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Congratulations !
You have purchased the latest in handheld Conductivity-Salinity-pH-
Temperature instrumentation. We trust that your new MC-81 will give you
many years of reliable service.
The MC-81 is a breeze to operate. This manual has been designed to help you
get started, and also contains some handy application tips. If at any stage you
require assistance, please contact either your local TPS representative or the
TPS factory in Brisbane.
The manual is divided into the following sections:
1. Table of Contents
Each major section of the handbook is clearly listed. Sub-sections have also
been included to enable you to find the information you need at a glance.
2. Introduction
The introduction has a diagram and explanation of the display and controls
of the MC-81. It also contains a full listing of all of the items that you
should have received with your MC-81. Please take the time to read this
section, as it explains some of items that are mentioned in subsequent
sections.
3. Main Section
The main section of the handbook provides complete details of the MC-81,
including operating modes, calibration, troubleshooting, specifications, and
warranty terms.
4. Appendices
Appendices containing background information and application notes are
provided at the back of this manual.
TPS Pty Ltd
4 Jamberoo Street
Springwood, Brisbane,
Australia, 4127
Phone
: (07) 32 900 400
International : 61 7 32 900 400
Fax
: (07) 3808 4871
International : 61 7 3808 4871
tps@tpsite.com.au
Email
:
Web Site
: www.tpssite.com.au
Model MC-81
Conductivity-Salinity-
pH-Temp. Meter
Handbook Version : 1.1
Date
: 16-Sep-99
Author
: MS
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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
Related Manuals for TPS MC-81
Summary of Contents for TPS MC-81
- Page 1 The introduction has a diagram and explanation of the display and controls of the MC-81. It also contains a full listing of all of the items that you should have received with your MC-81. Please take the time to read this section, as it explains some of items that are mentioned in subsequent sections.
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Page 1 Contents INTRODUCTION ....................2 MC-81 Display and Controls ...................... 2 Unpacking Information........................ 4 Specifications..........................5 DISPLAY FORMATS AND READOUT MODES ............. 6 Display Formats.......................... 6 Readout Modes for Dual Display format..................6 Readout Modes for Large Display format.................. 7 CONDUCTIVITY CALIBRATION ................ -
Page 3: Introduction
Page 2 1. Introduction 1.1 MC-81 Display and Controls ¬ ° ® ± ¯... - Page 4 See section 7. ° ± Press to toggle the MC-81 between Large Display mode and Dual Display mode. See section 2.1. keys are also used to set the manual temperature compensation value if the temperature probe is unplugged. See section 6.4.
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Page 5: Unpacking Information
Page 4 1.2 Unpacking Information Before using your new MC-81, please check that the following accessories have been included: Part No 1. MC-81 pH-mV-Temperature Instrument....121131 2. Combination pH Electrode ........121207 3. K=1/ATC/Temperature Electrode, plastic body ..122201 4. pH6.88 Buffer, 200mL...........121306 5. -
Page 6: Specifications
Page 5 1.3 Specifications Ranges Resolution Accuracy 0 to 14.00 pH 0.01 pH ±0.01 pH ±0.2% Conductivity k=1 cell 0 to 20.00 mS/cm 0.01 mS/cm k=10 cell 0 to 200.0 mS/cm mS/cm Salinity k=1 cell 0 to 10.00 0.01 ppK ±0.3% k=10 cell 0 to 100.0... -
Page 7: Display Formats And Readout Modes
Page 6 2. Display Formats and Readout Modes 2.1 Display Formats The MC-81 has two display formats: 1. Dual Display format 2. Large Display format Press the keys to toggle between these two formats. NOTE: The digits in Large Display format are made by combining the two rows of the display. -
Page 8: Readout Modes For Large Display Format
Page 7 3. pH & Temperature Displays pH and Temperature readings simultaneously. eg : 7.00 pH 25.0 If the temperature probe is unplugged, the manual temperature setting is displayed with 1 C resolution. eg : 7.00 pH 4. Temperature only Displays just the temperature reading. -
Page 9: Conductivity Calibration
The ∗ will now be replaced by a decimal point, if calibration was successful. 9. The MC-81 is now calibrated for Conductivity and is ready for use. When taking sample measurements, the white plastic cover MUST be in place for correct readings. -
Page 10: Conductivity Calibration Notes
3. Conductivity and Salinity calibration data is stored separately in memory. Ensure that the MC-81 has been correctly calibrated for the mode in which it will be used. The MC-81 does not require re-calibration when alternating between Conductivity and Salinity modes, providing the instrument has been correctly calibrated for both. -
Page 11: Salinity Calibration
The ∗ will now be replaced by a decimal point, if calibration was successful. 9. The MC-81 is now calibrated for Salinity and is ready for use. When taking sample measurements, the white plastic cover MUST be in place for correct readings. -
Page 12: Salinity Calibration Notes
3. Salinity and Conductivity calibration data is stored separately in memory. Ensure that the MC-81 has been correctly calibrated for the mode in which it will be used. The MC-81 does not require re-calibration when alternating between Salinity and Conductivity modes, providing the instrument has been correctly calibrated for both. -
Page 13: Ph Calibration
When the reading has stabilised, press and hold the key for 2 seconds to calibrate. The ∗ will now be replaced by a decimal point, if calibration was successful. 11. The MC-81 is calibrated for pH and is ready for use. -
Page 14: Ph Calibration Notes
3. All calibration information is retained in memory when the MC-81 is switched off, even when the battery is removed. 4. The MC-81 displays the value of the pH buffer that it has attempted to recognise at calibration. Ensure that the buffer value displayed corresponds to the buffer that you are using. -
Page 15: Temperature Calibration
Page 14 6. Temperature Calibration The temperature readout must be calibrated or manually set before attempting pH calibration. The decimal point is replaced by a ∗ if the reading is not calibrated. 6.1 Temperature Calibration 1. Press the key if the meter is not already switched on. 2. -
Page 16: Calibration Messages
Temp then: Offset Cal. OK 2. If a temperature calibration has failed, the MC-81 will display the following message, and then the failed offset value of the probe. Temp then: Offset Cal.Fail... -
Page 17: Battery Saver Function
Page 16 7. Battery Saver Function The MC-81 is equipped with a battery saver function. If no button has been pressed for five minutes, the unit beeps and flashes the display for 20 seconds, and then shuts off. This function can be disabled for continuous use. -
Page 18: Selecting Buffers For Auto Buffer Recognition
Page 17 8. Selecting Buffers for Auto Buffer Recognition The MC-81 is factory set to automatically recognise pH4.00, pH6.88 and pH9.23 buffers. However, some users may prefer to use pH7.00 instead of pH6.88 and pH10.00 instead of pH9.23. The following procedure describes how to set which of these buffers are automatically recognised at calibration. -
Page 19: Initialising The Mc-81
Page 18 9. Initialising the MC-81 If the calibration settings of the MC-81 exceed the allowable limits, the unit may need to be initialised to factory default values. This action may be required if one or both of the sensors are replaced. -
Page 20: Troubleshooting
Remedy Factory The EEPROM chip which The unit must be returned to Cal. Fail contains the factory calibration TPS for service. information has failed. • Conductivity and Salinity readings will be accurate after Handbook a full two point calibration. • pH readings will be accurate... -
Page 21: Conductivity And Salinity Troubleshooting
Page 20 10.2 Conductivity and Salinity Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Causes Remedy Unit attempts Span Electrode has Zero error. Thoroughly rinse electrode in calibration instead distilled water and allow to of Zero calibration. completely dry in air before attempting zero calibration. If instrument does not calibrate at Zero with electrode disconnected, then the... - Page 22 Page 21 Conductivity and Salinity Troubleshooting, continued... Inaccurate readings, 1. Electrode may have a Clean electrode, as per the even when build-up of dirt or oily instructions detailed in section calibration is material on electrode wires. 12.4. successful. 2. Platinum-black coating has Electrode requires worn off.
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Page 23: Ph And Mv Troubleshooting
2 Point calibration 1. Incorrect primary buffer. Ensure that you are using the fails (Slope is less buffers which the MC-81 has than 85.0%). been set to automatically recognise (See section 8). 2. Glass bulb not clean. Clean glass bulb as per instructions supplied with the electrode. -
Page 24: Temperature Troubleshooting
Page 23 pH and mV Troubleshooting, continued... Inaccurate readings, Reference junction blocked. Clean reference junction, as per even when instructions supplied with the calibration is electrode. successful. Displays 7.00 for Electrical short in connector. 1. Check connector. Replace all solutions. if necessary. -
Page 25: Warranty
TPS Pty. Ltd. has a fine reputation for prompt and efficient service. In just a few days, our factory service engineers and technicians will examine and repair your equipment to your full satisfaction. - Page 26 Page 25 Please check that the following is enclosed with your equipment: • Your Name and daytime phone number. • Your company name, ORDER number, and return street address. • A description of the fault. (Please be SPECIFIC.) (Note: "Please Repair" does NOT describe a fault.) •...
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Page 27: Appendices
Page 26 12. Appendices 12.1 Soil Salinity Information Soil salinity problems can occur naturally or can be induced in nurseries due to the management practices in that nursery. In nature, the two most common situations where salting is likely to occur are: 1. - Page 28 Page 27 Unfortunately, by the time these symptoms are obvious, extensive damage to the crop has already occurred, causing in some cases considerable loss to the grower. On the other hand, where insufficient fertiliser is present, plants do not grow at the optimum growth rates.
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Page 29: Ph, Conductivity & Salinity Measurement Of Soil & Potting Mix
Page 28 12.2 pH, Conductivity & Salinity Measurement of Soil & Potting Mix. The Department of Primary Industries Soils Testing Section recommend the following methods for pH and Salinity/Conductivity measurements in particular soils. Listed below are two methods of measurement. Soils Method - A 1:5 (Weight/Volume) This has been the standard method used in Australia for measuring the pH and... - Page 30 Page 29 Potting Mix Method - B 1:1.5 (Volume Extract) This method is now commonly used in Holland, France and New Zealand for the analysis of container growing media. This method has been developed for soil- less media. It should NOT be used for soils. 1.
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Page 31: Water Classification Types
Page 30 12.3 Water Classification Types Class 1: 0 to 175 ppM Low Salinity Water - can be used for most crops and soils, with all methods of water application, with little likelihood that a salinity problem will develop. Some leaching may be required, but this should occur under normal irrigation practices, except in soils with extremely low permeability. -
Page 32: Care, Cleaning And Maintenance Of Conductivity Electrodes
12.4 Care, Cleaning and Maintenance of Conductivity Electrodes 12.4.1 Care of Conductivity electrodes The conductivity section of the electrode supplied with your MC-81 consists of two platinum wires that are plated with a layer of “platinum-black”. This is quite a soft layer and is required for stable, accurate measurements. In time, the platinum-black layer may wear off in some applications, at which time the electrode will require Replatinising (see section 12.5). -
Page 33: Replatinising Conductivity Electrodes
12.5 Replatinising Conductivity Electrodes There are several ways to replatinise Conductivity electrodes. 1. The simplest way is to return the electrode to the TPS factory. We can fully clean the electrode, replatinise it and test all aspects of its performance. -
Page 34: Ph Electrode Fundamentals
Page 33 12.6 pH Electrode Fundamentals A combination pH Electrode is two electrodes in one. The sensing membrane is the round or spear shaped bulb at the tip of the electrode. This produces a voltage that changes with the pH of the Solution. This voltage is measured with respect to the second part of the electrode, the reference section. - Page 35 Page 34 12.6.2 The Slope of a pH Electrode As mentioned above, a pH electrode produces 0 mV output at around 7.00 pH. As the pH goes up, an “ideal” pH electrode produces -59mV/pH unit at 25 C As the pH goes down, an ideal pH electrode produces +59mV/pH unit. In practice, pH electrodes usually produce slightly less than this.
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Page 36: Checking The Reference Junction Of A Ph Electrode
1. Calibrate the MC-81, as per section 5.1. 2. Dilute 1 part of pH6.88 buffer with 9 parts of distilled water. 3. Measure the pH of the diluted buffer. The result should be 7.06 +/-0.05 pH. -
Page 37: Determining If An Instrument Or Ph Electrode Is Faulty
7. After and initial small jump, the reading should steadily drift away from 7.00 (either up or down) at a rate of approximately 1 pH or less every 3 seconds. If the drift rate is faster than this, then input circuitry of the MC-81 is faulty and requires servicing.
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