YSI ProDIGITAL Operating Manual

USER MANUAL

ITEM# 626973-01REF

REVISION F

ProDIGITAL User Manual

PROFESSIONAL SERIES DIGITAL HANDHELD METERS

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.

Effort has been made to make the information in this manual complete, accurate, and current.

The manufacturer shall not be held responsible for errors or omissions in this manual.

Consult YSI.com for the most up-to-date version of this manual.

Thank you for purchasing a YSI Professional Series Digital handheld meter. This manual covers setup, operation, and
functionality of the ProDIGITAL handhelds which include the ProDSS and ProSolo.

ProDIGITAL Handheld features include:

• Digital smart probes that are automatically recognized by the instrument when connected

• Waterproof (IP-67) case

• Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack

• Color display and backlit keypad

• User-selectable cable options

• USB connectivity

• Global Positioning System (GPS) (optional on ProDSS)

• Depth sensor (optional on 4-port cable)

• Large memory with extensive site list capabilities

• Rugged enclosure with rubber over-molded case and miltary-spec (MS) connectors

• KorDSS data management software included with each instrument (Please see Installation Instructions)

Safety Information

Please read this entire manual before unpacking, setting up or operating this equipment. Pay attention to all
precautionary statements. Failure to do so could result in serious injury to the operator or damage to the equipment.
Do not use or install this equipment in any manner other than that specified in this manual.

The manufacturer is not responsible for any damages due to misapplication or misuse of this product including,
without limitation, direct, incidental and consequential damages, and disclaims such damages to the full extent
permitted under applicable law. The user is solely responsible to identify critical application risks and install
appropriate mechanisms to protect processes during a possible equipment malfunction.

Precautionary Symbols

NOTE: Information that requires special emphasis

NOTICE: Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, may cause damage to the instrument

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that may result in minor or moderate injury

WARNING: Indicates a potentially or imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death

or serious injury

Product Components

Carefully unpack the instrument and accessories and inspect for damage. If any parts or materials are damaged,
contact YSI Customer Service at 800-897-4151 ([phone]) or the authorized YSI distributor from whom the
instrument was purchased.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction

1.1 Battery Use and Battery Life

1.2 Charging the Battery Pack

1.3 Battery Replacement

1.4 Connect the Handheld to the Cable Assembly

1.5 Sensor Installation/Removal

2. Operation

2.1 Keypad and Navigation

2.2 Startup

2.3 Navigation

2.4 Main Display Description

2.5 System Menu

2.6 Sensor Menu

2.7 Calibration Menu

2.8 Files Menu

2.9 Taking Measurements

3. Calibration

3.1 Calibration Setup

3.2 Depth

3.3 Conductivity

3.4 Barometer

3.5 Dissolved Oxygen

3.6 Turbidity

3.7 Total Algae

3.8 pH/ORP

3.9 ISEs

4. Maintenance and Storage

4.1 ProDIGITAL Handheld

4.2 4-Port Bulkhead

4.3 Sensor Guard

4.4 Depth Sensor

4.5 Temperature Sensor

4.6 Conductivity Sensor

4.7 Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

4.8 Turbidity & Total Algae Sensors

4.9 pH/ORP Sensor

4.10 ISE Sensor

4.11 ProDSS Sensor Module Replacement

5. KorDSS Software

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Installing the Driver and Software

6. Accessories

6.1 Ordering

7. Safety and Support

7.1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack

7.2 Service Information

7.3 Technical Support

7.4 Declarations of Conformity

7.5 Warranty

8. Appendices

8.1 Appendix A - DO% Calibration Values

8.2 Appendix B - Oxygen Solubility Table

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3

1. Introduction

1.1

ProSeries Digital handhelds use a rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery pack as a power source. The battery comes
pre-installed in the handheld and ships at less than 50% full capacity. Battery life depends on use, enabled parameters,
LCD brightness, and GPS use.

A new battery, that has been fully charged, is expected to last for the following durations at 25°C, with Sampling set to
Auto, Backlight set to Auto, and GPS enabled:

• ProDIGITAL handheld only - 48 hours

• ProDSS with fully loaded 4-port cable assembly and 25% LCD brightness - 20 hours

To increase battery life, enable manual sampling mode (Sampling). Manual sampling mode powers the sensor(s) on to
take a measurement and then powers down to conserve battery life.

As with all lithium-ion batteires, battery life will decline over time and use. This decay should be expected. For the long­term health of the battery, a larger discharge is better than a small dishcarge between recharges.

1.2

Battery Use and Battery Life

Charging the Battery Pack

A USB cable is included with the handheld to charge the
instrument battery pack and connect the instrument to a PC.
The battery pack can be charged from the AC power adapter,
directly from a computer USB connection or from an external,
portable USB battery pack (sold separately, see Accessories).

Plug the USB connector into the AC power adapter, computer
USB connector or external USB battery pack, then plug the
micro USB connector into the handheld (Figure 1).

WARNING: Charge the battery pack in an open area away from flammable materials, liquids, and surfaces.

Do not charge or handle a battery pack that is hot to the touch. Failure to follow the safety
warnings and precautions can result in personal injury and/or instrument damage not
covered under warranty. Read Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery pack safety warnings and

precautions.

For the handheld to recognize that it is using AC power, you must start charging the handheld while it is turned on.
After the instrument recognizes it is being charged, it can be turned off to finish charging.

AC Charging DC Charging

9 hr 14 hr

Figure 1 Connecting the handheld to AC

power supply

4

Introduction

1.3

1. Remove the battery pack cover by unscrewing (counter-clockwise) the four screws with a flat or Phillips head

screwdriver (Figure 2). The retaining screws are captured into the battery pack cover and are not removable.

2. If replacing an existing battery pack, remove the Li-Ion battery pack and rubber battery pack cradle. With two

fingers, grasp the battery pack connector and pull the connector straight up to disconnect and remove. Properly
dispose of the old battery pack (See Battery Disposal).

3. Inspect the replacement battery pack and battery pack cradle for damage. Contact YSI technical support if there

is any damage.

4. Correctly align and seat the battery pack cradle and battery pack into the instrument.

5. Align the battery pack connector wire terminals with the three instrument pins, then connect the battery pack

to the instrument. Make sure that the three wire terminal connectors and three instrument pins are correctly
aligned before connecting the battery pack connector. Incorrect installation can damage the battery pack con­nectors or instrument pins.

6. Install the battery pack cover, then hand tighten the cover screws with a screwdriver. DO NOT use any power

tools. Make sure that the cover sealing surface is correctly aligned and free of any contamination or damage.

NOTICE: The battery cover does NOT need to make a compressed seal. Overtightening the cover screws can

Battery Replacement

damage the battery cover and the handheld.

1

2

3

4

5

1 Battery pack cover

2 Battery pack

3 Battery pack connector*

6

4 Instrument pin connectors

5 Battery pack cradle

Introduction

6 Battery pack cradle installed

*Color shown for reference

Figure 2 Battery replacement

5

Connect the Handheld to the Cable

1.4

Assembly

The cable connectors are keyed for positive mating and to prevent connector damage (Figure 3). The handheld retains
its IP-67 waterproof rating when the cable is disconnected. However, the connectors are not wet-mateable and should
be clean and dry before connecting.

Align the keys on the cable connector with the slots on the handheld connector. Push together firmly, then twist the
outer ring clockwise until it locks into place.

1

2

Figure 3 Keyed connectors

1 Handheld female connector 3 Keyed area of connector

2 Slotted area of connector 4 Cable male connector

3

4

6

Introduction

1.5

Probe assemblies like the ODO/CT, ODO/T, and ProOBOD feature integral sensors. These sensors cannot be removed
from the cable. Therefore, this section pertains only to the ProDSS 4-port cable.

Sensor Installation/Removal

ProDSS 4-port Cable

ProDSS 4-port cables feature user-replaceable sensors. The ports on the bulkhead are universal, meaning that you can
install any sensor into any port. A conductivity/temperature sensor must be installed for accurate measurement of all
parameters except turbidity and TSS.

Bulkhead ports are numbered (Figure 4), so if multiple sensors of the same type are installed, the port number will be
added to the Run screen display to clarify the measurement value of each sensor.

NOTICE: The bulkhead ports and sensor connectors are not wet-mateable. Make sure that the sensor

connectors and bulkhead ports are clean and dry before sensor installation.

3

2

1

Figure 4 Sensor installation

4

5

6

7

1 Sensor

2 Port plug

3 Bulkhead

4 Sensor retaining nut

5 Sensor installation/removal tool

6 O-ring lubricant

7 Sensor port

Sensor Installation

1. Remove the port cover shipped with the 4-port cable. This cover can be kept to protect the bulkhead ports from

contamination during long-term storage.

2. Inspect each bulkhead port for contamination. If the port is dirty or wet, clean it with compressed air.

3. Apply a thin coat of o-ring lubricant to the sensor o-rings. Wipe off excess o-ring grease with a lint-free cloth.

4. Carefully align the sensor and bulkhead connectors by inserting the sensor into the port then gently rotating the

sensor until the connectors align. Once aligned, push the sensor toward the bulkhead until the sensor seats in
the port.

Introduction

7

5. Carefully finger-tighten the retaining nut clockwise. If any resistance is felt, loosen the retaining nut completely

to prevent cross-threading.

6. Use the sensor installation/removal tool to tighten the retaining nut clockwise until snug, about a ¼ to ½

additional turn of the retaining nut. Be careful not to over-tighten the retaining nut.

NOTICE: Incorrect installation or over-tightening can cause damage to the sensor or bulkhead that is not

covered by the warranty.

Sensor Removal

To remove a sensor, insert the sensor installation/removal tool into the retaining nut, then rotate the retaining nut
counterclockwise to loosen. After the retaining nut has been completely unscrewed from the bulkhead, pull the sensor
straight out of the port and place it on a clean surface. Install a port plug if not reinstalling a sensor in the exposed port.
Exposure to water can cause damage or corrosion to the bulkhead connectors not covered by the warranty.

Port plugs

Port plugs and a tube of o-ring lubricant are included in the
maintenance kit that ships with all 4-port cables.

Installation

1. Apply a thin coat of o-ring lubricant to the o-rings

on the plug port.

2. Remove any excess lubricant from the o-rings and

port plug with a lint-free cloth.

3. Insert the port plug into the empty port and press

until firmly seated.

4. Finger-tighten the port plug clockwise to install. If

necessary, use the sensor installation tool to make
sure that the plug is fully seated into the port. The

Figure 5 Sensor port plugs and port

numbering (4-port cables)

o-rings will not be visible if a port plug is correctly
installed. Do not over-tighten the port plug.

NOTICE: Do not submerge the bulkhead without a

sensor or port plug installed in all ports.

Sensor Guard and Weight Installation

1. Carefully slide the sensor guard over the bulkhead and attached sensors/port plugs. Push the sensor guard

toward the bulkhead until the sensor guard threads align with the bulkhead threads.

2. Carefully hand-tighten the sensor guard clockwise. If any resistance is felt, loosen the sensor guard completely

to prevent cross-threading. Incorrect installation may cause damage to the sensor guard or bulkhead that is not
covered by the warranty.

8

Introduction

Sensor Guard and Weight Installation (continued)

1

2

3

4

1 Depth sensor (if equipped)

2 Bulkhead threads

3 Bulkhead

4 Sensor guard

5 Weight

5

Figure 6 Sensor guard and weight

installation on a 4-port cable assembly

Sensor Guard Weights

To help stabilize the sensors when profiling at deeper depths, a 1 lb. sensor guard weight is supplied with 4-port
assemblies 10 meters and longer. To attach the weight, carefully hand-tighten it clockwise on to the bottom of the
sensor guard (Figure 6). If any resistance is felt, loosen the sensor guard weight completely to prevent cross-threading.

The bottom of the weight is threaded so that additional weights can be added if needed. YSI recommends installing
no more than 5 lbs of weight on ProDIGITAL cables. See Accessories.

NOTE: Do not have any weights installed on the sensor guard when calibrating using the calibration cup.

Introduction

9

2. Operation

2.1

Keypad and Navigation

1

5 6

7

9 10

2 3 4

11 12

8

Figure 7 Keypad description

1 System: Opens the system menu. Use to adjust

system settings.

2 Probe: Opens the sensor menu. Use to setup sensors,

change the units shown, select the sensor averaging
mode, and turn on/off Auto Stable and GPS.

3 Calibrate: Opens the calibration menu. Use to

calibrate sensors or restore default calibration.

4 File: Opens the file menu. Use to view logged data

and calibration files, backup data to a USB stick, and
delete data.

5 Exit/Escape key: Exits to the Run screen. When in an

alpha/numeric entry screen, returns to previous menu.

6 Backlight: Turns the keypad backlight on or off for use

in low light conditions.

7 Left arrow key: Navigate left in an alpha/numeric

entry screen. Push to return to previous menu in all
screens except alpha/numeric entry. On the Run
screen, push to show graphical representations of the
displayed measurements.

8 Right arrow key: Navigate right in an alpha/

numeric entry screen. On the Run screen, push to
show graphical representations of the displayed
measurements. In the View Data screen, push to view
additional parameters in the data set.

9 Help: Shows context sensitive help.

10 ON/OFF: Turn on or turn off the instrument.

11 Up/Down arrow keys: Scroll through menus or enter

numbers and letters.

12 Enter key: Push to confirm selections. On the Run

screen, push to log a single data point or start
continuous data logging.

10

Operation

2.2

Push the On/Off ( ) key to turn on the handheld. If the handheld does not turn on, make sure that the battery is

charged. Push and hold the

Startup

key for 1.5 seconds to turn the handheld off.

2.3

The handheld contains menus to change user-defined options, functions, and parameters. Use the arrow keys

and ) to highlight different options within menus and sub-menus, then push the Enter (

(
option. Push the left arrow ( ) key to return to the previous menu.

Push the Exit/Escape (

push the
functions appear as a circle only ( ) or an empty box ( ).

ENTER

Navigation

ENTER

) key to select the

Esc

) key to return to the Run screen. To enable or disable an option, highlight the option, then

key. Enabled functions appear as a circle with a dot ( ) or a box with a check mark ( ). Disabled

Alpha/Numeric Entry

When required, an alpha/numeric entry screen will be shown. Use the arrow keys to highlight a specific character and

push the
to save the entry (Figure 8).

1

ENTER

key to select it for entry. When finished entering information, highlight ENTER, then push the

NOTE: When in an alpha/numeric screen, the

cancel and return to the previous menu.

key is for alpha/numeric navigation only. Push the

1

1 User entry field

Esc

key to

ENTER

key

2

4

Operation

3

5

Figure 8 Alpha/numeric and numeric entry screens

2

3

2 Delete entire entry

3 Backspace

4 Enter (highlighted selection)

5 Upper/lowercase

4

11

2.4

The main display (Run screen) shows the current measurements and units as defined in the Sensor Display menu. If
more measurements are selected than can be displayed on the Run screen, a scroll bar will be shown. Use the and

arrow keys to view the additional measurements (Figure 9).

The message area shows status messages, error messages, and information about selected functions.

Main Display Description

1

5

7

8

2

4

3

6

9

10

Figure 9 Main display example

1 Date/Time 6 USB/PC connection indicator

2 GPS signal indicator 7 Log or sampling (update measurements) prompt on

Run screen (single or continuous)

3 Battery charging indicator 8 Displayed measurements

4 Battery charge % 9 Scroll bar

5 Current screen/menu 10 Message area

12

Operation

2.5

System Menu

Push the System ( ) key to view and adjust instrument settings. Highlight a sub-menu then push the
the sub-menu options (Figure 10).

Pre-defined or user-selected options are noted within brackets ( [ ] ).

1 Set the Date and Time

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

2 Change the user-defined Calibration Options

3 Change the instrument Language settings

4 Change the Radix Point

5 Change the Logging options

6 Change the Sampling options

7 Set the handheld Auto-Shutoff time

8 Set the Backlight mode

9 View the Software Version

10 View the handheld Serial Number

ENTER

key to view

Figure 10 System menu

Figure 11 Date/Time

11 View and adjust the Unit ID

12 View the Sensor specific information

13 Adjust the display Brightness

Date/Time

→ Date/Time

For accurate logging and calibration data, correctly set the date and time
options (Figure 11). Select any of the following options to set the Date/
Time.

Date/Time options:

• Set YY/MM/DD, MM/DD/YY, DD/MM/YY or YY/DD/MM date format

• Set the correct date

• Select 12 or 24 hour time format

• Set the correct time

Operation

13

Calibration Record

Detailed sensor calibration information is stored for later review. The instrument’s internal memory can save up to 400
individual calibration records. After 400 records, the instrument will overwrite previously stored calibration records,
starting with the oldest. To prevent the permanent loss of calibration records, periodically download the calibration
files to a computer using the KorDSS software.

Calibration Options

→ Calibration Record → Options

User ID, Probe ID, or User Field #1 or 2 can be user-defined for positive
calibration file identification of:

• The person calibrating the instrument

• The sensor/cable serial number used during calibration (or other,
user-defined Probe ID)

• Other user-specific identification (User Field #1 and #2) (Figure 12)

Figure 12 Calibration Options

Figure 13 Re-Cal Prompts

NOTE: User Field can be used to describe the condition of the

probe. For example, new sensor or new ODO cap.

Re-Cal Prompts

→ Calibration Record → Options → Re-Cal Prompts

Re-Cal Prompts provide a reminder to recalibrate a probe in the
user-defined number of days (Figure 13). Select the desired sensor Re-Cal
prompt, then enter the desired number of days before the Re-Cal prompt
occurs. This reminder will be provided when the instrument is powered
on and will reoccur every day until the sensor is re-calibrated.

Set the sensor value to zero (0) days (default) to turn off Re-Cal prompts.

14

Operation

Figure 14 Calibration Security

Calibration Security

→ Calibration Record → Security

The Calibration menu can be password protected to prevent accidental
or unauthorized sensor calibration (Figure 14).

1. From the Calibration Record menu, select Security, then enter the

default password “ysi123”.

2. Select Set Password [ ] and change the default password.

3. Select the Protect Cal check box to password protect the

Calibration menu.

NOTE: Write down and keep the password in a safe place. Contact

YSI Technical Support if you lose the password (Technical

support).

Language

→ Language

Figure 15 Language

Figure 16 Radix Point

The instrument is shipped with English enabled. If a different language
is desired and selected, the handheld will take approximately 10 to 20
seconds to enable the new language (during the first installation only).

Optional languages:

• Spanish

• French

• German

• Italian

• Portuguese

• Norwegian

• Japanese

• Simplified Chinese

• Traditional Chinese

• Korean

• Thai

Radix Point

→ Radix Point

The radix point can be changed to display a comma or a decimal in
numeric displays (e.g. 1.00 becomes 1,00 when Comma is selected)
(Figure 16).

Operation

15

Figure 17 Logging

Figure 18 Site List

Logging

→ Logging

The handheld can add a user-defined Site and/or Data ID to a data record
if these functions are enabled under the Logging menu. A check mark in
the box next to these features indicates they are enabled (Figure 17).

After selecting Site [ ] or Data ID [ ], the Site List or Data ID List will be
shown (Figure 18). New entries can be created by choosing Add new...

If the handheld has a GPS signal, the current GPS coordinates will be
auto-populated when creating a new site. If the handheld does not have a
built-in GPS, the coordinates and altitude can be entered manually.

Sites can be listed in order of Name (i.e. alphanumeric order) or Distance
from the current position (Figure 18).

Choose an entry from the Site List or Data ID List to Select, Edit, or
Delete (Figure 19). When selected, data recorded will be tagged with the
specific site and/or data ID.

NOTE: The Manage Sites menu in KorDSS Software can be used to

send a picture of the Site to the instrument.

Figure 19 Site

Continuous Mode ( Interval logging): Select the Continuous Mode check

box and enter the user-defined Log Interval (in hours:minutes:seconds)
to log samples continuously at the specified time interval. The Run screen

will display Start Logging... when in Continuous Mode. Press

ENTER

to

begin logging.

One sample logging: Clear the Continuous Mode check box. The
Run screen will display Log One Sample. A sample will be logged each

time the

ENTER

key is pushed when in the Run screen.

NOTE: An option to change Site and/or Data ID (if enabled)

appears once

ENTER

is pressed to begin logging.

16

Operation

Figure 20 Sampling

Sampling

→ Sampling

Auto sampling mode continuously updates measurements on the display
(Figure 20).

When in Manual mode, the instrument will take measurements for the du­ration of the user-defined Sample Period (in seconds) then “lock” or hold
the readings on the display. The default sample period is 50 seconds, and
can be adjusted from 15 to 60 seconds. Manual mode helps conserve
battery power.

Once the measurements are locked, push the

data, or the

Esc

key and then the

ENTER

key to take a new measurement.

ENTER

key to log the held

NOTE: When both Continuous Logging Mode and Manual

Sampling mode are enabled, the handheld will power the
sensors on and take measurements for 15 seconds before
logging a data set.

Auto-Shutoff

→ Auto-Shutoff

To conserve battery power, auto-shutoff powers off the instrument after
a user-defined time period (in minutes). The auto-shutoff time can be
adjusted from 1 to 255 minutes. Set to 0 (zero) to disable Auto-Shutoff.

Backlight

Operation

→ Backlight

In Automatic mode, the instrument display will dim 60 seconds after the
last key was pushed. Once any key is pushed, the instrument display will
return to the user-defined brightness setting and the keypad backlight
will turn on. The screen will dim and the keypad backlight will turn off
after another 60 seconds of inactivity.

In manual mode, the instrument display remains at the user-defined
brightness and the keypad backlight is turned on and off by the Backlight
key. Setting the backlight to manual mode is recommended for bright
conditions.

17

Software (Sw) Version

→ Sw Version

Sw Version shows the instrument’s software version number. The latest
instrument software and update instructions are available at YSI.com.
Instrument software can be updated through the KorDSS Software under
the Instrument and Sensors tab.

Serial #

→ Serial #

Serial # shows the serial number of the handheld instrument. Note the
serial number when contacting YSI support.

Unit ID

→ Unit ID

Users can set a custom Unit ID. The Unit ID identifies the instrument in
KorDSS Software.

Sensor Info

→ Sensor Info

Sensor info shows measurement data, and hardware/software information
for each component of the system: instrument, sensor, and bulkhead. Use
the and arrow keys to scroll through the components.

Brightness

→ Brightness

The screen brightness can be adjusted to accommodate lighting
conditions and to conserve battery power (Figure 21). Use the and
arrow keys to adjust the screen brightness.

Figure 21 Display Brightness

18

Operation

2.6

Sensor Menu

Use the Probe (
ment units displayed on the Run screen, set Auto Stable parameters, change the sensor averaging mode, and if
equipped, turn on/off GPS.

Figure 22 Probe (Sensor) menu

) key to access the Sensor menu and change sensor settings (if applicable), enable the measure-

Push the key to access the sensor menu (Figure 22). Highlight a sub-

menu then push the

Pre-defined or user-selected sensor settings are noted within brackets ([]).

ENTER

key to view sub-menu options.

Sensor Setup

→ Setup

The Sensor Setup menu will show all sensors connected to the instrument
(Figure 23). If a sensor is connected but is not listed on the Sensor Setup
menu (<None> displayed), check the sensor and cable connections.

Figure 23 Sensor Setup

Figure 24 Setup ODO

Setup ODO

→ Setup → ODO

Local DO: Enable or disable localized DO% measurements. When

enabled, the calibration value is set to 100% regardless of altitude or
barometric pressure. When enabled, an L will be shown next to DO% on
the run screen. DO mg/L measurements are unaffected when Local DO is
enabled (Figure 24).

LDS: Last Digit Supression (LDS) rounds the DO value to the nearest
tenth, e.g. 8.27 mg/L becomes 8.3 mg/L.

Sensor Cap Coefficients: The sensor cap coefficients must be updated
after sensor cap replacement. Update the sensor cap coefficients using
the coefficient sheet provided with the new sensor cap. Once updated,
the coefficients are saved to the ODO sensor and do not need to be
re-entered.

NOTE: The coefficients stay with the sensor even when used with

different handheld meters.

Operation

19

Figure 25 TSS coefficients

Setup Turbidity

→ Setup → Turbidity

TSS Coefficients: Total Suspended Solids (TSS) can be measured if

correlation coefficients are calculated in KorDSS.

To obtain these coefficients, collect turbidity data at the sampling site with
corresponding grab samples. Analyze the samples in a lab to determine
a true TSS measurement (mg/L). At least 2 and up to 6 value pairs of
turbidity and TSS measurements can be used.

Correlation data must be collected for each unique sampling site, as this
correlation is site-specific.

In KorDSS Software, enter the field-obtained turbidity measurements and
the corresponding lab-obtained TSS measurements in the Instrument and
Sensors menu. Coefficients can then calculated with KorDSS and sent to
the sensor.

NOTE: Although correlation coefficients can be entered directly

into the handheld (Figure 25), only KorDSS Software can
calculate the coefficients.

Figure 26 Setup pH

Figure 27 Setup Conductivity

Setup pH

→ Setup → pH

Select USA auto-buffer recognition (4.00, 7.00, and 10.00) or NIST auto­buffer recognition (4.01, 6.86, and 9.18) (Figure 26). Calibration values are
automatically compensated for temperature for both buffer sets.

Setup Conductivity

→ Setup → Conductivity

Temp Ref: Reference temperature is used to calculate temperature

compensated specific conductance. All specific conductance values are
compensated to the Temp Ref temperature. The default value is 25°C
(Figure 27). Enter a new value between 15.00°C and 25.00°C.

%/°C (Percent per degree Celsius): The temperature coefficient is used to
calculate temperature compensated specific conductance. The default is

1.91% based on KCl standards. Enter a new value between 0 and 4%.

20

TDS Constant: This is a multiplier used to calculate an estimated Total

Dissolved Solids (TDS) value from conductivity. The multiplier is used to
convert specific conductance in mS/cm to TDS in g/L. The default value is

0.65. Enter a new value between 0 and 0.99.

Operation

Setup Conductivity (continued)

The TDS multiplier is highly dependent on the nature of the ionic species
present in the water sample. To be assured of moderate accuracy for
the conversion, you must determine a multiplier for the water at your
sampling site. Use the following procedure to determine the multiplier for
a specific sample:

1. Determine the specific conductance of a water sample from the

site.

2. Filter a portion of water from the site.

3. Carefully measure a volume of the filtered water. Completely

evaporate to yield a dry solid.

4. Accurately weigh the remaining solid.

5. Divide the weight of the solid (in grams) by the volume of water

used (in liters) to yield the TDS value in g/L for the site.

6. Divide the TDS value in g/L by the specific conductance of the

water in mS/cm to yield the conversion multiplier.

NOTE: If the nature of the ionic species at the site changes

between sampling studies, the TDS values will be in
error. TDS cannot be calculated accurately from specific
conductance unless the make-up of the chemical species in
the water remains constant.

Figure 28 Setup Depth

0.272 m

Depth

Sensor

WQ

Sensors

Figure 29 Distance of depth sensor to

WQ sensors on 4-port cable

Setup Depth

→ Setup → Depth

Cable assemblies with a depth sensor in the bulkhead can measure virtual
vented depth. The virtual vented depth measurement allows for real time
compensation for atmospheric pressure using the handheld’s barometer.

Depth offset: Depth offset can be used if referencing water elevation
against a known value. If a depth offset is entered (in meters), the output
value will shift by the value of the offset (Figure 28).

A common offset entered by the user is the depth sensor location relative
to the rest of the WQ sensors. This value is 0.272 m on the 4-port cable
(Figure 29).

Altitude/Latitude: To compensate for atmospheric pressure based on
elevation and gravitational pull, enter the local altitude in meters relative
to sea level and latitude in degrees where the instrument is sampling.

Latitude effect: Varying latitudes can cause up to a 200 mm change in
depth from equator to pole.

Altitude effect: A 100 m change in altitutde causes a 1.08 mm of change
to the depth readings.

Operation

21

Figure 30 Sensor Display

A
S

A
S

A
S

Sensor Display

→ Display (Figure 30)

The Sensor Display menu determines the parameters and units that
are shown on the Run screen (Figure 9). The Run screen will only show
measurements for sensors that are attached to the cable bulkhead.

If more measurements are selected than can be displayed on one screen,
a scroll bar will be shown. Use the and keys to scroll through the
measurements.

NOTE: For depth profiling, enable Vertical Position under Depth

Display to view the real-time position of the depth sensor
in the water column. This is helpful in profiling applications
to ensure the depth sensor is lowered to the desired depth
without waiting for the depth data to stabilize.

Auto Stable

→ Auto Stable

Figure 31 Auto Stable

Figure 32 Auto Stable stability

threshold

Auto Stable indicates when a measurement is stable. Sensors with Auto

Stable enabled will have

flash beside the measurement on the Run

screen.

will flash green when the measurement is stable.

Select a sensor to enable or disable Auto Stable (Figure 31). Then set the
stability threshold parameters.

The Auto Stable stability threshold can be set by percent of measurement
or in the units of measurement selected in the Sensor Display menu.
Enter the stability value, then select Use Percent or Use Meas. Units
(Figure 32).

This threshold is used to compare the last reading with the previous. The
smaller the number entered in % or units, the longer it will take for the
instrument to reach the auto stable criteria.

Example: For temperature in °C, if Measurement Units threshold is set

to 0.2 and the temperature reading changes by more than 0.2

degrees,

will continue to be red until the reading does not

change by more than 0.2°C over the defined sample period
and sample count.

Hold All Readings: After all sensors have reached their stability criteria,
the measurements will be held or ‘locked’ on the display. If disabled, the
sensor measurements will continue to change in real time.

Audio Enabled: An audio alert will sound when stability is reached.

22

Operation

Auto Stable (continued)

Continuous Mode: The handheld will continuously check sensor values

against the stability criteria even after the sample period and sample
count have been met.

Log Samples: Logs the sample/s defined by the Sample Period to
memory.

Sample Period: Time interval between samples that are used to
determine stability. Set the interval in seconds (1 to 900).

Sample Count: Number of consecutive samples required for stability
(1 to 10).

Select Start Auto Stable to enable.

Averaging

→ Averaging (Figure 33)

Figure 33 Averaging

The averaging mode determines how the handheld will filter data. A
smaller time frame for the rolling average window allows changes in
the sensor’s measurements to be more quickly observed, while a larger
rolling window provides more stable measurement readings and a
smooth result. Each averaging mode will decrease the time span of the
rolling window if a large change in the sensor measurement is detected,
allowing the handheld to adapt when an event occurs.

The Default mode provides optimum averaging for all sensors. This
mode has up to 40 seconds of averaging on the sensors to curb spikes
and outliers, resulting in more stable data.

In Accelerated mode, changes in sensor measurements are more quickly
observed than default (approximately 10 seconds of averaging). This
mode is recommended when the sensors are moving through the water,
such as during profiling studies and most spot sampling applications.

NOTE: For profiling applications, enable Vertical Position under

Depth Display to view unfiltered depth measurements. This
helps to ensure the depth sensor is lowered to the desired
depth without waiting for the averaged measurement.

In Rapid mode, sensor response is very fast (approximately 2 seconds of
averaging), but the instrument will never settle on a single steady number.
This mode is recommended when the sensors are moving quickly
through the water, such as rapid profiling and towed applications.

Operation

23

Salinity

→ Salinity

Salinity is determined by calculations derived from the conductivity and
temperature sensors.

When a conductivity sensor is installed, the instrument will automatically
use the salinity measurement for DO and “As Measured” will be
displayed. If no conductivity sensor is installed (e.g. ODO/T cable
assembly used), the salinity value will be user-selectable.

ODO Cap Prompt

→ ODO Cap Prompt

The handheld can remind users when it is time to replace the ODO Cap
based on a user-defined interval (Figure 34). To set the reminder, select
ODO Cap Prompt and input a number in months. YSI recommends
enabling this setting to match the warranty period of the ODO Cap:

Figure 34 ODO Cap Status

Figure 35 GPS

• ProDSS ODO Sensor Cap [SKU: 626890] = 12 months

• ODO Extended Warranty Sensor Cap [SKU: 627180] = 24 months

The handheld will automatically recognize the last time the ODO Sensor
Cap coefficients were updated and alert the user when the Cap is due
for replacement. To disable the prompt, simply enter 0 for the number of
months.

GPS (Optional)

→ GPS

Some handhelds feature a built-in GPS. GPS turns the handheld Global

Positioning System On or Off. The
is received (Figure 35).

When enabled, the GPS coordinates will be saved with the Calibration
Record and logged data. Note that the battery will drain more rapidly
when GPS is enabled than when it is not enabled.

symbol is shown when a GPS signal

24

NOTE: GPS data will be most accurate when there is a clear line of sight

to satellites. It may be difficult for the handheld to receive a good
GPS signal when under canopy or indoors.

Operation