carousel from the outer shell and set it on a flat surface such as the floor or a bench top.

• Close the pinch clamps on all bags (reagent and waste).

• Inspect the tubing for pinch points an d repair or replace the tubing (contact YSI Technical Support if

any problems are found).

CAUTION: There are still hazardous chemicals in the reagent and waste bags and cadmium
column assembly after the deployment is complete. Therefore, it is very important to wear
appropriate personal protective equipment including safety glasses with side shields and use
disposable gloves when handling solid chemicals and when preparing and transferring
solutions of these chemicals.

YSI Environmental 56 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Remove the waste bags from the bottom of the carousel and dispose of the waste properly. See p. 5

and Section 12 of this manual for warnings and recommendations on waste disposal. Remove all air
from the waste bags as described in Section 2.8.2 above and reinstall them.

• Remove the reagent bags and properly dispose of any excess solutions. Attach each bag to the 60-mL

syringe and add ca. 50-60 mL of purified (deionized or distilled) water to each bag. Slosh the water
around in the bag to rinse and then empty the bag, again properly disposing of the waste. Refill the
bags with reagents prepared as described in Section 2.4 above.

• Rinse the two standard bags with new standard solution after the water rinse. Slosh the standard

solution around in the bag to rinse out the water and then empty the bag. Refill the bags with new
standard solution as described in Section 2.4 above.

• Remove the cadmium column assembly from the carousel and plug the ends with the two black fittings

that were set aside after column installation as described in Section 2.6 above. Dispose of the
cadmium column via a commercial hazardous waste handler as described on p. 5 and Section 12 of this
manual.

• Activate a new cadmium column as described in Section 2.5 above and install it in the carousel as

described in Section 2.6 above.

• Reinstall the reagent (filled) and waste (empty) bags as described in Sections 2.7 and 2.8 above.

• Replace the carousel in the outer shell as described in Section 2.9 above.

• Install a NEW inlet filter – available as part of the YSI Model 9617 Inlet Filter Kit.

NOTE:
emergency where a new inlet filter is not available you may attempt to clean the filter by soaking
the used filter assembly in water for approximately 30 minutes and wiping clean with a towel. If
biological residue remains on the outside of the filter, you may soak the assembly in a 1:1 dilution
of commercial bleach for 30 minutes and then rinse extensively by repeated (at least 5 times)
injections of purified (distilled or deionized) water through the filter to remove all traces of
chlorine bleach from the filter. The injections should be carried out by attaching the threaded
fitting of the 10 mL syringe assembly to the inlet of the filter, filling the syringe with water and
slowly pushing it through the filter.

CAUTION: If residual chlorine bleach is pumped into the analyzer, the cadmium column
may be damaged and system performance compromised. Be particularly careful about
thorough rinsing of the filter (at least five 10 mL aliquots of water from the syringe
assembly) if the use of chlorine bleach is required in the cleaning operation.

To begin your next deployment use the detailed instructions outlined in Sections 3 and 4 above.

YSI strongly recommends the use of a new inlet filter for each deployment. In an

YSI Environmental 57 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 6 MANAGING 9600 FILES

6.1 INTRODUCTION

This section deals with the management of data that have been logged to the memory of the 9600 duri ng
laboratory tests or field deployments. It is important t o understand t hat dat a is stored i n the 9600 i n a raw
format, i.e., only the outputs of the sample and reference detectors are present along with a designation as to
whether the point is a sample, a standard, or a blank and the battery voltage. In addition, each raw reading is
characterized by a date and time stamp. While data stored in this format can be very useful in
troubleshooting problems, generally it will not be what is desired by ty pical customers. To obtain t he data in
the most desired format, i.e. nitrate-N concentration and sample absorbance, the user should sel ect the YSI
Data Format for transferring the data from 9600 memory. With this selection, all of the necessary
calculations are made “on the fly” to convert the raw readings into absorbances and concentrations. During
this calculation, the calibration values (standard and blank) will be automatically used to compensate readings
between calibration points for any drift in the 9600 optical and/or FIA system s. The user can obtain t he raw
readings if required by choosing the Comma Separated Values (CSV) format that will generate a file that can
readily be opened in spreadsheets such as Excel for diagnostic purposes.

It is also important to realize that the 9600 utilizes nonvolatile flash memory for data storage. Since the data
is electronically written to the flash, no power or batte ry backup i s required t o mai ntain the inte grity of t he
files. Thus, there is no worry about data loss if your batteries inadvertently are expended in a field study or
there are power fluctuations during a deployment when the 9600 is powered from auxiliary devices.

To use the various commands which control 9600 file management, cl ick the File selection in the main
NUview display (below left) to generate the directory of the files which are stored i n 9600 m emory (below
right).

6.2 DIRECTORY

The directory of the 9600 file memory is shown above right. Note that each fi le resi dent in the mem ory is
characterized by 4 parameters as described below:

YSI Environmental 58 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Nam e – This is the desi gnation entered by the user during the set -up of a study. Rem ember that the

name can c o n t ai n n o m o r e t han e i g ht characte r s a nd t h a t it must not contain “illegal” Windows filename
characters such as /, \, |, period, colon, asterisk, question mark, greater than, less than, space and
comma.

•

• Size – The size val ue provides the num ber of byte s in the data file.

• Type – At t he present time, the only ty pe of file possi ble is “raw” which shows that the data is stored i n a

format which must be processed “on the fly” during upload and viewing to provide data in a more user­friendly format. Additional file types may be added in future versions of the 9600.

• Date Created – This parameter shows the date and time that the study was started.

To process each file within the directory as described below, you must click on the entry to highli ght it . You
can also hold the Control or Shift keys and click a series of files to be processed.

6.3 UPLOAD FILES TO YOUR PC

To transfer data files resident in the 9600 memory to a PC that is running NUview software simply highlight
the file(s) and then click the Upload button at the left to show the following display.

You will then be given a choice of file type to upload and the usual choice is the YSI Data Format. A detailed
explanation of the differences in the file formats is provided in Section 5.3.2 above. Once you have chosen a
format, click the OK button and the data will be transferred automatically to the C:\PROGRAM
FILES\NUVIEW\DATA subdirectory on your computer. Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to move
the file to other locations if you wish.

6.4 DELETING FILES

Use this selection to remove selected files from the memory of the 9600. In YSI 6-series sondes, it is
necessary to remove ALL files from instrument flash memory (format) in order to free up space. Even
though the 9600 also uses flash memory, because the memory is partitioned differently, it is possi ble to delete
individual files to increase available space rather than carrying out a complete formatting operation. To

YSI Environmental 59 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

delete files, highlight them as for uploading and then click on the Delete button at t he left of the window.
The following confirmatory message will appear to make sure that you do not inadvertently delete files that
you wish to retain.

Click the Yes button to delete the file or the No button to return to the Directory display.

6.5 DETERMINING AVAILABLE FILE MEMORY

The 9600 has a very large data capacity – approximately 3 MB – and it is therefore unl ikely that you wi ll ever
be limited in your ability to set up deployments by this fact or. For exampl e, a 30 day st udy at a 1 hour
sample interval will generate a file which is approximately 0.02 MB making it possible to carry out
approximately 150 of these studies without deleting any files from 9600 mem ory. YSI does recommend,
however, that you periodically upload files to your PC in either or both YSI and CSV form at, archive them on
your PC and then delete the files from the memory of the 9600. The amount of available memory is shown at
the top of the file directory screen as shown below.

Available Memory

Note that users can also sort files with the directory by name, size or date/time by clicking on the header
buttons.

YSI Environmental 60 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 7 ANALYZING DATA WITH ECOWATCH FOR WINDOWS

7.1 INTRODUCTION

EcoWatch for Windows has been supplied on CD-ROM with your Model 9600 and is intended to be used
to facilitate the analysis of data from the nitrate monitor. It is important to understand that several of the
commands in EcoWatch for Windows will not be relevant to applications involving the 9600 since the
program was also designed to provide direct interface to YSI 6-series sondes. As explained above, users
MUST interface to the 9600 using NUview software, and thus the portions of EcoWatch which deal with 6­series sonde interface cannot be used with the 9600. These unusable software commands are identified in
the following section.

Users should also be aware that ONLY 9600 files that have been uploaded in YSI Data Format can be
opened with EcoWatch for Windows and that ONLY these files will provide calculated nitrate
concentrations. These EcoWatch-compatible files are characterized by a .DAT extension. Users who have
uploaded files in .CSV (raw data with no nitrate calculation) format must use a spreadsheet to view the
data.

With these limitations in mind and, as was pointed out in Section 5.3 above, th ere are very few
circumstances in which users should not upload their data in YSI Data Format (.DAT) and open it in
EcoWatch. If users want to customize their data presentations at a later time using spreadsheets such as
Excel, the data can be exported from EcoWatch in a spreadsheet-compatible format as described in Section

7.4 below and in Appendix A at the end of this manual. Use of the .CSV file upload format is designed for
users who want to use their own algorithms for conversion of raw absorbance data to nitrate concentrations
and/or for diagnostic use in troubleshooting operations.

7.2 INSTALLING ECOWATCH FOR WINDOWS

EcoWatch for Windows software must be used with an IBM-compatible PC with a 386 (or better)
processor. The computer should also have at least 4MB of RAM and Windows Version 3.1 or later.

To install EcoWatch for Windows software to your computer, perform the following steps:

• Place the EcoWatch CD-ROM into the CD drive of your computer.

• Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to view files on the CD-ROM. Double-click on the

Setup.exe file.

The display will indicate that the set-up routine is proceeding. Follow the instructions on the screen as the
installation proceeds. For most applications, the default settings should work without problems. After
installation, there is no need to restart the computer.

7.3 GLOSSARY

This section identifies a few of the more commonly used terms used in EcoWatch

YSI Environmental 61 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

.

1 - Data Display Window

2 - Parameter

3 ­Trace

5 - Table

Term Definition

1 - Data display window The window that appears when you open a .DAT file.

2 - Parameter A measurement such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH,

etc. On a graph, the data of a parameter is displayed as a
trace.

3 - Trace The plot of the data of any one parameter. There may be one

or two traces per graph.

4 - Graph There may be one or more graphs depending upon how many

parameters are selected. Each graph may have one or two
traces. Data can be displayed either in graphs or in a table, or
both.

5 - Table Numbers arranged in rows and columns. Data can be

displayed either in graphs or in a table, or both.

6 - Page The Data Display Window can be divided in two pages, a

graph page and a table page. A page becomes active when you
click on it.

7 - Terminal window This is the window that is open to display the 6-series sonde’s

internal menu. Allows the user to interact with the sonde or
display/logger. The terminal window is a communication
interface with another piece of equipment, whereas the Data
Display Window is direct interaction with the EcoWatch
software. NOTE THAT THIS ITEM IS NOT RELEVANT
TO USE WITH THE MODEL 9600.

4 - Graph

6 - Page

YSI Environmental 62 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

8 - Dialog box A dialog box opens to display choices. Such as File|Open.

9 – YSI Data Format file A data file that is in a format compatible with EcoWatch for

Windows with a .DAT extension

9 – Study A single data file in YSI Data Format.

7.4 VIEWING AND GRAPHING YOUR NITRATE DATA

Once uploaded, data can be easily displayed in EcoWatch in the form of either a data table or a graph as
demonstrated in this section. This section describes
designing custom data presentations using EcoWatch for Windows. A detailed description of all
EcoWatch commands is provided in Appendix A.

After uploading your 9600 data in .DAT format to a director y on your PC, run EcoWatch for Windows
from the desktop icon or from the START|PROGRAM FILES selection. The following display will
appear.

commonly-used operations which are possible in

YSI Environmental 63 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Click on the File|Open selection and then browse to the location of your 9600 data file (usually
C:\PROGRAM FILES\NUVIEW\DATA) and then follow the instructions to open the file as shown below.

After Clicking OK, the following display will appear.

Note that you already have a graph in which the two uploaded 9600 parameters (nitrate-N concentration
and sample absorbance are presented. The data is presented with defa ult y-axis scaling, but users can
change the scaling presentation by double clicking on the y-axis of the desired parameter and entering the
desired scaling values in the dialog box as shown below.

YSI Environmental 64 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

If you would like to view ONLY the nitrate concentration in your graph, the sample absorbance parameter
can easily be removed. Click on the Setup selection in the upper menu bar and then select
Parameters|Add/Remove as shown below.

Highlight the Sample Absorb parameter on the left side of the box and then click the Remove selection.
Note that you are NOT deleting this parameter – only moving it to a location where its data will no longer
show in the graph or the data table. The Sample Absorb parameter can be included in future data displays
simply by highlighting it and then clicking the Add button to move it back to the left (active) side of the
display. After removal of the Sample Absorb parameter, the following display will appear.

If you want to view only a part of the data displayed, use the Limit Data Set
the toolbar above the graph. To view only the first half of the data file, first click on the icon and then
move the cursor to the beginning of the graph. Click once to generate the first “delimiting” x value. Then
move the cursor to the halfway point on the x-axis and click again. The following “delimited” plot and
table will be shown.

YSI Environmental 65 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

icon which is found on

You might also want to Save this custom display of your data in a file for later retrieval. This can easily be
done using the File|Save Data Display command as shown below left. Name the data presentation as
desired (in this case DELIMITED) and click OK as shown below right.

To return to a graph in which all data is displayed, click on the Graph selection in the Toolbar and choose
Cancel Limits as shown below left. The data display will then return to its original format as shown
below right.

YSI Environmental 66 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Now if you want to return to the data display in which only half the data is shown, use the File|Open Data
Display command, select the DELIMITED designation, and click OK. The delimited data display will
reappear.

You might want to export your custom data presentation to a file which can be imported into spreadsheet
programs such as Excel. Use the File|Export selection and choose the desired format (usually
CDF/WMF), name the file, and press OK to place the spreadsheet compatible file in the same subdirectory
as your data file (usually C:\PROGRAM FILES\NUVIEW\DATA.

If you want to see the data from your study in table format, click on the “toggle data” icon
toolbar and the display will change to one in which both a graph and a table are present as shown below

left. You can also use the “toggle graph”
table as shown below right.

Finally, you might want to view actual data readings at any time in the graph display. This can be carried
out by placing the cursor on the plot and holding down the right mouse button while moving the cursor
from left to right. As shown in the data display below, the values of all parameters at a particular time are
shown in boxes at the left edge of the graph.

to turn the graph completely off and show only the data

in the

YSI Environmental 67 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

7.5 USING TOOLBAR SHORTCUTS

The EcoWatch toolbar includes buttons for some of the most common commands in EcoWatch, such as
File Open. To display or hide the toolbar, open the View menu and click on the Toolbar command. A
check mark appears next to the menu item when the toolbar is displayed.
The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu bar.

Click To:

Open an existing data file (.DAT). EcoWatch displays the Open dialog box, in which you can

locate and open the desired file.

Save the working Data Display of the active data file. EcoWatch displays the Save Data Display

dialog box in which you can overwrite existing Data Display or save to a new one.

Export data as a graph in Window Meta File (.WMF) format or as data in Comma Delimited

(.CDF) format.

Copy the whole graph page or data from the selection on the table to the clipboard.

Print the active graph page or table page depending on which one is currently active.

Open a new terminal window to communicate with the sonde. NOTE THAT THIS

COMMAND CANNOT BE USED WITH THE MODEL 9600.

Access context sensitive help (Shift+F1).

Toggle table window during file processing.

Toggle graph window during file processing.

Display study statistics.

Display study info.

Limit the data to be processed in a study.

Enlarge a selective portion of graph.

Center the graph under the cursor.

YSI Environmental 68 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Enlarge graph or table 20%.

Reduce graph or table 20%.

Return graph or table to its normal state (unzoom)

Redraw the graph.

Appendix A at the end of this manual provides information on all commands relevant to analysis of Model
9600 nitrate data and points out the commands which are not appropriate for use with the 9600. Note that
the data files used as examples in this Appendix deal with parameters which come from YSI 6-series water
quality sondes, but that the operations described are all compatible with Model 9600 data files in .DAT
format.

YSI Environmental 69 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 8 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

8.1 CHEMISTRY

The YSI 9600 uses a standard colorimetric method to measure combined nitrate and nitrite levels in natural
water samples. Nitrate is converted to nitrite by cadmium reduction and the nitrite subsequently reacts with
sulfanilamide and N-naphthyl ethylenediamine to form a colored species with a 540 nm absorption
maximum as shown in the diagram below:

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

NO + 2H + 2e NO + H O

NO + 2H + 2e NO + H O

NO + 2H + 2e NO + H O

NO + 2H + 2e NO + H O

NO + 2H + 2e NO + H O

NO + 2H + 2e NO + H O

NO + 2H + 2e NO + H O

NO + 2H + 2e NO + H O

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

Cd

Cd

Cd

Cd

Cd

Cd

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH

2

2

2

2

2

2

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = OO = S = O

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH2NH

2

2

2

2

2

-

-

-

-

-

+ NO + 2 HCl + 2 H O + Cl

+ NO + 2 HCl + 2 H O + Cl

+ NO + 2 HCl + 2 H O + Cl

+ NO + 2 HCl + 2 H O + Cl

+ NO + 2 HCl + 2 H O + Cl

+ NO + 2 HCl + 2 H O + Cl

-

2

2

2

2

2

2

Efficient reduction of the nitrate ion by cadm i um requires the use of “copper activated” cadmium.
Cadmium metal is treated with a Cu

+2

solution resulting in deposition of elemental copper on the cadmium.
This results in what is believed to be a copper/cadmium galvanic cell with reduction occurring at copper
(1).

(1) Nydahl, F. Talanta 1976, 23, 349-357.

-

-

-

-

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH

NH

2

2

2

2

2

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = OO = S = O

+ -

+ -

+ -

+ -

+ -

–

–

–

–

N N ClN N ClN N Cl

N N Cl

N N Cl

N N Cl

N N Cl

–

–

NED

NED

NED

NED

NH

NH

NH

NH

2

2

2

2

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

O = S = O

N

N

N

N

N

N

=

=

=

=

=

=
N

N

N

N

N

N

HNCH CH NH

HNCH CH NH

HNCH CH NH

HNCH CH NH

HNCH CH NH

2

2

2

2

2

+ HCl

+ HCl

+ HCl

+ HCl

+ HCl

-

-

-

-

2

2

2

2

22

22

22

22

22

YSI Environmental 70 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

8.2 EFFECT OF PH

The pH of the solution reacting with the copper activated Cd can have a major impact on reduction
efficiency and the lifetime of the Cd/Cu particles. Hydrogen ions are required for the reduction of nitrate to
nitrite, but if the hydrogen ion concentration is too high, additional reduction of the nitrite will occur. At
the other extreme, if the pH is too high, cadmium hydroxide can precipitate in the column causing rapid
degradation in performance (1). For natural water samples, YSI has observed the longest cadmium column
life using the ammonium chloride solution (1.6 M) (not truly a buffer) which is characterized by a pH of 6.
YSI has found higher pH solutions to significantly reduce column life for natural water samples.

8.3 FLOW SYSTEM DETAILS

The above chemistry is achieved using flow injection analysis. A manifold of 7 pumps delivers sample and
reagents in sequences defined by preset schedules in the instrument as shown in the diagram below.

First, the environmental water sample is pumped to fill the entire system – the purpose of this is mainly to
purge the inlet filter so that a representative sample resides at the inlet. Next, four pumps operate
simultaneously until the reagents reach a steady-state concentration at th e de tector. Two pumps push
sample and buffer through line A and the cadmium column while another two pumps push sulfanilamide

YSI Environmental 71 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

and NED through line B. The output of all four pumps meet at a T-connection and continue through a
mixing coil and detector cell. After a steady state concentration is achieved in the detector flow cell, buffer
is pumped into the cadmium column and then all pumps stop to allow the color forming reaction to reach
completion. After this waiting period, two readings are taken in the detector: (1) the SAMPLE photodiode
signal which measures the amount of light passing through the 2mm sample path and (2) the REFERENCE
photodiode signal which is a measurement representative of the LED output. After the photodiode readings
are logged, a wash solution is pumped through the mixing coil and detector to prevent staining in the
system. YSI has found that the solution exiting the detector typically contains 60 ppm Cd
product of the reduction of dissolved O
collected in waste bags for disposal in compliance with local and federal regulatory agencies.

in the sample and reagents. For this reason, the effluent must be

2

+2

which is a

8.4 PUMPING SEQUENCES

The 9600 software has two preset schedule routines which define the parameters described above. The
routines are for normal (0-5 mg/L) or higher (5 mg/L and up) nitrate-N concentrations expected in the
environment water samples. The two routines differ in only two ways – both a shorter color forming
reaction time and longer wash cycle for higher nitrate concentrations – to minimize precipitation of the
colored reaction product and prevent staining of the detector.

8.5 FLOW RESTRICTION PROBLEMS

The pumps used in the 9600 cannot function properly with (and can be damaged by) excess backpressure in
the system. The cadmium column is the most likely source of this problem – and proper operation of the
instrument requires use of the Model 9612 Cadmium Column Assembly which MUST be purchased from
YSI. Also, excess air introduced into the system will cause cadmium column degradation and unacceptable
increases in back pressure. ANY additional restriction to flow in the system can cause the above schedule
routines to no longer be optimal with serious degradation of instrument performance.

8.6 CALIBRATION OF SAMPLE AND STANDARD PUMPS

The 9600 measures nitrate by comparing the absorbance reading from a standard to that from the
environmental water after each has been processed by the system. These two solutions of nitrate (standard
and sample) are introduced into the system by
different volumes of fluid. Thus, without some correction for this effect, an error in the comparison of
standard to sample would be introduced with a consequent compromise of system accuracy.

This potential problem is overcome in the 9600 during the Predeployment Check described in Section 4.3
above. During this test, the
by both sample and standard pumps and the relative absorbances are determined after the chemical reaction
sequence shown above in Section 8.1 has taken place. These relative values are then applied to the
calibration sequences for all points in the study immediately following the Predep loyment Check. For
example, if the absorbance of the “standard” in the predeployment check is 10 % greater than that for the
“sample”, then the fact that the standard pump is introducing more volume into the system is automatically
accounted for in all subsequent calculations.

same solution (usually a 1 mg/L nitrate standard) is introduced into the system

separate pumps which almost certainly pump slightly

8.7 CALIBRATION DETAILS

The 9600 contains standard and blank solutions for periodic calibration. The standard solution
concentration is typically 1 mg/L nitrate-N, but can be chosen by the user as described in Section 2.3.3.

YSI Environmental 72 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

The blank is typically purified water which has a salinity which is roughly that of the water at the site for
brackish and oceanographic applications and simply deionized or distilled water for freshwater
applications. The blank and standard solutions are analyzed in a manner identical to the samples described
above. The blank photodiode readings are defined as P

for determining absorbance values. The standard

o

and sample photodiode readings are defined as P. To correct for temperature effects, the 9600 uses the
following ratios (see details in section 8.8):

P

o

= blank signal (Hz)/reference signal (Hz)

P = sample signal (Hz)/reference signal (Hz)

As shown in the equation below, Beer’s law defines absorbance as directly proportional to concentration
where a is absorptivity, b is path length, and c is concentration.

Absorbance = A = log (Po/P) = abc Beer’s Law

Periodic calibration of the instrument determines an absorbance value for the standard solution and linear
interpolation between two standard readings results in a corrected standard absorbance value (A

) used in

std

the calculation of each sample nitrate-N concentration as shown in the equation below:

Sample conc. (mg/L nitrate-N) = (A

sample/Astd

) x std conc. (mg/L nitrate-N)

8.8 SYSTEM LINEARITY

For the 2 mm detector, typical absorbance values range from 0-1 absorbance units for the range 1-10 mg/L
nitrate-N. Deviation from linearity begins in the vicinity of 6 mg/L where the accuracy falls off to +/- 10%.
Shown below are typical calibration curves before and after a 30 days field deployment.

Linearity of 9600 Absorbance Readings Before and After Deployment

1.4

1.2

1

0.8

0.6

Absorbance

0.4

pre
post

0.2

0

0246810121416

Nitrate-N, mg/L

YSI Environmental 73 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

G

8.9 TEMPERATURE EFFECTS

The effects of temperature on the performance of the 9600 fall into two categories. First, the output of the
LED (the light source in the absorbance measurement) is temperature dependent. Second, the rate of the
chemical reactions is highly dependent on temperature.

Absorbance measurements are based on the amount of light entering (Po) and exiting (P) your sample flow
cell. See Beer’s law above. The 9600 uses a green LED as the light source and a light-to-frequency
converter (a photodiode with a current-to-f requency converter) to measure Po and P in units of Hz. The
instrument corrects for temperature effects on the LED by use of an additional (reference) photodiode
which takes a reading independent of the sample/blank/standard in the detector flow cell. This reference
reading will display a temperature dependence identical to the temperature dependence of the
sample/blank/standard photodi ode rea di n gs. B y sim p ly ratioing all sample/blank/standard photodiode
readings to a simultaneous reference reading, most of the effects of temperature are removed as shown
below. Without ratioing, there could be a 19% difference in the photodiode reading across the temperature
range; with ratioing this difference is reduced to less than 4% across the entire range and less than 2% from
10-40 ˚C. This effect is documented in the figure below.

It is important to note that the self calibration of the instrument (running of blanks and standards at least
twice a day) will remove these residual temperature effects as shown below.

The effects of temperature on the chemical reaction rates can be ignored if the reaction is allowed to reach
equilibrium. If this is the case, then the remaining temperature effects are thermodynamic, i.e. position of
equilibrium may be temperature dependent. The figure below demonstrates empirically that temperature
effects on the chemistry are minimal. Note that a coefficient of variation of only 1.16 % was seen over a
wide temperature range (1 to 40 C) for analysis of a solution which was approximately 2 mg/L in nitrate-N.

DETECTOR READING S NORMAL IZE D TO THE 2 0 C READING; WITH

AND WITHOUT TEMP ERATURE CORRE C TION

1.2

1.15

1.1

1.05

1

0.95

0.9

NORMALIZED DETECTOR READIN

0.85

0.8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

TEMPERATURE, C

Raw
Corrected

YSI Environmental 74 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON CALCULATED NITRATE VALUES;

2.6

2.5

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.1

2

NITRATE-N, MG/L

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

0.000 10.000 20.000 30.000 40.000

COEFFICIENT OF VARIATION = 1.16

TEMPERATURE, C

YSI Environmental 75 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 9 UPGRADING 9600 FIRMWARE AND NUVIEW SOFTWARE

The 9600 is controlled by a combination of a firmware package which resides in the analyzer elect ronics and
is designated “9600 Firmware” and a software package which resides on the user’s PC and is designat ed
NUview. Both firmware and software can be upgraded by the user from the YSI World Wide Web page

www.ysi.com) with no need to send the instrument in to the YSI Service Center. Please follow the

(
instructions below if you require these upgrades.

9.1 UPGRADING 9600 FIRMWARE

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to upgrade the 9600 Firmware which is resident in y our Nit rate
Monitor:

• Connect y our 9600 to the seri al port of a PC with access to the World Wide Web using the st andard

interface described above.

• Make sure t hat the 9600 is powered wit h either an inte rnal batt ery pack or t he Model 9689 power suppl y.

• Access the YSI Environmental Software Downloads page at

registration form.

• Click on the YSI Instruments Software Updates link (or scroll down until you see the 9600

Firmware icon).

• Click on the file icon to the right of the 9600 Firmware listing and save the file to a temporary

directory on your computer.

• After the download is complete, run the file that you just downloaded and follow the on-screen

instructions to install the YSI Code Updater on your computer. If you encounter difficulties, contact
YSI customer service for advice. Refer to Section 13 of this manual, Warranty and Service
Information.

• Run the YSI Code Updater software that you just installed on your computer. The following window

will be displayed:

• Set the Comm port number to match the port to which you connected the 9600 cable and make sure

that the “This is an ADV6600” selection is NOT checked. Then click on the Start Code Update
button. An indicator bar will show the progress of the upgrade as shown below.

www.ysi.com/edownloads and fill out the

YSI Environmental 76 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• When the update is finished (indicated on the PC screen as shown below), close the YSI Code Updater

window (on the PC) by clicking on the "X" in the upper right corner of the window.

• Disconnect the Model 9600 from the computer.

9.2 UPGRADING NUVIEW PC SOFTWARE

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to upgrade the NUview software which i s resident on t he PC which
is used to interface to your 9600.

• Access the YSI Environmental Software Downloads page at

registration form.

• Access the YSI Environmental Web Site at

• Click on the NUview link (or scroll down until you see the NUview icon).

• Click on the NUview icon and save the file to a temporary directory on your computer.

• After t he download is complete, run t he NUview fi le (that you just downloaded) and foll ow the on screen

instructions to install the software on your computer.

If you encounter difficulties in the download procedure, contact YSI Customer Service. See Section 13 of
this manual, Warranty and Service Information. Alternatively, you may purchase the software on CD
ROM (Model # 9675/Item # 609675) by contacting YSI Customer Service.

www.ysi.com/edownloads.

www.ysi.com/edownloads and fill out the

YSI Environmental 77 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 10 TROUBLESHOOTING

The following section describes problems that you might encounter when us ing the 9600 Ni trate M onitor and
provides suggestions that will allow the user to overcome the symptom without additional assistance. If you
still encounter the symptom after trying the suggested actions, please contact YSI Technical Support.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE SOLUTION

Cannot communicate with 9600 when selecting
features (File or Start Deployment) from the Main
NUview display

Error messages appear after the Predeployment
Check routine.

Make sure that cable is attached securely to both the
9600 and the serial port of your PC.

Make sure that power is supplied to the 9600 via an
internal battery pack or an external power supply.

If using internal battery pack, make sure that battery
pack and 9600 cables are securely connected.

If using internal battery pack, make sure that batteries
are not expended. Check voltage with voltmeter or
replace with new battery pack.
Make certain that the second standard bag is attached
to the inlet port and that the pinch clamp on the bag is
“open”. If not, install the bag and/or open the pinch
clamp and rerun the Predeployment Check.

Make certain that the same concentration of nitrate
standard is present in the internal standard bag and in
the second standard bag that is attached to the inlet
port.

Rerun the Predeployment Check routine to make
certain that all air has been purged from the system.
If a error messages are observed after the second
attempt, remove the carousel from the outer shell and
make the following checks:

1. Are all of the pinch clamps on the reagent and

waste bags open? If not, open the pinch clamps
and rerun the Predeployment Check.

2. Are there any pinch points in any of the reagent

or waste lines? If so, realign the tubing to
eliminate the pinch points and rerun the
Predeployment Check.

3. Are all of the threaded fittings that connect the

reagent and waste lines to the bags finger tight?
If not, tighten the fittings and rerun the
Predeployment Check.

4. Are the proper reagent lines attached to the

proper bags as defined by the color-coding? If
not, attach the lines properly and rerun the
Predeployment Check.

YSI Environmental 78 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

5. Are there any bubbles present in the reagent

transfer lines? If so, make sure that all
connections are finger tight, rerun the
Predeployment Check and look again for
bubbles.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE SOLUTION

Cannot communicate in the field to upload or view
data.

When running the 9600 in the field from an auxiliary
power source such as a car battery or data collection
platform battery, no data is being acquired.

After uploading data in the field, data file cannot be
located on the PC for viewing in EcoWatch for
Windows.
After uploading data in the field and viewing in
EcoWatch, readings from deployment appear
“smooth” but seem grossly incorrect in terms of
absolute concentration values.

Data from deployment appears jumpy. Make certain that the inlet port is completely

Make sure that cable is attached securely to both the
9600 and the serial port of your PC.

Internal battery pack could be expended. Replace
battery pack and try again to communicate or use
external power supply.

Make certain that you are using a 96XX series cable
with yellow overmolding on the connectors.
Auxiliary power cannot be properly supplied when
using a standard YSI 6-series cable with black
overmolding.
Data will be located in the C:\PROGRAM
FILES\NUVIEW\DATA subdirectory. Browse to
this location in the EcoWatch File|Open selection.
Make certain that you have entered the correct value
of the standard concentration into the Deployment
Set-up Wizard. For example, you might have
inadvertently entered “10” instead of “1.0”.

Make certain that the standard has been prepared
correctly. Be sure, for example, that you have not
inadvertently prepared a 10 mg/L nitrate-N standard
instead of the desired 1 mg/L standard. Check your
dilutions and calculations.

submerged at all water levels at your deployment site.
For example, make sure that the inlet port remains
submerged at low tide in an estuarine site.

Inspect the inlet filter for extreme fouling. Wipe
clean if heavy fouling is present.

Remove the carousel from the outer shell and follow
the instruction given above for Predeployment Check
failure. If problems are found and corrected, attach
second standard bag (with same nitrate concentration
as internal standard bag) to inlet port. Stop the
deployment and rerun the Predeployment Check in
the field to purge the system.

There might be excessive back-pressure within the
system from either pinched tubing or a defective
cadmium column. First remove the carousel from
the outer shell and inspect the tubing for pinch points.
If any are found, realign the tubing to eliminate the
crimps and continue the study. If no pinch points are
found, then stop the study, replace the cadmium
column and rerun the Predeployment Check.

YSI Environmental 79 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 11 FERRITE BEAD INSTALLATION

As described in the Declaration of Conformity YSI Item # 699298), the YSI 9600 Ni trate Analyzer com plies
with the Residential, Commercial and Light Industrial Class B Limits for radio-frequency em i ssi ons specified
in EN55011 (CISPR11) for Industrial, Scientific and Medical laborat ory equipment with no quali fiers.
However, if you are using your YSI 9600 Nitrate Monitor in a European Community (CE) country or i n
Australia or New Zealand, when communicating with the instrument you must attach a ferrite bead to the
interface cable in order to comply with the industrial
and Medical laboratory equipment. The ferrite bead (YSI Item Number 699296) is NOT suppli ed as st andard
equipment with the 9600 and should be purchased as an accessory by customers requiring i ts use.

To install the bead, loop the cable through the ferrite bead assembly as close as possible to the 9600
connector, close the bead assembly and lock it with the integral tab. The picture below shows a properly
installed ferrite bead assembly.

immunity specified in EN61326 for Industrial, Scie ntific

YSI Environmental 80 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 12 9600 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

CAUTION: Operation of the YSI 9600 Nitrate Monitor requires the use of a variety of

chemicals. With one exception (elemental cadmium), the user is required to purchase these
chemicals from a vendor of their choice. Users should consult the Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) supplied by these vendors for all reagents before their use. Users should ALWAYS wear
appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and safety glasses with side shields when
handling any of these chemicals.

For proper operation of the YSI 9600, cadmium metal MUST be purchased in packaged form as the
YSI Model 9612 Cadmium Column Assembly. An MSDS for the material captured in the cadmium
column is automatically supplied to the user by YSI. To protect against potential hazards
associated with inhalation of cadmium dust, the cadmium column should be handled in a fume hood
during activation. After the reducing capacity of the cadmium column has been exhausted, the entire
sealed column should be disposed of in accordance with regulatory requirements, e.g. hazardous
waste. Users should NEVER open the cadmium column in attempts at regeneration. If the
cadmium is accidentally spilled, appropriate spill measures should be taken.

The waste generated from use of the YSI 9600 contains potentially toxic organic chemicals, but most
importantly, contains Cd

Users should NEVER discharge waste from the YSI 9600 into the environment, instead retaining it in
the waste bags that are provided with the instrument. Likewise, unless specifically approved by the
local wastewater authority, users should NEVER dispose of the reaction waste into a sanitary or
storm sewer. The waste should be disposed of in accordance with regulatory requirements with an
approved waste handler.

SUMMARY

• ALWAYS wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and eye protection

with side shields when handling any chemicals.

• Consult the MSDS for proper handling and disposal of all reagents

• NEVER dispose of waste solution which contains cadmium ions into a sanitary sewer without

prior approval of local wastewater authorities. It is likely that you will be required that you use
an approved waste handler for proper disposal of the waste solutions.

• NEVER dispose of used cadmium columns in your standard trash. Dispose of the used columns

through an approved waste handler.

• NEVER attempt to open a cadmium column assembly.

2+

that according to the USEPA is toxic and a probable human carcinogen.

YSI Environmental 81 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 13 WARRANTY AND SERVICE INFORMATION

The YSI Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor is warranted for one year against defects in workmanship and
materials when used for its intended purposes and maintained according to instructions. Damage due to
accidents, misuse, tampering, or failure to perform prescribed maintenance is not covered. Within the
warranty period, YSI will repair or replace, at its sole discretion, free of charge, any product that YSI
determines to be covered by this warranty.

To exercise this warranty, write or call your local YSI representative, or contact YSI Customer Service in
Yellow Springs, Ohio. Send the product and proof of purchase, tran sportation prepaid, to the Authorized
Service Center selected by YSI. Repair or replacement will be made and the product returned transportation
prepaid. Repaired or replaced products are warranted for the balance of the original warranty period, or at
least 90 days from date of repair or replacement.

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY

This Warranty does not apply to any YSI product damage or failure caused by (i) failure to install, operate
or use the product in accordance with YSI’s written instructions, (ii) abuse or misuse of the product, (iii)
failure to maintain the product in accordance with YSI’s written instructions or standard industry
procedure, (iv) any improper repairs to the product, (v) use by you of defective or improper compon ents or
parts in servicing or repairing the product, or (vi) modification of the product in any way not expressly
authorized by YSI.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EX PRESSE D OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. YSI’s LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT, AND THIS SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY FOR ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT
SHALL YSI BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY.

YSI Environmental 82 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER

UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONAL

YSI Incorporated • Repair Center • 1725 Brannum Lane • Yellow Springs, Ohio • 45387 • Phone: (937)
767-7241 or 800-765-4974• E-Mail: [e-mail]

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Before they can be serviced, equipment exposed to biological, radioactive, or toxic materials must
be cleaned and disinfected. Biological contamination is presumed for any instrument, probe, or other device
that has been used with body fluids or tissues, or with wastewater. Radioactive contamination is presumed
for any instrument, probe or other device that has been use d near any radi oact i ve so urce .

If an instrument, probe, or other part is returned or presented for service without a Cleaning Certificate, and
if in our opinion it represents a potential biological or radioactive hazard, our service personnel reserve the
right to withhold service until appropriate cleaning, decontamination, and certification has been completed.
We will contact the sender for instructions as to the disposition of the equipment. Dispositio n costs will be
the responsibility of the sender.

When service is required, either at the user's facility or at YSI, the following steps must be taken to insure
the safety of our service personnel.

) In a manner appropriate to each device, decontaminate all exposed surfaces, including any containers.

70% isopropyl alcohol is suitable for most disinfecting. Instruments used with wastewater may be
disinfected with 0.5% Lysol if this is more convenient to the user.

) The user shall take normal precautions to prevent radioactive contamination and must use appropriate

decontamination procedures should exposure occur.

) If exposure has occurred, the customer must certify that decontamination has been accomplished and

that no radioactivity is detectable by survey equipment.

) Any product being returned to the YSI Repair Center, should be packed securely to prevent damage.
) Cleaning must be completed and certified on any product before returning it to YSI.

NOTE CAREFULLY: The following steps which are SPECIFIC TO THE 9600 must be performed
prior to shipment of the 9600 to YSI. IF ANY CHEMICALS ARE PRESENT IN THE 9600

ASSEMBLY WHEN RECEIVED BY YSI, IT WILL IMMEDIATELY BE RETURNED AT THE
USER’S EXPENSE.

• Remove the carousel and place on a flat surface.

• Make sure that the pinch clamps on all reagent are closed. Then disconnect the reagent bags

from the 9600 tubing, remove the bags from the monitor and set aside for further use. Do NOT
return the bags with the analyzer. Leave the waste bags connected to the analyzer at this point.

YSI Environmental 83 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• Disconnect the tubing from the cadmium column assembly and plug the ends with the two black

plugs that were set aside during unpacking. Connect the two nuts that were removed from the
cadmium column with the translucent coupling nut that was set aside during unpacking. Do
NOT return the cadmium column assembly with the analyzer.

• Fill the second standard reagent bag with purified water and attach to the sample inlet fitting via

the tubing assembly.

• Locate the six reagent lines (previously attached to reagent bags) and place them into a vessel

that contains approximately 500 mL of purified water.

• Connect to the 9600 via a computer running NUview software and run the predeployment test to

assure that the system is flushed thoroughly.

• Remove the second standard bag from the inlet port and replace with the inlet filter and its

guard. Remove the reagent lines from the water vessel and allow to hang down into the lower
compartment of the carousel.

• Close the pinch clamps on the waste bags and remove them from the carousel. Do NOT return

the waste bags with the instrument.

• Reassemble the 9600 by placing the carousel into the outer shell and attaching the four assembly

screws.

PACKING INSTRUCTIONS

) Clean and decontaminate items to insure the safety of the handler.
) Complete and include the Cleaning Certificate.
) If possible, place the product in a plastic bag to keep out dirt and packing material.
) Use a large carton, preferably the original, and surround the product completely with packing material.
) Insure for the replacement value of the product.

Cleaning Certificate

Organization
Department
Address
City State Zip
Country Phone
Model No. of Device Lot Number
Contaminant (if known)
Cleaning Agent(s) used
Radioactive Decontamination Certified?
(Answer only if there has been radioactive exposure) Yes
No

Cleaning Certified By
Name Date

YSI Environmental 84 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 14 REQUIRED NOTICE

The Federal Communications Commission defines this product as a computing device and requires the
following notice.

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, may cause
interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A or Class B computing device in accordance with the specification in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient the receiving antenna

• Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver

• Move the computer away from the receiver

• Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional
instructions. The user may find the following booklet, prepared by the Federal Communication, helpful: “How
to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems”. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, and Stock No. 0004-000-00345-4.

YSI Environmental 85 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 15 9600 SPECIFICATIONS

15.1 SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS

USING 2 MM PATHLENGTH DETECTOR CELL

Range: 0 to 10 mg/L Nitrate-N

Accuracy: 0-6 mg/L -- +/- 5 % of reading or 0.2 mg/L, whichever is greater.

Accuracy: 6-10 mg/L -- +/- 10 % of reading using a 6 mg/L Nitrate-N standard. Accuracy in the

0-6 mg/L range may be slightly compromised by the use of the 6 mg/L standard.

Detection Limit: 0.025 mg/L Nitrate-N

USING 10 MM PATHLENGTH DETECTOR CELL
Range: 0 to 2 mg/L Nitrate-N

Accuracy: +/- 5 % of reading or 0.02 mg/L, whichever is greater

Detection Limit: 0.005 mg/L

15.2 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

Operating Temperature Range: 1 to 45 C

Operating Depth : < 200 feet (61 m) of water

Reagent Life: > 30 days at a 1 hour sample interval

Standard Battery Configuration: YSI 9611 Battery Pack with 14 Alkaline D Cells.

Battery Life: Approx. 70 days at a 1 hour sample interval at 20 C; approximately 30 days at a 1 hour

sample interval at 5 C.

Dimensions: Cylindrical with a diameter of 13 inches and a height of 28 inches.

Weight With All Reagent Bags Full and Alkaline Battery Pack Installed: Approximately 40 lbs.

(18.2 kg).

Communication Protocol:

RS-232 for communication to PC

SDI-12 for communication to Data Collection Platforms

YSI Environmental 86 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 16 ACCESSORIES

ITEM/MODEL # ACCESSORY

Model 6095 6095B Adapter, MS-8 to DB-9 w/ Power Port
Model 6096 6096 Adapter, MS-8 to Flying Leads, Use with DCPs
Model 6100

Model 6067 6067B Low Cost Calibration Cable, 10 ft., Dry Use Only
Model 9691 Field Cable with 18 AWG Wire, 25 ft
Model 9692 Field Cable with 18 AWG Wire, 50 ft
Model 9693 Field Cable with 18 AWG Wire, 100 ft
Model 9611 Replacement Battery Pack, Alkaline D Cells, 30 Ahr
Model 9612 Replacement Cadmium Column
Model 9613 Replacement Reagent Bag Kit, 6 1-liter bags and 2 5-liter bags
Model 9614 Replacement Tubing Kit

Model 9615 Replacement Syringe Kit
Model 9616 Maintenance Kit
Model 9617 Replacement Inlet Filter Kit
Model 9689 Power Supply, MS-4 to AC outlet
Model 3885 Nitrate Standard, 1.0 mg/L Nitrate-N, 500 mL
Item 063089 Replacement Pressure Cap for Comm Port
Item 699179 Replacement Assembly Screw
Item 699296 Ferrite Bead
Item 699298 Declaration of Conformity

6100 External Power Connector, Attaches to 6095B adapter or
6067B cable

YSI Environmental 87 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

SECTION 17 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

What is the Model 9600 designed to do?

The YSI 9600 Nitrate Monitor is a powerful instrument that allows the user to
levels at a variable sample interval and thus provides a much greater capability to detect nutrient events
than the spot sampling activities which have historically been carried out. The software associated with the
system allows easy user set-up for most nitrate monitoring studies whether the nitrate at the site is expected
to be typical (0-5 mg/L of nitrate-N) or high (5 mg/L and up of nitrate-N). The 9600 is not designed for
spot sampling of nitrate since the minimal interval between samples is 15 minutes.

What are the key competitive features of the 9600?

• Works on standard cadmium reduction/diazotization principle. Standard Methods #4500-NO

• Can be custom configured relative to detector cell for most freshwater applications (2 mm) or for most

estuarine and near coastal applications (10 mm).

• Easy-to-use software for simple set-up and deployment

• Easy access to reagent bags and internal battery pack for field replacement

• Good battery life (approx. 70 days at a 1 hour sample interval at 20 C) with internal D-cell battery

pack. Also can be powered by 12 V car battery, AC adapter, or data collection platform for longer
deployments

• SDI-12 and RS-232 interfaces standard for use with computers and data collection platforms

• Automatic calibration at user-selected interval. Calibration points do not affect data continuity for

sample intervals of 30 minutes and greater

• Waste system included with instrument to avoid cadmium

• Minimal waste volume because of pump design

How does the 9600 measure nitrate?

To accurately measure nitrate, the 9600 uses flow injection technology combined with a chemical reaction
sequence which is defined in literature from both the USEPA and Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water and Wastewater. The intensity of the color produced by the chemical reaction sequence is
determined by standard absorbance spectroscopy and compared to that of a standard of known
concentration in order to quantify the amount of nitrate in an environmental sample. The use of flow
injection technology minimizes the amount of reagents required and the amount of waste generated.

Do I have to make any configuration decisions when ordering the 9600?

You must specify which detector cell will be factory installed in your 9600. The 9600-02 uses a 2 mm
detector cell while the 9600-10 uses a 10 mm cell.

2+

discharge into the environment

continuously record nitrate

-

E.

3

YSI Environmental 88 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

How would I decide which detector cell to order?

Your choice should be based on the nitrate levels that normally exist in the water that you intend to
monitor. For applications where typical nitrate levels are
be configured with a 2 mm cell; for applications where typical nitrate levels are
should be equipped with a 10 mm detector cell. The 9600-02 and 9600-10 are designed primarily for
freshwater and estuarine/near coastal applications, respectively, but there may be some cases where the
greater range of the 9600-02 will be required for brackish water studies and some cases where freshwater
nitrate levels are consistently low enough to require the greater accuracy of the 9600-10.

Can I order a 9600-02 and a separate 10 mm detector and switch the cells myself to fit the
application?

No. Users cannot change the detector cell that was purchased with their particular 9600. While detector
cells can be switched from 2 mm to 10 mm or vice versa, this action must be carried out by YSI personnel
and requires a return of the 9600 monitor to the factory.

What is the detection limit for the 9600?

Laboratory studies show that typical detection limits for the 10 mm and 2 mm detector cells are 0.005 and

0.025 mg/L of nitrate-N, respectively. Note that YSI uses the term “detection limit” to identify the lowest
level of typical reading change which can be quantified by the analyzer near a value of zero analyte. Thus,
a 9600-10 can consistently show a difference in absorbance between a blank solution and one that has a
concentration of 0.005 mg/L of nitrate-N. Note that the detection limit is different from the accuracy as
defined in the next section.

What accuracy does the Model 9600 provide?

With a 2 mm pathlength cell, the instrument is accurate to 5 % of the reading or 0.2 mg/L nitrate-N,
whichever is greater in the 0-6 mg/L range. In the 6-10 mg/L nitrate-N range, the 9600 is accurate within
10 % of the reading. With a 10 mm detector cell, the accuracy is increased to 5 % of the reading or 0.02
mg/L, whichever is greater, in the 0-2 mg/L range.

Do I have to write any software routines to control the mixing of chemicals in the instrument?

No. The instrument software comes with two control programs for two applications – typical nitrate levels
(0-5 mg/L of nitrate-N) and high nitrate levels (5-10 mg/L of nitrate-N). All the user has to do is to select
one of these choices and the instrument software does the rest. The set-up of the instrument is via a

“Wizard” similar to that used in many Microsoft Windows

If I have a special application, can I generate unique flow injection sequences to serve my needs?

This feature is not available at the initial release of the product, but will be available in the future. Please
contact YSI Technical Support to inquire as to whether the feature has been activated in the software.

Does the 9600 have CE approval?

Yes, the 9600 will bear the CE sticker and thus be compliant with all electromagnetic emission and
immunity requirements in countries where these regulations are relevant as long as an optional ferrite bead
is installed on the instrument cable as described in Section 11 of the manual.

over 2 mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen, the 9600 should

below 2 mg/L, the monitor

TM

programs.

YSI Environmental 89 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Can I use the 9600 to measure nitrite (NO2

Yes. The 9600 will measure the nitrite in the water if the cadmium column is removed and its inlet and
outlet ports are connected by a fitting that is provided with the instrument. In fact, with the cadmium
column in place, the 9600 measures the sum of the nitrate AND nitrite in the water being monitored.
Normally, however, because of nitrification, there is very little nitrite in most environmental water and
therefore the 9600 reports its readings as nitrate. Users who are concerned that there is indeed a significant
quantity of nitrite in the water at their monitoring sites should either carry out studies with the 9600 with no
cadmium column in place or should collect water samples at the site and perform laboratory analyses for
nitrite to confirm that its presence is having a significant effect on the overall accuracy of the measurement.

-

)?

CHEMICALS AND SAFETY

What safety concerns need to be addressed when using the 9600?

There are three major areas of concern when using the 9600:

• Operation of the YSI 9600 Nitrate Monitor requires the use of a variety of chemicals and users must

take care to handle them properly. With one exception (elemental cadmium), the user is required to
purchase these chemicals from a vendor of their choice. Users should consult the Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS) supplied by these vendors for all reagents before their use and should follow
manufacturers’ and/or MSDS recommendations with regard to their proper disposal. Users should
ALWAYS wear appropriate protective equipment including safety glasses with side shields and gloves
when handling any of these chemicals.

• For proper operation of the YSI 9600, cadmium metal MUST be purchased in packaged form as the

YSI Model 9612 Cadmium Column Assembly. An MSDS for the material captured in the cadmium
column is automatically supplied to the user by YSI. To protect against potential hazards associated
with inhalation of cadmium dust, the cadmium column should be handled in a fume hood during
activation. After the reducing capacity of the cadmium column has been exhausted, the entire sealed
column should be disposed of in accordance with regula t o ry re qui rements, e.g. hazardous waste.
Users should NEVER open the cadmium column in attempts at regeneration. If the cadmium is
accidentally spilled, appropriate spill measures should be taken.

• The waste generated from use of the YSI 9600 contains potentially toxic organic chemicals, but most

importantly, contains Cd
Users should NEVER discharge waste from the YSI 9600 into the environment, instead retaining it in
the waste bags that are provided with the instrument. Likewise, unless specifically approved by the
local wastewater authority, users should NEVER dispose of the reaction waste into a sanitary or storm
sewer. The waste should be disposed of in accordance with regulatory requirements with an approved
waste handler.

While these concerns are significant, they basically involve commonly-used good laboratory practices that
are used by many organizations already. While the cost of disposal of the waste through a certified waste
handler will vary somewhat, it generally it is not so high as to be a major factor in the overall cost of
monitoring nitrate with the 9600. The key is that you WILL have to handle chemicals if you use a 9600
and you should have a plan in place to do so before you purchase the instrument.

Where do I get the chemicals to use with the 9600?

The sources used for the various reagents that have been used in YSI development studies on the 9600 are
provided in detail in the 9600 manual. However, other than cadmium, users can purchase reagents from

2+

that according to the USEPA is toxic and a probable human carcinogen.

YSI Environmental 90 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

any source of their choosing as long as the chemicals are (a) identical in formulation and (b) equivalent in
purity – ACS Reagent Grade or better. An appropriate quantity of the reagents should be purchased based
on the frequency of deployment of your 9600. The cadmium used in the system MUST be purchased from
YSI in the form of a packaged colu mn assembly.

What equipment do I need to make up the solutions for the 9600?

The following equipment should be available to users of the 9600. YSI does not supply this equipment,
but will help users in recommending a source for its purchase.

• Graduated Plastic Bottles with 2 L capacity (at least 6)

• Volumetric Flask for 1000 mL (at least 1) of solution.

• Adjustable pipetter for 0-1 mL volumes (at least 1)

• Glass pipet s of va ri o us deno minations (depending on standard concentrat i ons req ui re d)

• Laborato ry bal a nce wit h wei ghi n g accuracy of 0.0 1 g

CALIBRATION OF THE 9600

How is the 9600 calibrated?

Part of the reagent package of the 9600 is a standard (usually 1 or 2 mg/L in nitrate-N) and a blank
(purified water with no nitrate present). These reagents are run through the system periodically during a
deployment providing on-board calibration that compensates for any instrument drift. These calibration
points are used to convert the optical readings from actual samples into nitrate values in mg/L nitrate-N.
This calibration protocol is transparent to the user.

How often are the calibration standards run as part of a fiel d stud y?

The frequency of calibration is a user-selectable parameter. YSI generally recommends that calibration be
carried out at least once every 24 hours and preferably every 12 hours.

Do the calibration points displace actual data points?

Generally not. For sample intervals of 30 minutes or greater, the calibration is run between data points and
no readings are displaced. For a sample interval of 15 minutes, each calibration routine (standard and
blank) displaces one data point.

What concentration of calibration standard should I use for my field studies?

For your initial deployment, YSI recommends using a standard that is 1mg/L in nitrate-nitrogen (nitrate-N).
This standard will assure readings that are accurate to 5 % of the reading or 0.2 mg/L whichever is greater,
for the nitrate concentrations in most environmental water (0-6 mg/L of nitrate-N). If the water at your site
is known to consistently contain concentrations of nitrate higher than 6 mg/L, then you can either accept a
lower accuracy using the 1 mg/L nitrate-N standard or use a higher standard concentration such as 6 mg/L
nitrate-N which will assure accuracy of +/- 10 % of the reading in the higher range.

YSI Environmental 91 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

USING THE 9600 IN FIELD STUDIES

How do I interact with the 9600 to set it up and deploy it?

To interface to the 9600 you must use a PC (laptop or desktop) which is running the YSI software that is
designed for use with the nitrate analyzer. This software is called NUview

item with each 9600. The software provides an easy to use, Windows-based interface which allows you
to:

• Configure y our inst rument for a depl oyment

• Start a depl oyment

• Interact wit h the 9600 during deploym ent s to upload and view data

• Stop a deployment

Can I use my YSI 650 to interact with the 9600?

No. The 650 will not interface properly to the 9600.

Is the 9600 difficult to set up for nitrate monitoring?

The set-up is simple, but does require some time. For example, the preparation of chemicals for use with
the 9600 and their installation in the monitor is not difficult, but could take a couple of hours depending on
the familiarity of the user with this procedure. The diagnostic routine used before each deployment is very
simple to activate with the instrument software, but does take approximately 1 hour to complete. In
general, you should probably count on spending about 4 hours total in the set-up of the 9600 for a long­term monitoring study. Thus, you could set up the instrument for a deployment in the morning and deploy
in the afternoon.

Do I have to take a laptop computer to the field to deploy the 9600?

Not if you don’t want to. You can easily program a delay in the time of deployment during laboratory set­up of the 9600 which will allow you to simply take the instrument to the field and place it in the water at
your site before any readings are taken.

Can the 9600 be used with data collection platforms?

Yes. The 9600 provides a standard SDI-12 interface which is ideal fo r use with most data collection
platforms. Note, however, that the minimum sample interval for SDI12 applications is 30 minutes.

What is a typical sample interval for field studies?

Our experience is that usually a 1 hour sample interval will “catch” any changes in nitrate during a typical
deployment. However, there may be isolated cases where nitrate events are more transitory and lower
sample intervals will have to be employed to quantify them. If users are concerned about the potential for
transitory nitrate events at their sites, then they should err on the side of caution in their initial studies, i.e.,
use a greater sampling frequency to gain knowledge of the
particular location. Naturally, you will want to sample at the longest sample interval which “catches” all
nitrate changes in order to conserve reagents and battery power.

typical rate of change of the nitrate levels at a

TM

and is supplied as a standard

YSI Environmental 92 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

What is the physical size of the 9600?

The 9600 is fairly large and must be so to provide space for the chemical reagent bags and the waste
storage bags. When assembled, it is cylindrical in shape and is approximately 13 inches in diameter by 28
inches tall. When equipped with chemicals for a deployment, it weighs about 40 pounds.

What length of deployment can I expect from a 9600?

The deployment length is limited by two factors – battery life (as described above) and reagent life – and,
with a fully charged battery pack the true limiting factor is usually reagent life. For a study involving a 1
hour sample interval, the reagents will last approximately 35 days. For longer sample intervals, the
increase in reagent life is linearly proportional; for example, the reagents will last approximately 70 days
with a 2 hour sample interval.

How long can I expect my cadmium column to last?

Our experience is that some degradation of the column will be observed after approximately 1000 samples
– equivalent to about 36 days with a 1 hour sample interval. However, the loss of reducing capacity will
be dependent on the overall characteristics of the water at a particular site and therefore it is possible that
the column may function acceptably for longer periods of time. Unacceptably high back-pressure is the
most common problem that develops as the cadmium column degrades or ages. Only by gaining
experience with your particular applications will you be able to estimate the longevity of your cadmium
column.

Can I regenerate my cadmium column by following the activation procedure outlined in the manual?

Our experience is that cadmium used in environmental water monitoring under goes changes that will not
allow for regeneration. Therefore, YSI strongly recommends that the cadmium column be REPLACED
after function is compromised.

What depth of water is required for deploying the 9600?

Ideally, the 9600 will be deployed in an “upright” position and under these conditions approximately 3 feet
of water is required for the top-mounted inlet filter to be submersed at all times. However, the 9600 can be
deployed on its side if necessary with the required depth under these conditions being reduced to
approximately 18 inches. Note that the entire monitor should be immersed – not just the inlet filter – so
that all reagents are maintained at a constant environmental temperature.

How deep can the 9600 be deployed?

The 9600 will function properly at depths up to 200 feet of water.

What power sources can be used with the 9600?

The 9600 can be powered in three basic ways:

• An internal battery pack that contains 14 alkaline D cells with an output voltage of approximately 10.5

volts. One of these packs is supplied with each nitrate monitor and replacements are available from
YSI as Model Number 9611.

YSI Environmental 93 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

• A new power supply (Model Number 9689) which will automatically convert line voltages of 90 to

264 VAC to 12 VDC and allows for the use of line input cords from most countries world-wide. The
Model 9689 is supplied with an American/Canadian cord. Note that, while physically compatible
with the 9600 cables (see below), other YSI power supplies such as the 6037, 6038, and 6123 should
NOT be used with the 9600 since they do not supply enough power to oper ate the pumps correctly.

• An auxiliary power source with a voltage range of 10 to 20 volts and supplying a current of at least 2

amperes. A typical application in this area would be a lead acid battery alone or one that is being
powered by solar cells as part of a data collection platform package.

What is the life of the alkaline D cell internal battery pack?

The life will depend on two key factors: (1) the frequency at which samples are run and (2) the temperature
of water which is being monitored. For a 1 hour sample interval at 20 C, a battery pack will last
approximately 70 days. If the sample interval is increased to 2 hours, the battery life will increase to
approximately 130 days. If the temperature of the water is decreased to 5 C, the battery life at a 1 hour
sample interval will decrease very significantly – to approximately 30 days.

Can the user purchase individual alkaline D-cells and make them into a battery pack?

No. Users must purchase the battery pack assemblies from YSI.

What type of cable will I need for setting up and deploying the 9600?

Depending on your applications, several YSI cables can be used to interface your 9600 to a computer as
described below:

6067B -- If your applications involve the remote deployment of the 9600 where the instrument is

•

powered on internal batteries and then recovered for data upload, then the relatively-inexpensive
6067B is probably the ideal cable interface to your 9600. The cable can be used in the laboratory to
set up the instrument for deployments to upload data in the laboratory or in the field when no provision
for a water tight connection to the 9600 is required. However, users should note that (a) the
connection between the 6067B cable and the 9600 is NOT watertight and (b) the nitrate monitor
CANNOT be powered by auxiliary devices such as the 9689 power supply, car batteries, or data
collection platforms during deployments using this cable because its connection to the 9600 is not
watertight.

Standard YSI Field Cables -- Users of the 9600 who also have YSI 6-series field cables, such as the

•

Models 6090, 6091, 6092, or 6093, can utilize these cables for interface to the 9600
conditions. When using these cables to interface to the 9600, the optional YSI 6095B MS-8 to DB-9
adapter must be connected to the MS-8 end of the cable. Howe ver, users with existing 6-series field
cables should be aware that the 9600 CANNOT be powered by auxiliary devices such as the 9689
power supply, car batteries, or data collection pl at fo rms during deployments using this cable. The
current draw when the 9600 is actually making measurements is too great for the wires in the cable.

9600 Field Cables -- As noted in Sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 above, the major limitation of the use of

•

existing YSI cables with the 9600 is that the nitrate monitor CANNOT be powered externally through
these cables during deployments using the 9689 power supply, auxiliary batteries, or data collection
platforms. However, special field cables such as the 9691, 9692, and 9693 are available for use with
the 9600 under these conditions. These cables utilize heavier gauge wires than the standard YSI cables
such that the 9600 can be remotely powered for distances of up to 100 feet between the power supply
and the nitrate monitor. As for standard YSI field cables, users must utilize a 6095B adapter with the
96XX cables in order to interface to a computer.

under limited

YSI Environmental 94 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

How do I acquire the data from my 9600?

To extract nitrate data from the memory of the 9600, you will need to connect the nitrate monitor to a
computer running NUview software and simply click the File selection in the initial screen. Then choose
the Upload button and select the file type that you wish to upload to your computer.

The raw data found in the memory of the 9600 can be uploaded in two formats as described below:

• YSI Data Format (.DAT extension) – This data format will probably be preferred by most users and is

compatible with the proven YSI data analysis software EcoWatch for Windows
will allow custom reporting and plotting of the data from the 9600 and will allow the interconversion
between concentration units of mg/L of nitrate-N and uM (micromolar) nitrate. Most importantly,
nitrate-N data uploaded in .DAT format will be processed to take into account the periodic calibration
of the 9600, automatically compensating the data for any drift. When you upload in .DAT format,
only three parameters are available for display in EcoWatch for Windows – nitrate concentration, the
optical absorbances associated with each point, and the battery voltage. Note that the optical
absorbance has NOT been compensated for calibration drift.

Comma Separated Values (.CSV extension) -- Uploading data from the 9600 in this data format will

•

allow users to obtain the raw data parameters that are used to calculate the nitrate values uploaded in
the YSI Data Format. Files of this type can readily be opened in spreadsheets such as Excel for
advanced data analysis and troubleshooting if required by the user. The following parameters are
found in the file:

• The raw signal photodiode response for all samples, blanks, and standards in sequential listing.

• The raw reference photodiode response logged at the time of each sample, blank and standard

reading.

• The batte ry voltage.

• A date and time stamp for each sample, blank, and standard reading.

In general, users will always want to upload their data in YSI Data Format; they may or may not want to
upload in .CSV format, depending on their level of interest in the processing of the raw data. In particular,
the .CSV file will be of great help to YSI Technical Support personnel in troubleshooting.

Can I just view the data in the field without plotting it to assure that the instrument is functioning
properly?

Yes. You can use the Quick View feature in the software to view the last 10 sample points, blank, and
standard points and assure that they are consistent with good 9600 performance

Does the study stop when I upload or view my data in the field?

No. The current study will continue even if you carry out the upload or Quick View operation while a
sample is being taken. There will be no need to restart the study while viewing or uploading data.

TM

. This software

YSI Environmental 95 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

APPENDIX A ECOWATCH FOR WINDOWS COMMANDS

The following section provides a description of all EcoWatch functions. Examples shown in the
discussion use water quality parameters from 6-series sondes rather than nitrate data from a Model 9600,
but the functionality of the commands is identical for both applications. As noted above, several of the
commands in EcoWatch are used to communicate to 6-series sondes and these commands are not relevant
for use with the 9600.

7.6.1 FILE

The File menu offers the following list of commands. Some commands are available only when a file is
open.

OPEN

Use this to open sonde or 9600 data file (.DAT).

File Name Type or select the filename you want to open. This box lists files with the extensions you

select in the List Files of Type box.

List of Files of Type Select the type of file that you want to open.

*.dat Sonde or 9600 binary data file
*.txt, *prn ASCII text file
*.cdf, .csv, .sdf Comma delimited file
*.rt Real-time file
*.cr1 CR10 file

Drives Select the drive where the YSI Data Format file resides.

Directories Select the directory where the YSI Data Format file resides.

YSI Environmental 96 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

Network... Choose this button to connect to a network location, assigning it a new drive letter. This

button is hidden if your computer is not connected to a network. The screen above has the
network button hidden.

CLOSE

Use this command to close all windows containing the active document. EcoWatch automatically saves
any changes before the file is closed.

You can also close a document by using the Close icon on the document's window, as shown below:

IMPORT

With this command, you can import common ASCII files into EcoWatch. The file will be converted into
YSI Data Format and again with a .DAT extension.

ERGE

M

This function takes two existing data files and merges them into one new file. Both files must be in YSI
Data Format (.DAT), have the same number of parameters, and the same parameter types (the parameter
set-up must be file will be stored in ascending identical). Data record time-stamps in the destination data

YSI Environmental 97 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

order.

COPY TO CLIPBOARD

If a graph or table is active, then choosing this command will send its contents to the Windows clipboard so
that it can be pasted into other programs. This is a normal method of transfer data between different
Windows programs.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys: CTRL+C

SAVE DATA DISPLAY

When opening a data file, you will probably want to look at the data in graph form. You may also want to
rearrange the default graph by selecting or reordering parameters, zooming in to a portion of the graph, or
even changing colors or changing fonts. You may sometimes choose to look at the data or a portion of it in
table form. All of this work is done in the Data Display window.

This command allows you to save the settings and content of the Data Display window so that you can load
it at another time and have it look exactly the same as when you saved it. This saved display is associated
with the data file. Up to 9 data displays can be saved per data file. When you save a display you will be
asked to give it a name in the following dialog box.

There m be an open data file for this command to be available. See also Load Data Display.

ust

Shortcuts

Keys:

CTRL+S

YSI Environmental 98 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

LOA DATA DISPLAY D

This command is only available when a data file is open. If you have previously used the Save Data
Display command for the open data file, then you can load the saved disp lay and have it look exactly t

same as when you saved it. Saved displays are associated with the data file. You can have as many as nine
saved displays for each data file. When loading a display you will be asked to choose from among the
names of saved displays.

he

EXPORT

Use this command to send the current data to a file. Typically, some other program will read the file. You
will see the following dialog box.

You ma

YSI Environmental 99 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

y export the file in either of two forms: a WMF file, or a .CDF file.

WMF stands for Windows MetaFile and is a format that describes any image in a way that is independent
of the program that generated the image. For example, you can generate a graph in EcoWatch, export it as a
.WMF file and then import it into another Windows program.

CDF sta s for Comma Delimited, sometimes referred to as a Comma and Quote Delimited File. This
format is commonly used by spreadsheet and database programs. In this type of file, commas separate
individual data entries, quotation marks surround any text and no formatting or marking is performed o
numbers. EcoWatch can also open files in CDF formats.

When th exported file is to be imported into a spreadsheet, it is sometimes convenient to reduce the
number of data. Averaging them can easily do this. See Change Parameter Attributes for more
information.

Use this command to send data or statistics to an ASCII text file. The information is easy to read in this
format. When choosing this command the following dialog box will appear.

nd

e

To

EPORT R

Shortcuts

olbar:

n

¾ You must enter a filename (under File; use the Browse button if needed). If you want to

simply have a report Type listing the data, then click Data. If you want Statistics (minimu
maximum, average, and standard deviation), then the statistics frequency button applies.

¾ If you want to have Daily statistics, keep in mind that every day actually starts at midnight. It

would be likely then that the first and last days would have very different statistics because
they would only be partial days. Daily, Weekly and Monthly statistics behave similarly.

When you click OK, EcoWatch will send the report to the specified file and open Windows

¾

Notepad where you can view and/or print the report. Note: Notepad can only open report file
that are 64K or less in size. You can use the Windows Wordpad to open reports that are larger
than 64K. Unless you change it, the report file will have the same location as your data file
(.DAT) and has the same name with a .RPT file extension.

YSI Environmental 100 Model 9600 Nitrate Monitor

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