bluelab Guardian Monitor User Guide

bluelab Guardian Monitor

Congratulations on purchasing the Bluelab Guardian Monitor

The Bluelab Guardian Monitor is a continuous indicator of the current levels of EC, pH and temperature of your nutrient solution, enabling you to optimise these parameters as your crop progresses through each growing phase.

Features

‘Plant Safe’ green LED display| Visual alarm for both high and low settings
Large easy to read displays| Greater tolerance to RF/electronic interference provided
No calibration required for conductivity or temperature| Water resistant design
Selectable units for conductivity and temperature| International power supply
Simple push button pH calibration| Adjustable display brightness

Replaceable double junction pH probe

| Settings retained when power lost (non volatile memory)

What is Plant Safe? Green LED’s are safe for continued growth during a plant’s fruiting stage when hours of darkness are required.

Bluelab Guardian Monitor

ATTENTION: Keep your pH probe tip wet at all times to avoid permanent damage
PLEASE FOLLOW THE MANUAL STEP BY STEP BEFORE FIRST USE BEGINS

What’s ina the box?

• Please verify the box contents from the information below.

1. Bluelab Guardian Monitor
2. Bluelab pH Probe with storage cap
3. Bluelab Conductivity/Temperature Probe
4. Bluelab pH Probe holder with suction cup 5
5. VDC power supply
6. North American plug adaptor
7. NZ / Australian plug adaptor
8. UK plug adaptor
9. European plug adaptor
10. 4 x mounting fasteners
11. 2 x cable ties
12. pH 7.0, pH 4.0 and EC 2.77 single use calibration solution sachets

IMPORTANT – Bluelab pH Probe care

The Bluelab pH Probe is the only part of the Bluelab Guardian Monitor that should ever require replacing. pH probes DO NOT last forever. They age through normal use and will eventually fail. The life time of a pH probe depends on the environment it is used in and the way that it is treated. To receive a long life from your pH probe, please ensure you follow the guide below.

• pH probes contain glass and are therefore FRAGILE. With good care, they will give a long service life. Bluelab pH Probe

• DO NOT let the pH probe tip dry. IF IT DRIES IT DIES!
• DO NOT bend the probe; this will break its internal glass tube.
• DO NOT knock the probe; this will break its internal glass tube or external glass bulb.
• DO NOT plunge a cold pH probe into a hot liquid – sudden temperature changes can crack the glass and permanently damage the probe.
• DO NOT immerse in oils, proteins or suspended solids that will leave a coating on the glass bulb. DO NOT ‘kink’ or bend the lead sharply.
• DO NOT attempt to lengthen the lead on the pH probe.
• DO NOT wet the BNC connector at the end of the lead.

Always remove pH probe storage cap before use

1. Grip the top of the cap and gently twist the base one rotation clockwise to loosen slightly.
2. Next slowly slide the cap off the pH probe. DO NOT completely remove the base of the cap from the top of the cap.
3. Store the storage cap in a safe place.

Storing the pH probe
When storing the pH probe, the pH probe tip must be kept moist.
To prepare the pH probe for storage, add enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution to the storage cap so the probe tip is covered. Then replace the cap and store in a secure place. DO NOT use RO (Reverse Osmosis), Distilled or De- ionized water. Pure water changes the chemistry in the reference, causing the probe to die.

If the pH probe has been accidentally allowed to dry o ut;
The pH probe must be ‘hydrated’ for 24 hours in KCl storage solution (never use RO, Distilled or De-ionized water). Following this; carry out a calibration to check if the probe has already suffered permanent damage.

Mounting the Bluelab Guardian Monitor if wall mounting|
Select a suitable location that is less than 2 meters from your reservoir, and less than 1.5 meters from an electrical mains outlet.
NOTE: Avoid placing the Guardian Monitor where it can be damaged by direct sunlight, water or nutrient salts.

Option 1

• a) Install two fasteners (top and bottom) to the wall 172mm / 6.¾” apart.
• b) Slide the Guardian Monitor onto the fasteners using the keyholes.

Option 2

• a) Fix the four fasteners through each mounting hole in each corner of the case.

Mounting the Bluelab Guardian Monitor if mounting on a support or bar

1. Select a suitable location that is less than 2 meters from your reservoir, and less than 1.5 meters from an electrical mains outlet.
   NOTE: Avoid placing the Guardian Monitor where it can be damaged by direct sunlight, water or nutrient salts.

2. Fix each of the cable ties provided through the small mounting holes in the top of the case and wrap around the support or bar and secure.

Install correct plug adaptor

1. Select the appropriate mains plug adaptor for your country.
2. Connect the plug adaptor to the power supply.

Connect power adaptor and Bluelab pH Probe

1. Connect the power adaptor into the base of the Guardian Monitor where ‘Power Input’ is labelled. Plug the adaptor into mains power supply.
2. Connect the pH probe to the Guardian Monitor by lining up the lugs of the BNC fittings. Fasten securely by pushing the pH probe connector on and twisting one quarter turn.

Power up

1. Switch on power adaptor at the mains.
2. When power is applied the Guardian Monitor will complete a display test sequence.

Select the desired conductivity unit

Conductivity readings can be displayed in EC, CF, TDS or ppm 700. The selected unit is indicated by one of the 3 LEDs next to the conductivity window. When the EC/CF LED is on, the Guardian Monitor is displaying conductivity in units of EC or CF. If there is a decimal point present in the conductivity display, the units are EC. If there is no decimal point the units are CF.

1. Press and hold the conductivity unit button and after 3 seconds it will change to the next unit indicated by the glowing LED.
2. Release.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the desired unit is selected.

Select the desired temperature uni
Temperature readings can be displayed in either degrees celsius (°C) or degrees fahrenheit (°F). The selected unit is indicated by one of the two LEDs next to the temperature window.

1. Press and hold the temperature unit button and after 3 seconds it will change to the next unit indicated by the glowing LED.
2. Release.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the desired unit is selected.

Select the desired brightness level of the LED displays

These can be adjusted to best suit the light levels of the environment. There are 8 levels of ‘brightness’ that can be selected.

1. Press and hold the brightness button and at the same time press either the up or down buttons to change the brightness. Brightness levels are shown in the pH window.
   1 = least bright, 8 = brightest

Calibration: pH Calibration must be done before use begins. Conductivity/Temperature probe does not require calibration, but for temperature to compensate the pH both probes need to be in the solution when calibrating for accurate readings.

For accurate pH readings the pH probe is cleaned and recalibrated when:

• The reading is different to what you were expecting.
• The Guardian Monitor is reset to factory default.
• The pH probe is replaced with a new one.
• It has been a month since the last successful calibration and hte calibration indicator lights are flashing.

When calibrating the pH after first use the pH probe needs to be cleaned. See pH probe cleaning in section 14.0.

For best pH calibration
pH reading accuracy is dependant on the accuracy and age of the calibration solutions used, and use and cleanliness of the pH probe tip.

• Ensure the pH probe has been cleaned and rinse the pH probe with clean water between calibration solutions to reduce contamination of the pH solutions.
• Only fresh uncontaminated solutions should be used.
• Calibrate the pH at the same temperature as the solution to be measured.
• ALWAYS calibrate the pH probe with pH 7.0 then pH 4.0 or pH 10.0.

NOTE: The conductivity/temperature probe does not need to be calibrated, but must be cleaned to remove any build up of nutrient salts. See Section 13.0.

The pH calibration involves cleaning the pH probe tip and then calibrating in TWO SOLUTIONS.

• If a reading below pH 7.0 is expected, use pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 calibration solutions.
• If a reading above pH 7.0 is expected, use pH 7.0 and pH 10.0 calibration solutions.
• Follow the steps on the following page for Guardian Monitor pH calibration.

Storage and use of calibration solutions

• Always place the lid back onto the bottle after use or evaporation will occur rendering the solution useless.
• DO NOT measure directly into the bottle. Tip a small amount into a clean container and discard after use.
• Never add water to solutions.
• Store in a cool place.

pH reading accuracy is dependant on the accuracy and age of the calibration solutions used, and use and cleanliness of the pH probe tip.

pH calibration cont

To calibrate the pH

1. Clean EC and pH probe tips.

   • See section 14.0 (the pH probe does not require cleaning before the first use).

2. pH 7.0 calibration

   • a) Prepare a small amount of pH 7.0 calibration solution in a container.
   • b) Ensure the Guardian Monitor is plugged in and in operation mode.
   • c) Rinse EC and pH probe tips in fresh water, shake off excess water and place both probes together in the pH 7.0 calibration solution. Wait at least one minute for reading to stabilize.
   • d) Press and hold the pH cal button for a few seconds until ‘PH’ and ‘CAL’ appear in the windows, then release the pH cal button. The ‘7’ LED will glow green. All three windows will return to monitoring mode with all current values being displayed.
   • e) If ‘Err’ is displayed see the troubleshooting guide on section 16.0.

3. pH 4.0/10.0 calibration

   • a) Prepare a small amount of pH 4.0 or
     pH 10.0 calibration solution in a container.

   • b) Rinse EC and pH probe tips in fresh water, shake off excess water and place both probes in either pH 4.0 or pH 10.0 calibration solution. Wait at least one minute for reading to stabilize.

   • c) Press and hold the pH cal button for a few seconds until ‘PH’ and ‘CAL’ appear in the windows, then release the pH cal button. The 4/10 LED will glow green. All three windows will return to monitoring mode with all current values being displayed.

   • d) If ‘Err’ is displayed see the troubleshooting guide on section 16.0.

   • e) The Guardian Monitor is now calibrated and ready for use.

pH calibration cont

pH calibration LEDs: The LEDs next to the pH window will let you know the status of calibration. See the table below.
NOTE: The pH probe and hence calibration will eventually fail due to;

• Contamination and age of pH probe.
• pH probe used to measure solutions at temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) or below 0 °C (32 °F).
• pH probe exposed to aggressive chemicals.
• Internal damage to the pH probe from rough treatment.
• Damage to the cable of the pH probe from rough treatment.
• pH probe repeatedly drying out.
• Moisture getting inside the BNC connector on the pH probe cable.

pH LEDs

 | Using factory default calibration values. Both LEDs off. Readings may be unreliable.
---|---
 | pH 7 calibrated OK. Using factory default for pH 4/10. pH 7 calibrated OK. Using factory default for pH 4/10. Readings may be unreliable.
 | pH 7 and pH 4 or pH 10 calibrated OK.
 | 30 days passed since last full calibration – calibration due.
 | If 7 is flashing and 4/10 is off, calibration is also required as

4/10 was never calibrated.

Placement of probes
Both the Bluelab pH Probe and Bluelab Conductivity/Temperature Probe require submersion in the liquid for a measurement to occur.

• Do not pour concentrated nutrient solution or pH adjuster directly onto probes when in the reservoir, as very strong acid may damage the probes or your alarms (if set) may trigger.

1. Fit the (optional) pH probe holder to the stem of the pH probe using a gentle twisting motion.
2. Place the pH probe into the reservoir and push the suction cup onto the side of the reservoir but far enough down so the pH probe tip is in the solution. The holder prevents damage to the pH probe from banging onto the side of the reservoir with movement of the solution.
3. Place the conductivity/temperature probe into the reservoir selected.

Set alarms (optional)

• The alarm function warns you when the solution deviates from the desired levels you have chosen for each measurement.
• When an alarm condition is present, the display of the affected measurement will flash.
• If the measurement changes back to within the limits you have chosen, the flashing will stop.
• Even though the resolution of the Guardian is 10 ppm / TDS, the alarms will set only in 50 ppm and 70 ppm increments.
• There are two ways to set the alarm, ‘quick-set’ or ‘detailed-set’.

Alarm ‘quick-set’

This allows you to quickly set the ‘alarm HIGH’ and ‘alarm LOW’ values for all of the three measurements. The table below shows the values that are pre-set when ‘quick-set’ is used.
NOTE: Before you use the quick-set function, the solution in the tank/reservior
must be adjusted to the desired/actual levels for all three parameters and the levels displayed in each of the windows. If this is not done you should use the alarm ‘detailed-set’.

To activate the ‘quick-set’ alarm;

• Press and hold the alarm button until ‘AL H’ is displayed in all three windows.
• Release the alarm button.
• All three windows will display Auto for 1 second and then SAVE will be displayed in the conductivity window. The alarms are now auto set and the alarm mode will be turned on. The alarm LED will glow.

Set alarms (optional) cont

Turn alarm ON/OFF
Press the alarm button to change between alarm ON and alarm OFF. When the alarm is ON the alarm LED will glow.
NOTE: If you press and hold the alarm button you will enter the alarm setting mode.

Alarm ‘detailed-set’
To set the detailed ‘alarm HIGH’ and ‘alarm LOW’ values;

1. Press and hold the alarm button until ‘AL H’ is displayed in all three windows.
2. Release the button and the current ‘alarm HIGH’ values are displayed in each window.
3. To set conductivity alarm high value, press the conductivity unit button then the up and down buttons to change its value.
4. To set temperature alarm high value, press the temperature unit button then the up and down buttons to change its value.
5. To set pH alarm high value, press the pH unit button then the up and down buttons to change its value.
6. Press the alarm button to now select the low alarm valuesA.
7. Set the low alarm values the same way as you did the high alarms.
8. Press the alarm button. SAVE is briefly

NOTES
To review current alarm settings without changing the values, repeatedly press the alarm button to step through the high and low alarms.
If you want to exit the alarm settings mode without keeping any changes you have made DO NOT press any keys. The Guardian Monitor will ‘timeout’ and return to its normal monitoring mode without saving any changes after 1 minute.

The software will prevent you from setting low alarm values higher than the high alarm values.displayed in the conductivity window and the Guardian Monitor will return to its normal monitoring mode.

Cleaning the conductivity/temperature probe

Cleaning the Bluelab Conductivity/Temperature Probe

Cleaning the conductivity/temperature probe periodically ensures accurate readings.
The conductivity/temperature probe is cleaned using the Bluelab Conductivity Probe Cleaner, or “Jif” a trade name for a liquid scourer cream used in home bathrooms and kitchens. Similar products are called “Liquid Vim”, “Soft Scrub”, “Cif cream”, or “Viss”. Never use scented varieties as they contain oils that contaminate the conductivity/temperature probe.

Follow the steps below to clean the conductivity/temperature probe.

Remove shroud.

• Warm the shroud in your hand for a few seconds to help with removal. Hold the body and pull the shroud off.

Clean the conductivity probe face.

• Place one or two drops of Bluelab Conductivity Probe Cleaner onto the probe face and rub with the Bluelab Chamois or
• your finger firmly and vigorously.

Rinse the conductivity probe face.

• Rinse off all traces of cleaner under running tap water while scrubbing the probe face with the other side of the
• Bluelab Chamois or the same finger.
• Check that the water forms a smooth

film on the probe face.

• Ensure you have a clean, smooth film without any beads of water.
• If you have beads of water, repeat steps 2 and 3.

Refit the shroud and test in 2.77 EC

• Conductivity Standard Solution to ensure adequate cleaning.
• Place the probe tip into the solution, wait for the reading to stabilize to a constant value. This can take a few minutes while the probe adjusts to the temperature of the solution.
• Repeat the cleaning process if the reading given is not within 0.1 EC, 1 CF, 50 ppm or 70 ppm of the values in the table below.

Testing the Bluelab Conductivity/Temperature Probe

The conductivity/temperature probe is tested in either 2.77EC/27.7CF/1385 ppm or 1940 ppm solution depending on the unit of conductivity chosen.

• Use the standard solutions in the table to the right. Bluelab solutions are recommended.
  NOTE: The shroud MUST be left on the probe when taking readings.

Cleaning the Bluelab pH Probe

To ensure accurate readings the pH probe tip needs to be rinsed in water after each use and cleaned prior to calibration using the following instructions. The storage cap must always be put back on after cleaning. Always ensure it contains enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution to cover the probe tip .

• Remove storage cap from pH probe.
  Hold the top of the storage cap, twist the cap to loosen then remove.

• Rinse pH probe tip under fresh tap water. Never use RO (Reverse Osmosis), Distilled or De-ionized water.

• Fill a small plastic container with clean tap water. Add a small amount of Bluelab pH Probe Cleaner or mild detergent (dishwashing liquid).

• Gently stir the probe tip in the mixture.
  Ensure that you do not ‘knock’ the soil pH probe on the side of the container as this may cause damage to the probe.
  Rinse well under fresh running water to remove all traces of the detergent mixture.

• If the probe tip requires removal of heavy contamination: Gently brush around the glassware with a few drops of Bluelab pH Probe Cleaner or mild detergent (dishwashing liquid) and a soft toothbrush.

• Rinse well under fresh running tap water to remove all traces of the detergent mixture.

• Calibrate pH probe after cleaning, see section 10.0 After calibration, store pH probe in the storage cap, ensuring there is enough KCl Storage Solution to cover the probe tip.

Hydrating the pH probe

Hydrate the pH probe in Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution when:

• the probe tip has not always been stored in KCl storage solution, to improve the reading response speed.
• the probe tip has been accidentally allowed to dry out.

Never use RO (Reverse Osmosis), De-ionized or Distilled water. Pure water changes the chemistry in the reference, causing the probe to die.

• Loosen, then remove the storage cap. Place the pH probe upright in a plastic container.
• Clean the pH probe tip. Ensure the probe tip is cleaned before hydrating. See section 14.0 for instructions.
• Add enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution to a plastic container to submerge the pH probe tip.
• Leave to soak for at least 24 hours. After hydration, always calibrate the pH probe to ensure accuracy, see section 10.0.

Troubleshooting guide

16.0   Troubleshooting guide

Trouble| Reason| Correction

Nutrient reading low

| Contaminated conductivity/temperature probe.| Clean conductivity/temperature probe (see section 13.0) .
Temperature of conductivity/ temperature probe and solution different.| Wait 5-10 minutes for conductivity/ temperature probe to reach solution temperature.
Temperature reading inaccurate| Temperature of conductivity/ temperature probe different to solution temperature.| Wait 5-10 minutes for conductivity/ temperature probe to reach solution temperature.

pH reading inaccurate

| Contaminated pH probe / glassware not clean.| Clean pH probe (see Section 14.0); then calibrate (see Section 10.0).
Using factory default calibration.| Calibrate pH probe (see section 10.0).
Calibration old.| Calibrate pH probe (see section 10.0).
Broken glass bulb, tube or connector.| Check pH probe for damage.
pH probe damaged or old.| Replace pH probe.

Display shows ‘Err’ during calibration

| An attempt was made to calibrate with pH 4.0 or pH 10.0 calibration solution more than one hour after calibration with the pH7.0 solution.|

Calibrate to pH 7.0 again then do pH 4.0

/ pH 10.0 calibration within one hour.

Old or contaminated solutions used for calibration.| Use fresh calibration solutions.
Dirty or contaminated pH probe.| Clean pH probe (see section 14.0).
pH probe tip been allowed to dry.| Hydrate pH probe (see section 15.0).
pH probe damaged or old.| Replace pH probe.

No display

| Mains not switched on.| Switch mains power on.
Power adaptor not plugged into the Guardian Monitor.| Plug power adaptor into the base of the Guardian Monitor labeled ‘Power Input’.

pH displays ‘or’ pH displays ‘ur’

|

Over range pH. Under range pH.

| Solution > 14.0 pH. Solution < 0.0 pH.

Check pH probe connection. pH probe could be faulty. Guardian Monitor could be wet inside.

temp displays ‘or’

temp displays ‘ur’

|

Over range temperature. Under range temperature.

| Solution >51 °C / 122 °F.

Solution <0 °C / 32 °F. Conductivity/temperature probe or Guardian Monitor faulty.

conductivity displays ‘or’|

Over range conductivity/nutrient.

| Over range conductivity >9.9 EC, 99 CF, 1990 ppm. Conductivity/temperature probe or Guardian Monitor faulty.

A display shows

|

EC and pH cannot be determined as temperature range is over/under. (see technical specification range

section 17.0).

| Test pH probe in calibration solutions and conductivity/temperature probe in a known conductivity standard solution to eliminate these as a cause of this problem. Check solution tank/reservoir for problems.

Technical specifications

17.0   Technical specifications

Specifications

|

pH

|

Conductivity

|

Temperature

Range

|

0.0 – 14.0 pH

|

0 – 5.0 EC,

0 – 50 CF,

0 – 2500 TDS (ECx500),

0 – 3500 ppm (ECx700)

|

0 – 50 °C

32 – 122 °F

Resolution

|

0.1 pH

| 0.1 EC, 1 CF,

10 TDS,

10 ppm

|

1 °C

1 °F

Accuracy at 25°C/77°F

|

±0.1 pH

|

±0.1 EC, ±1 CF

±50 TDS, ±70 ppm

|

±1 °C

±2 °F

Calibration

|

Two point (pH 7.0 and

pH 4.0 or

pH 10.0)

|

Not required (factory calibrated)

|

Not required (factory calibrated)

Temperature compensation

|

Yes

(if conductivity/ temperature probe is in same solution as pH probe)

|

Yes

|

–

Operating environment

|

0 – 50°C / 32 – 122°F

Power source

|

Input: 100-240 Vac, 50-60 Hz, 5 VA,

4 interchangeable plug types (USA, Euro, UK, NZ/AUS) Output: 5VDC 1Amp

Bluelab pH Probe replacement
The Bluelab pH Probe is the only part of the Bluelab pH Meter that requires replacing.

pH probes do not last forever. They age through normal use and will eventually fail.
To ensure you receive a long life from your pH probe, please read the instructions provided with it.

• When the time comes to replace your Bluelab
• pH Probe all you have to do is order a replacement from your supplier!

Bluelab Probe Care Kits

The instrument is only as accurate as the probe is clean!

• Probe cleaning is one of the most important parts of owning and operating any Bluelab meter, monitor or controller.
• If the probe is contaminated (dirty) it affects the accuracy of the reading displayed.

Bluelab Probe Care Kits – available in:

• Bluelab Probe Care Kit – pH
• Bluelab Probe Care Kit – Conductivity

Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution

• The perfect solution to store and hydrate your Bluelab pH products.
• Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution is designed to increase response time and maximize the life of Bluelab pH pens and pH probes.
• For best results, use the KCl solution to store the pH pen/probe after use and hydrate monthly.
• Instructions are on the label of the bottle.

Use Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution with:

• Bluelab pH Pen
• Bluelab Soil pH Pen
• Bluelab pH Probes
• Bluelab Soil pH Probes

Bluelab Guardian Monitor product guarantee

Bluelab Corporation Limited guarantees this product for a period of 2 years (24 months) from the date of sale to the original purchaser.
(This guarantee does not cover the Bluelab pH Probe. The Bluelab
pH Probe is covered by a separate 6 month guarantee).

The product will be repaired or replaced should it be found faulty due to component failure, or faulty workmanship. The faulty product should be returned to the point of purchase.

The guarantee is null and void should any internal parts or fixed external parts be tampered with or altered in any way, or should the unit have been incorrectly operated, or in any way be maltreated. This guarantee does not cover reported faults which are shown to be caused by any or all of the following: Contaminated measuring tip (see instruction manual for cleaning instructions), or connection to the incorrect power supply, or connection of any other devices other than approved units to the output of the unit (if applicable), or ingress of moisture into the product.

NO RESPONSIBILITY will be accepted by Bluelab or any of its agents or resellers should any damage or unfavourable conditions result from the use of this product, should it be faulty or incorrectly operated.

Register your guarantee online at bluelab.com

Limitation of Liability

Under no circumstances shall Bluelab Corporation Limited be liable for any claims, losses, costs and damages of any nature whatsoever (including any consequential loss) that result from the use of, or the inability to use, these instructions.

• To watch instruction videos, visit our online video library: bluelab.com/support-center/video-library

• If you need assistance or advice – we’re here to help you.
  Phone: +64 7 578 0849 Fax: +64 7 578 0847 Email: support@bluelab.com

• Looking for specifications or technical advice?

• Visit us online at bluelab.com

• Bluelab Corporation Limited

• 8 Whiore Avenue, Tauriko Industrial Park Tauranga 3110, New Zealand

• Instruction Manual English MONGUA_VO1_100818 © Copyright 2011, all rights reserved, Bluelab Corporation Limited

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References

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