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Despite its impressive list of features, the poolCHEM 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.
Contents Section 1 - Introduction 1. Introduction 1.1 poolCHEM Display and Controls 1.2 poolCHEM Connectors 1.3 Menu Key 1.4 Function Keys 1.5 Enter Key 1.6 Help Key 1.7 Shift Key 1.8 Arrow Keys 1.9 80 Character Display 1.10 Unpacking Information 2.
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10.1 Temperature Calibration Procedure 10.2 Temperature Calibration Notes 10.3 Temperature Calibration Messages 11. pH Calibration 11.1 pH Calibration Procedure 11.2 pH Calibration Notes 11.3 pH Calibration Messages 12. ORP Calibration 12.1 Calibration Procedure 12.2 ORP Calibration Notes 12.3 ORP Calibration Messages 12.4 Action in case of Failed ORP Calibration 13.
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20.2 Disabling the Emergency ShutOFF Timer 20.3 External Alarm Siren 21. Selecting Buffers for Auto Buffer Recognition 22. Resetting the poolCHEM 22.1 Resetting the Calibration information only 22.2 Resetting the Full System information 22.3 Factory Default System Settings 23. Instrument firmware version number 24.
Menu Key ● Press the key to access the user-friendly menu system. ● Press the key to quit without saving changes when entering data. Function Keys ● Press the function keys to select desired options within the menu system. ● These keys perform the following function directly in normal display mode…...
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode poolCHEM Menu Structure A detailed breakdown of the menu system of the poolCHEM is shown below. This diagram provides a quick reference for the menu functions available for the poolCHEM. F1:Calibrate F1:pH →...
Installation Mounting the poolCHEM The poolCHEM unit is pre-installed onto a convenient mounting panel. 6mm diameter holes are located in each corner for mounting the panel. Use fasteners that are suitable for material to which the panel is being mounted. The fasteners should be rated to at least 0.5kg each.
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode Peristaltic Pumps This section is applicable to the poolCHEM-1 which is fitted with one peristaltic dosing pump, and the poolCHEM-2 which is fitted with two peristaltic dosing pumps. IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ACID ● Always use dilute Hydrochloric Acid.
Once the pumps have been connected and the tubing fitted, their operation should be checked. TPS recommends that this be done by pumping from a container of fresh water in case any of the fittings are leaking, avoiding the possibility of corrosive and/or dangerous chemical spillage.
To fit a new Pump Tube… Turn the roller holder so Replace the see-through Re-fit the Input and Output The poolCHEM unit’s that the rollers are in a protector plate on the front tubing to the compression power supply can now be horizontal line.
White pH Output The control outputs on the poolCHEM are 24V DC at low current. They are provided to enable the poolCHEM to switch external relays which in turn switch on the relevant pumps. Relays should be selected according to the voltage and current loading requirements of the pumps to be used.
4. The control limits are now set to the required values. Control Direction The poolCHEM is factory set to add sanitiser when the ORP reading is lower than the limit, and to add acid when the pH reading is higher than the limit. To change these settings…...
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Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode 4. The poolCHEM confirms the selection before going back to the Limits menu.
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode Control Sensitivity To stop the pumps being rapidly switched on and off, the poolCHEM operates the pumps for a preset band around the control limit. Examples to illustrate this are given at the end of this section.
720 mV, adding when low and with medium control sensitivity (20 mV). 2. The following diagram illustrates the pH control action of the poolCHEM when the limit is set to 7.60 pH, adding when high and with fine control sensitivity (0.10pH).
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode Alarms An alarm function is available to provide an indication that ORP and/or pH have been outside the limits by a set margin for a set period of time. This alarm is useful, as it can provide forewarning of a potential system problem.
2. Select the Alarms menu ( F4:Alarms). 3. Select F1:Enable from the menu. The alarm function is now enabled. The alarm system is only functional when the poolCHEM is in Automatic Control mode (see section 7.3). To disable the alarm function…...
ON time. ● It may be taking too long for the poolCHEM sensors to detect chemicals that have been added, which can cause overdosing. To avoid overdosing, increase the OFF time and/or decrease the ON time for the overdosed chemical (see section 7). If decreasing the ON time, ensure that the pump is still on long enough to actually add enough chemical to keep up with demand.
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode 6.4.6 Alarm Set-up Examples 1. The following diagram illustrates the ORP alarm function of the poolCHEM, with an alarm margin of 30mV and an alarm delay time of 5 minutes. The limit is set to 720 mV, adding when low and with medium control sensitivity (20 mV).
ORP reading. If no chemical has been added for the entire ON Time for either reading, the poolCHEM skips the following OFF Time and goes straight to the ON Time for the other reading. This is because mixing time is not required when no chemical has been added. The diagram below illustrates the ORP and pH control cycle.
Press to save the new value, or press to quit without saving the changes. 4. The ORP control function is now set up and the poolCHEM returns to the Control menu. Setting up the pH control function → F2:Control). 5. Select the Control menu ( Select F4:pH from the menu.
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode Selecting Automatic Control or Standby Modes To enable the poolCHEM to automatically control ORP and pH, Automatic mode must be selected. The pumps will operate according to the ON and OFF times discussed in sections 7.1 and 7.2, when ORP and/or pH readings are outside the limits.
→ F2:Control). 1. Select the Control menu ( 2. Select F2:Quick Dose from the menu. The poolCHEM now prompts you to enter the dosing time for the ORP pump. The default time is 5 minutes…. Enter ORP Quick Dose Time :...
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode NoFlo Indication The poolCHEM is supplied with a pump sensor. This sensor detects whether or not the main pool pump is operating. The ideal location for mounting pump sensor is nearest the pump motor, as per the diagram below.
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Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode using 3 phase power for the pool pump.
For example… Temperature Calibration OK C Offset If a temperature calibration has failed, the poolCHEM will display the following message and the failed offset value of the sensor. For example… Temperature Calibration Failed 11.0...
The current pH reading is shown on the left. Note the “*”, indicating that pH is currently not calibrated. Wait for this reading to stabilise before attempting to calibrate the poolCHEM. The buffer that the poolCHEM has attempted to recognise is also displayed with the correct value at the current temperature.
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Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode Press to calibrate to the displayed buffer or to quit without re-calibrating. If a 1 point calibration has been performed, the “*” will not be removed until a full 2 point calibration has been performed.
Wait for the displayed reading to stabilise before attempting to calibrate the poolCHEM. Press to calibrate to the displayed buffer or to quit without re-calibrating. 10. The poolCHEM is now calibrated for pH and is ready for taking pH readings. Discard the used samples of buffer. 11.2 pH Calibration Notes 1.
Asymmetry Calibration Successful +0.10pH Asym 100.0% Slope If a 1-point calibration has failed, the poolCHEM will display the following message and the failed asymmetry value of the electrode. For example… Calibrate Failed, +1.1 pH Asymmetry Repeat Cal. or Initialise Calibration If a 2-point calibration has been successfully performed, the poolCHEM will display the following message and the asymmetry and slope of the electrode.
The current ORP reading is shown on the left. Note the “*”, indicating that ORP is currently not calibrated. Wait for this reading to stabilise before attempting to calibrate the poolCHEM. The correct value of the ZoBell's solution at the current temperature is shown.
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Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode 7. The poolCHEM is now calibrated for ORP and is ready for taking ORP readings. Discard the used sample of made-up ZoBell's solution.
12.2 ORP Calibration Notes 1. The poolCHEM has an allowable ORP Offset range of –60 to +60 mV. If calibration fails, see section 24.2 for possible remedies. 2. All calibration information is retained in memory when the poolCHEM is switched off, even when the power supply is removed.
Password menu. 13.2 Using the Password Security function When the Password Security function is enabled (as per section 13.1), the poolCHEM prompts the operator to enter the password whenever the key is pressed in normal display mode. No further password entry is required to access any of the menu functions. It is therefore imperative never to remain in any of the menus when leaving the unit.
Now Re-Enter for Verification Re-enter the 4 digit password. You do not need to press after pressing the 4th key. 4. The poolCHEM now confirms that the new Password has been saved before returning to the Password menu. 13.4 Disabling the Password Security function →...
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) To comply with GLP guidelines, the poolCHEM keeps a record of the last ORP, pH and Temperature calibrations plus all system set-up information. This information is retained in memory when the poolCHEM is switched off, even when the power supply is removed.
The GLP information stored in the instrument’s memory can be sent to a printer or PC via the RS232 port. 1. Ensure that the poolCHEM RS232 cable is connected to the instrument and to the printer or → F5:System → F2:GLP).
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Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode ↑:Next ORP ShutOFF Timer=60 mins ↓:Back ORP Quick Dose Time=5 mins ↑:Next ORP Alarm Margin=30mV ↓:Back ORP Alarm Delay Time=10 mins ↑:Next ORP High Alarm=750mV ↓:Back ORP Low Alarm=670mV Continued over the page…...
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Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode System Data Display sequence, continued… Add if High ↑:Next pH Limit=7.60pH ↓:Back pH Sensitivity=Medium ↑:Next pH ON Time=5 mins ↓:Back pH OFF Time=10 mins ↑:Next pH ShutOFF Timer=15 mins ↓:Back pH Quick Dose Time=5 mins ↑:Next pH Alarm Margin=0.30pH ↓:Back...
The System information stored in the instrument’s memory can be sent to a printer or PC via the RS232 port. 1. Ensure that the poolCHEM RS232 cable is connected to the instrument and to the printer or → F5:System → F2:GLP).
Un-Calibrated 14.6 Instrument Serial Number In case the serial number that is fitted to the poolCHEM is removed or becomes illegible, it is also available on the poolCHEM display. 1. The serial number is displayed at turn-on, for example…...
Notepad is 2300. 15.2 Recording readings automatically The poolCHEM can automatically log records into memory or to the RS232 port. First the logging period must be programmed, then automatic logging can be started and stopped as required. To program the logging period…...
24 hour day. For example, if the logging period is set to 2 hours, the poolCHEM will log at 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 etc. Even if logging is enabled at an odd time such as 12:23, the unit will wait until 2:00 before recording the first reading.
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Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode Press and hold the key while pressing the keys to roll rapidly through the readings. Press to send the displayed record to the RS232 port.
2. Connect the other end of the RS232 cable to an RS232 Printer, or to the COM1 or COM2 ports of a PC. 3. Ensure that the baud rate for the printer or PC and the poolCHEM are the same. If necessary, alter the baud rate of the poolCHEM (see section 16.1).
(part number 130086). Once the data is saved to disk, the next problem is how to use it. The data sent by the poolCHEM is formatted in fixed-width columns that can be imported by programs such as Microsoft ®...
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode 16.5 Commands The following commands can be sent from a PC to the poolCHEM. Note that <cr> denotes carriage return and <lf> denotes a line feed. Action Command Notes Request current data ?D<cr>...
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode 16.6 Data Format Data is returned to the RS232 Port by the poolCHEM in the following format. Please note that “ ” • indicates one space. dd/mm/yyyy•hh:mm•LLLL•OOOOOOmV•SSSSSSS•123•PPPPPPpH•sssssss•456•TTTTToC where…. is the date, month and year data. The year is sent as 4 digits for Year 2000 dd/mm/yyyy compliance.
Calibration and system information returned is terminated by a carriage return. When using the “?G” command (section 16.5), the computer must respond with a character after receiving each line. For example… poolCHEM V4.0 S1234 @ 31/12/2003 12:00 Offset= 10mV @ 31/12/2003 10:20 Asy= 0.10pH...
Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode 16.8 Importing Data into Microsoft Excel The following procedure details the method for importing a poolCHEM text data file into ® ® Microsoft Excel ® ® and select File → Open. 1. Start Microsoft Excel 2.
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Press “Next >” after all the column breaks have been inserted. 6. Simply press “Finish” at step 3 of the Text Import Wizard. TPS recommends that the data format for each column be set once the data is in spreadsheet format.
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Sections 9 to 31 – Tech Mode For help on formatting the data columns, charting, graphing or other operations please consult ® ® the Microsoft Excel help file. Alternatively please contact TPS and we will try to provide further assistance.
Notes 1. The poolCHEM tests that a valid day of the month is entered. If an invalid date is entered (eg. 31/09/99), the poolCHEM beeps and displays the message “Invalid Date”. The meter then returns to the clock setting screen so that the correct date can be entered.
The arrow indicates the current selection. Press to select low resolution (0.1 pH). Press to select high resolution (0.01 pH). Press to quit and retain the current setting. 2. After pressing the poolCHEM confirms the pH resolution. For example… .01pH resolution selected...
→ F5:System → F5:Setup). 1. Select the Setup menu ( 2. Select F3:ShutOFF from the menu. The poolCHEM now allows you to enter the maximum time for which the ORP pump will operate without getting back to within the limit…...
ORP ShutOFF timer, as this could allow an entire drum of sanitiser to be dosed into the pool in the event of a malfunction. Disabling the ORP ShutOFF timer is usually only applicable when a poolCHEM or poolCHEM-1 is used in conjunction with a salt water chlorinator.
→ F5:System → F5:Setup). 1. Select the Setup menu ( 2. Select F4:Buffer from the menu. The poolCHEM now prompts you to select the Primary Buffer you wish to use for calibration… Select Primary Buffer F1:6.88pH...
Unit should be Re-calibrated before use. 4. The poolCHEM now returns to the Setup menu. Note that the decimal points in the ORP, pH and Temperature readings will be replaced with a “ * ” in normal display mode to indicate that the unit must be re-calibrated.
: 9600 Baud Instrument firmware version number If you need to phone or fax TPS for any further technical assistance, the version number of your poolCHEM firmware may of benefit to us. The version number is displayed by the poolCHEM at...
24.1 General Errors Error Message Possible Causes Remedy Factory Calibration The EEPROM chip which The unit must be returned to TPS for Data Failure contains the factory calibration service. information has failed. Temperature Readings may be Inaccurate EEPROM Write Failure User calibration settings have Switch the meter OFF and switch back ON.
Check the connector and replace if cannot be calibrated. necessary. Fit new ORP/Temperature sensor. Faulty ORP/Temperature sensor. Displays flashing “OVR c” 1. Faulty ORP/Temperature Return the instrument to the TPS factory for when temperature probe socket. service. plugged in. 2. Faulty ORP/Temperature Fit new ORP/Temperature.
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Section 32 – Troubleshooting 2. Pump(s) have insufficient capacity to keep up with demand. Not Dosing. “PumpFault” Press Menu to reset error. If error re-occurs Excess Dosing pump or Control Error message displayed. dosing pump/s will require service. Output current detected Control outputs must not exceed 160mA.
Section 33 – Appendices Appendices 25.1 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.
Section 33 – Appendices 25.1.3 Temperature Compensation The slope of a pH electrode is affected by temperature. This effect is compensated for either by using an Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) probe or by entering the sample temperature manually. Figure 25 -3 shows the slope of a pH electrode at various temperatures. Figure 253...
Section 33 – Appendices 25.2 poolCHEM Specifications Range Resolution Accuracy 0 to 1000 mV 1 mV ±1 mV 2.00 to 12.00 pH 0.1 & 0.01 pH ±0.01 pH Temperature -10.0 to 120.0 ±0.2 Calibration Automatic Calibration for all parameters, within the following limits…...
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● Adjusts for leap years. ● The microprocessor in the poolCHEM stores the year to 2 digits. However, all data sent to the RS232 port is converted to 4 digits, so there are no Year 2000 problems. Peristaltic Pumps This section is applicable to the poolCHEM-1 and the poolCHEM-2.
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.
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