Vernier Go Direct Colorimeter Quick Start Manual page 2

Connecting via USB
Connected and charging Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid when
the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via
USB and the unit is charging. LED next to
Bluetooth icon is off.
Connected, fully charged Green LED next to the battery icon is solid when
the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via
USB and fully charged. LED next to Bluetooth
icon is off.
Charging via USB, Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid when
connected via Bluetooth the sensor is charging. Green LED next to the
Bluetooth icon flashes.
Using the Product
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user
manual. After connecting the sensor, the following steps must be completed prior
to starting data collection.
1. Press the < or > button on the Colorimeter to select the correct wavelength for
your experiment (430 nm, 470 nm, 565 nm, or 635 nm).
2. Allow the Colorimeter to warm up for about five minutes before calibrating.
3. Calibrate the Colorimeter.
a. Slide the lid of the Colorimeter open to reveal the cuvette slot.
b. Insert a cuvette, filled with distilled water or other solvent used to prepare
your solutions, for your calibration blank (100% transmittance or 0
absorbance).
Important: Line up one of the clear sides of the cuvette with the arrow at
the right side of the cuvette slot. Slide the Colorimeter lid closed.
c. Press the CAL button on the Colorimeter to begin the calibration process.
Release the CAL button when the red LED begins to flash.
d. When the red LED stops flashing, the calibration is complete. The
absorbance reading should be very close to 0.000 (100%T).
e. Remove the blank cuvette from the Colorimeter.
4. Continue with data collection.
Calibration
Calibration is required for use. See the Using the Product section for instructions.
Specifications
Colorimeter range 0 to 3 (absorbance) (0 to 100% T)
Useful range 0.05 to 1.0 absorbance (90% to 10% T)
Wavelengths 430 nm, 470 nm, 565 nm, 635 nm
Care and Maintenance
Battery Information
Go Direct Colorimeter contains a small lithium-ion battery. The system is
designed to consume very little power and not put heavy demands on the battery.
Although the battery is warranted for one year, the expected battery life should be
several years. Replacement batteries are available from Vernier (order code: GDX-
BAT-300).
Storage and Maintenance
To store Go Direct Colorimeter for extended periods of time, put the device in
sleep mode by holding the button down for at least three seconds. The red LED
will stop flashing to show that the unit is in sleep mode. Over several months, the
battery will discharge but will not be damaged. After such storage, charge the
device for a few hours, and the unit will be ready to go.
Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce its lifespan. If
possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.
Water Resistance
Go Direct Colorimeter is not water resistant and should never be immersed in
water.
If water gets into the device, immediately power the unit down (press and hold the
power button for more than three seconds). Disconnect the sensor and charging
cable, and remove the battery. Allow the device to dry thoroughly before
attempting to use the device again. Do not attempt to dry using an external heat
source.
How the Sensor Works
Light from an LED light source passes through a cuvette containing a solution
sample. Some of the incoming light is absorbed by the solution. As a result, light
of a lower intensity strikes a photodiode.
Troubleshooting
Here are some tips for best data-collection practices:
Allow the Colorimeter to warm up for about 5 minutes before calibrating.
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Fill a cuvette two-thirds to three-fourths full with liquid, including the
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calibration blank, so that the light travels through the liquid reliably.
After filling a cuvette with liquid, seal the cuvette with a cap to prevent spills.
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