YSI EC300A User Manual [en, es, fr]

Operations Manual

EcoSense® EC300A

Portable

Conductivity, Salinity

and Temperature

Instrument

 English
 Français
 Español


Portugu

ês

WARRANTY

The EcoSense® EC300A Instrument is warranted for one year from date of purchase by the
end user against defects in materials and workmanship. EC300A probes and cables are
warranted for one year from date of purchase by the end user against defects in material and
workmanship. 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, transportation
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 components 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, EXPRESSED 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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

YSI Inc.
1725 Brannum Lane
Yellow Springs OH, 45387
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.ysi.com

1

CONTENTS

WARRANTY .......................................................................................................................... 1

CONTACT INFORMATION ................................................................................................ 1

GENERAL INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 3

INITIAL INSPECTION .......................................................................................................... 3

THE INSTRUMENT

BATTERY INSTALLATION .................................................................................................. 3

Battery Disposal ......................................................................................................... 3

KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE MODEL EC300A .................................................................... 4

THE LCD DISPLAY ............................................................................................................... 4

MEASUREMENT MODES ................................................................................................... 4

CALIBRATION ...................................................................................................................... 5

TDS .............................................................................................................................. 5

CELL ............................................................................................................................. 5

Temperature Coefficient ........................................................................................... 5

Temperature Reference ............................................................................................ 5

Conductivity Calibration ........................................................................................... 5

CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENTS ................................................................................... 6

SAVING, VIEWING AND DELETING DATA

PROBE MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................... 6

TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................... 7

SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................ 8 

RECOMMENDED SPARE PARTS LIST ............................................................................... 8

............................................................................................................. 3

................................................................... 6

2

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The EC300A is a precision tool that measures conductivity, salinity and temperature. A built-in
microprocessor calculates and compensates for all parameters related to conductivity and
temperature determinations.

This instrument is waterproof (IP67) when the connector cap is installed. The mechanical
touch keys are highly reliable with tactile and audio feedback. This instrument uses one 9V
battery. Re-calibration is not required when power is restored.

The front of the instrument has a large LCD that displays temperature and either temperature
compensated or non-temperature compensated conductivity, salinity or TDS simultaneously
along with user prompts and mode indicators. The unit prompts users through calibration
and measurement procedures.

The model EC300A is available with a single four-electrode cell. Other features include
automatic conductivity ranging, automatic temperature compensation, long battery life, and
50/60 Hz AC noise rejection. This meter is universal and user-friendly for field, industrial and
laboratory applications.

INITIAL INSPECTION

Carefully unpack the unit and accessories, and inspect for shipping damages. Compare
received parts with materials listed on the packing list. Notify YSI immediately of any damage
or missing parts. Save all packing materials until satisfactory operation is confirmed.

THE INSTRUMENT

Though the instrument is housed in a water-proof IP67 case, DO NOT use it underwater. The
connector is not waterproof unless the cap is installed. In case of submersion without the cap
connected, follow these steps immediately:

1. Dry the connector if necessary, and replace the conductivity probe. Rinse unit carefully

with distilled water. After rinsing and drying, inspect and clean connectors to remove all
contaminants that may affect probe connections

2. Wait for the unit and probe to dry completely before resuming operation.

3. If the unit does not function correctly after steps 1 and 2, call YSI for possible repair or

replacement (see Warranty)

.

.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

An initial display of “BAT” on the LCD indicates
approximately one hour of battery life for unit operation
within specifications. Replace battery when “BAT” appears
on the LCD. (See Figure 1.)

To replace battery, remove the two battery cover screws,
battery cover and o-ring. Replace the 9V battery. Replace
battery cover and o-ring (align the o-ring properly to insure
a good seal) and fasten the two battery cover screws for the
splash-resistant feature.

Battery Disposal

This instrument is powered by a 9 volt battery, which the user must remove and dispose of
when the batteries no longer power the instrument. Disposal requirements vary by country
and region, and users are expected to understand and follow the battery disposal
requirements for their specific locale.

3

Figure 1.

Battery Installation

KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE MODEL EC300A

1. : Turns the unit ON or OFF. Calibration values are not erased when the unit is turned

off. When the unit is not in use, turn it off to save battery life. The instrument has a 30
minute auto shut off feature when not in use. For long-term storage, remove the battery.

2. MODE: Selects display mode. In Normal operation, press MODE to switch the display

between uncompensated conductivity, temperature compensated conductivity, salinity,
total dissolved solids (TDS), Recall and Delete.In calibration mode, this key exits the
current calibration and displays the next calibration parameter.

3. CAL: In normal operation, changes the mode from Normal to Calibration.

4. (Enter) : In Calibration Set-up, press this key to save the current parameter to

memory.

5.  and  Keys: Increases or decreases the display value as desired.

THE LCD DISPLAY

1. CONDUCTIVITY: Displays when

measuring conductivity.

2. BAT: Low battery indicator.

3. CELL: Indicates conductivity cell

constant value.

4. Main display for compensated and

uncompensated conductivity, salinity
and TDS values.

5. TDS: Displays when measuring total

dissolved solids.

6. SALINITY: Displays when measuring

salinity.

7. CAL: Calibration mode indicator.

8. C: Flashes during temperature compensated conductivity measurement. During

calibration, indicates temperature reference unit.

%: Displays during calibration; indicates temperature coefficient unit.

9. ppt: Parts per thousand; indicates salinity measurement.

10. uS, mS: micro Siemens, milli Siemens; Indicates conductivity measurement.

11. g/L: grams/Liter; indicates TDS measurement.

12. C: Temperature display.

Figure 1. LCD Display

MEASUREMENT MODES

1. Temperature - Current solution temperature continually displays.

2. Temperature Compensated Conductivity - Measurement of conductivity, compensated

to 25C or another specified value between 15 and 25C. Expressed as uS/cm or
mS/cm with a flashing “C”.

3. Uncompensated Conductivity – Direct measurement of conductivity, not compensated

4. Salinity – Measurement of salinity; expressed in parts per thousand (ppt).

to a specific temperature. Expressed as uS/cm or mS/cm.

4

5. TDS – Measurement of total dissolved solids (TDS); expressed in grams per liter (g/L).
Carefully observe the units displayed at the far side of the LCD to determine the desired

mode.

CALIBRATION

Calibration setup contains five sections: TDS, Cell, Temperature Coefficient, Temperature
reference, and Conductivity Calibration. To access these sections:

1. Connect the conductivity probe and cable assembly to the unit and turn the unit on. The

screen will display CELL and the cell constant of the conductivity probe.

2. Allow temperature readings to stabilize, then press CAL to enter the calibration mode;

CAL appears on the LCD. Press MODE to sequentially display the following sections:

Note: Press Enter ( ) to accept any values changes in each section and automatically

advance to the next section. If there are no changes, the unit accepts the current value
and proceeds to the next section.

TDS

TDS is determined by multiplying conductivity (mS) by a TDS factor. The default factor value
is 0.65. To change the TDS factor, use the  and  keys to adjust the value between 0.30 and

1.00. Press Enter ( ) to save the new value, or press MODE to cancel the change and
display the CELL screen.

CELL

The second screen will display CELL and the current cell value. The default cell value is 5.00
and is displayed in the lower right of the screen. The unit allows a variance of ±0.50 before
displaying an error message. The cell value cannot be adjusted at this screen; calibrating

conductivity is the only way to adjust the cell constant. Press Enter ( ) to reset the cell
constant to 5.00 and display the Temperature Coefficient screen.

Note: Be certain to press Enter ( ) to reset the cell constant to 5.00. If MODE is pressed,
the unit retains the previous cell constant and calibrates from a value that is already offset.

Temperature Coefficient

The unit uses the temperature coefficient to calculate temperature compensated conductivity.
The default value is 1.91%. To change the temperature coefficient, use the  and  keys to
adjust the value between 0 and 4.00%. Press Enter ( ) to save the new value, or press
MODE to cancel the change and display the Temperature Reference screen.

Temperature Reference

The unit uses the temperature reference value to calculate temperature compensated
conductivity. The default value is 25C. To change the temperature coefficient, use the  and
 keys to adjust the value between 15 and 25C. Press Enter ( ) to save the new value, or
press MODE to cancel the change and display the Conductivity Calibration screen.

Conductivity Calibration

1. Immerse the probe in a standard of known conductivity, preferably a standard in the

middle range of the solutions to be measured. Completely submerge the probe without
touching the sides of the calibration container. Shake the probe lightly to remove any air
bubbles trapped in the conductivity cell.

5

2. Allow temperature to stabilize. The message ‘rAng’ (range) may display briefly to indicate

unit auto-ranging; this is normal. After temperature stabilization, use the  and  keys to
adjust the conductivity value to that of the conductivity standard at 25C. Press Enter
( ) to calibrate. The unit beeps twice to indicate a successful calibration, then
automatically switches to normal operation mode.

CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENTS

1. Turn the unit on. Place the probe in the solution to be measured. Completely submerge

the probe. Shake the probe lightly to remove any trapped air bubbles in the conductivity
cell.

2. Press MODE to enter the desired measurement mode. The message ‘rAng’ (range) may

appear briefly on the display indicate auto-ranging; this is normal. Allow temperature to
stabilize before taking measurements.

SAVING, VIEWING AND DELETING DATA

The EC300A can save 50 data records. When in measurement mode, press  to save a
record. The instrument will confirm the saved data by displaying SAVE and the record
number for one second. “Full” is displayed when trying to save data and the memory is full.

To view saved data, press mode until RECALL is displayed and then press . Use the Up or
Down arrow keys to review different saved records. Press Mode to escape back to
measurement mode.

To delete data records, press Mode while in measurement mode until DELETE is displayed.
Press  . “All” will be displayed and blinking. Press the Up or Down arrow key to switch
between delete ‘All’ or ‘Each’ options. Select either ‘All’ or ‘Each’ by pressing  while that
option is displayed.

If ‘All’ is selected, all records will be deleted from memory and ‘None’ will be displayed. Press
Mode twice to return to the measurement mode.

If ‘Each’ is selected, the Up and Down arrow keys will allow you to scroll through the saved
data records. Press  to delete the selected record. All records after the deleted record will
shift up to keep the records in sequential order. For example, if record 3 is deleted, record 4
will become record 3 and record 5 will become record 4. Press Mode twice to return to the
measurement mode.

PROBE MAINTENANCE

The most important requirement for accurate and reproducible conductivity measurements is
a clean cell. A dirty cell changes the conductivity of a solution through contamination. Clean
the cell thoroughly before storing it. To clean the conductivity cell:

1. Dip the cell in cleaning solution and agitate for two

to three minutes. Any foaming acid tile cleaner, such
as Dow Chemical Bathroom Cleaner, should clean
adequately. For a stronger cleaner, use a solution of
1:1 isopropyl alcohol and 1 N HCl. Remove the cell
from the cleaning solution.

2. Use the nylon brush (supplied) to dislodge any

contaminants from inside the electrode chamber.

Repeat steps one and two until the cell is completely
clean. Rinse the cell thoroughly in deionized, or clean tap water.

6

TROUBLESHOOTING



MAIN DISPLAY PROBLEM POSSIBLE SOLUTION

OvEr

OvEr/Undr during calibration

 Conductivity is >200.0 mS
 Salinity is > 70.00 ppt

 Cell Constant Calibration

is out of range

 Completely submerge the

probe.

 Allow sufficient time for the

electrode and Temp probe
stabilization.

 Recalibrate with correct value

for the conductivity standard.

 Replace conductivity

standard.

 Clean cell.
 Return for service.

MAIN

DISPLAY

OvEr/Undr

SECONDARY

DISPLAY

OvEr

Undr

Temperature >90.0 C

Temperature < -10.0 C

Decrease/Increase the

sample temperature.

 Return for service.

7

SPECIFICATIONS

y

Display Range Accuracy Resolution

Conductivity,
Auto-ranging

0.0 to 499.9 uS/cm
500 to 4999 uS/cm

5.00 to 49.99 mS/cm

50.0 to 200.0 mS/cm

±1% of reading plus 2 uS/cm
±1% of reading plus 5 uS/cm

±1% of reading plus 0.05 uS/cm

±2.5% of reading plus 0.5 mS/cm

0.01 uS/cm
1 mS/cm

0.01 mS/cm

0.1 mS/cm

Salinity 0.0 to 70.0 ppt 0.2% Full Scale 0.1 ppt

Temperature

°C

-10.0 to 90 °C ±0.2 °C or ±0.4% Full Scale,
whichever is greater

0.1 °C

Reference Temperature
Temperature Coefficient 0.0% to 4.0%
Cell Constant

TDS Constant Range 0.30 to 1.00
Power/Battery life

Calibration Back-up Yes
Audio Feedback Yes, on all touch keys
Instrument Case

Operating Temp. Range
Operating Relative Humidity Range up to 95%
Temperature Probe
Dimensions (L x W x H)
Weight (batteries included)

15.0 to 25.0

5.00

One 9V batter

Waterproof when connector cap installed, IP 67

0 to 50

Thermistor, 10k / 25

18.7 cm x 7.6 cm x 3.8 cm (7.37 in x 3 in x 1.5 in)
270 grams (.6 lb)

°C

± 0.50

Approximately 500 hour

°C

°C

RECOMMENDED SPARE PARTS LIST

PART # DESCRIPTION

300-1 1-meter probe and cable assembly
300-4 4-meter probe and cable assembly.

300-10 10-meter probe and cable assembly.

606043 Carrying case, hard sided.

485 Carrying case, soft sided.

Item #606042REF

Revision A, July 2012

For the latest version of this manual, visit www.ysi.com

8

GARANTIE

L’appareil EcoSense® EC300A est garanti pour une période d’un an, à compter de la date
d’achat par l’utilisateur final, contre tout défaut matériel et de fabrication. Les sondes et les
câbles de l’ EC300A sont garantis pour une période d’un an, à compter de la date d’achat par
l’utilisateur final, contre tout défaut matériel et de fabrication. Pendant la période de garantie,
YSI s’engage à réparer ou à remplacer, gratuitement et à sa discrétion, tout produit qu’YSI
peut établir comme étant couvert par la garantie.

Pour faire valoir cette garantie, écrivez ou appelez votre représentant YSI ou contactez le
Service clientèle d’YSI à Yellow Springs, Ohio, États-Unis. Envoyez le produit et son justificatif
d’achat en port payé au Centre de service homologué sélectionné par YSI. La réparation ou le
remplacement seront effectués et le produit vous sera retourné en port payé. Les produits
réparés ou remplacés sont garantis jusqu’à expiration de la période de garantie originale ou
pour au moins 90 jours, à compter de la date de réparation ou de remplacement.

Limitation de garantie

Cette garantie ne s’applique pas aux produits YSI endommagés ou présentant des
dysfonctionnements pour les raisons suivantes : (i) installation, exploitation ou utilisation du
produit d’une façon non conforme aux instructions écrites d’YSI ; (ii) abus ou mésusage du
produit ; (iii) manquement à l’entretien du produit conformément aux instructions écrites
d’YSI ou aux procédures industrielles normales ; (iv) réparation non conforme du produit ; (v)
utilisation par vous de pièces ou de composants défectueux ou non conformes lors de
l’entretien ou de la réparation du produit, ou ; (vi) modification du produit d’une façon non
expressément autorisée par YSI.

CETTE GARANTIE REMPLACE TOUTES LES AUTRES GARANTIES, EXPRESSES OU INDUITES,
Y COMPRIS LES GARANTIES DE COMMERCIABILITÉ OU D’ADAPTATION À UN USAGE
PARTICULIER. LA RESPONSABILITÉ D’YSI SELON LES TERMES DE CETTE GARANTIE SE
LIMITE À LA RÉPARATION OU AU REMPLACEMENT DU PRODUIT, CONSTITUANT VOTRE
SEUL ET UNIQUE RECOURS POUR TOUT PRODUIT DÉFECTUEUX COUVERT PAR CETTE
GARANTIE. YSI NE POURRA EN AUCUN CAS ÊTRE TENU RESPONSABLE DE DOMMAGES
SPÉCIAUX, INDIRECTS, ACCIDENTELS OU CONSÉCUTIFS RÉSULTANT DE L’UTILISATION DE
TOUT PRODUIT DÉFECTUEUX COUVERT PAR CETTE GARANTIE.

COMMENT NOUS CONTACTER

YSI Inc.
1725 Brannum Lane
Yellow Springs OH, 45387, États-Unis
Tel : [phone]
Télécopie : 937-767-1058
E-mail : [e-mail]

Site Web : www.ysi.com

1

TABLE DES MATIÈRES

GARANTIE ............................................................................................................................ 1

COMMENT NOUS CONTACTER ...................................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION GÉNÉRALE ............................................................................................. 3

INSPECTION INITIALE ........................................................................................................ 3

L’APPAREIL

INSTALLATION DE LA PILE ................................................................................................ 4

FONCTIONNALITÉS CLÉS DU MODÈLE EC300A .......................................................... 4

ÉCRAN À CRISTAUX LIQUIDES ......................................................................................... 4

MODES DE MESURE .......................................................................................................... 5

ÉTALONNAGE ..................................................................................................................... 5

MESURE DE LA CONDUCTIVITÉ ...................................................................................... 6

ENREGISTREMENT, AFFICHAGE ET SUPPRESSION DES DONNÉES .......................... 6

ENTRETIEN DE LA SONDE ................................................................................................ 7

DÉPANNAGE ....................................................................................................................... 8

SPÉCIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................ 9 

LISTE DES PIÈCES DÉTACHÉES RECOMMANDÉES ...................................................... 9

.......................................................................................................................... 3

Mise Au Rebut De La Piles ........................................................................................ 4

TSD .............................................................................................................................. 5

CELL ............................................................................................................................. 5

Coefficient de la température .................................................................................. 6

Référence de la température ................................................................................... 6

Étalonnage de la conductivité ................................................................................. 6

2