YSI EcoSense EC300A, EC300M Handheld Conductivity Meter User Manual

EcoSense EC300A, EC300M Handheld Conductivity Meter

Specifications

• Brand: YSI

• Model: Portable Conductivity, Salinity and
  Temperature Instruments

• Website: www.airmet.com.au

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Information
It is crucial to follow the safety guidelines provided in the manual for the safe operation of the unit.

The Instrument Case
While the instrument is housed in a water-proof IP67 case, avoid using it underwater. The cable connector is not waterproof unless the cap is installed.
Steps in case of submersion without the cap connected:

1. Remove the battery and reinstall the battery cover.
2. Dry the connector if necessary, and replace the conductivity probe

FAQ
Q: What should I do if the instrument gets submerged without the cap connected?
A: In case of submersion without the cap connected, follow these steps immediately: 1. Remove the battery and reinstall the battery cover. 2. Dry the connector if necessary, and replace the conductivity probe.

EcoSense® EC300A
EcoSense® EC300M
Portable Conductivity, Salinity and Temperature Instruments

WARRANTY

The EcoSense® EC300A/EC300M Instrument is warranted for one year from date of purchase by the end user against defects in materials and workmanship. EC300A/EC300M probes and cables are warranted for one year from date of purchase by the end user against defects in material and workmanship. Within the warranty period, YSI will repair or replace, at its sole discretion, free of charge, any product that YSI determines to be covered by this warranty.
To exercise this warranty, write or call your local YSI representative, or contact YSI Customer Service in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Send the product and proof of purchase, transportation prepaid, to the Authorized Service Center selected by YSI. Repair or replacement will be made and the product returned, transportation prepaid. Repaired or replaced products are warranted for the balance of the original warranty period, or at least 90 days from date of repair or replacement.

Limitation of Warranty
This Warranty does not apply to any YSI product damage or failure caused by: (i) failure to install, operate or use the product in accordance with YSI’s written instructions; (ii) abuse or misuse of the product; (iii) failure to maintain the product in accordance with YSI’s written instructions or standard industry procedure; (iv) any improper repairs to the product; (v) use by you of defective or improper components or parts in servicing or repairing the product; or (vi) modification of the product in any way not expressly authorized by YSI.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. YSI’s LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT, AND THIS SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT SHALL YSI BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT COVERED BY THIS

WARRANTY
Contact Information
YSI
1725 Brannum Lane
Yellow Springs OH, 45387, USA
Tel: 800-897-4151 • 937-767-7241; Fax: 937-767-1058
E-mail: info@ysi.com
Web: ysi.com

Safety Information

Please follow the guidelines below, and read this manual in its entirety to ensure safe operation of the unit.
Avoiding Damage to the Instrument – Precautions

The Instrument Case
Though the instrument is housed in a water-proof IP67 case, DO NOT use it underwater. The cable connector is not waterproof unless the cap is installed. In case of submersion without the cap connected, follow these steps immediately:

1. Remove the battery and reinstall the battery cover.
2. Dry the connector if necessary, and replace the conductivity probe. Rinse unit carefully with distilled water. After rinsing and drying, inspect and clean connectors to remove all contaminants that may affect probe connections.
3. Wait for unit and all connections to dry before reinstalling the battery and resuming operation.
4. If the unit does not function correctly after step 3, contact YSI for possible repair or replacement.

PAC K AG E CO NTE NT S

cable
606069| EC300A meter, manual, 9V battery, transport case, probe with 4 meter cable
606047| EC300A meter, manual, 9V battery, transport case, probe with 10 meter cable
601034| EC300M meter, manual, USB cable, and 9V battery
601035| EC300M meter, manual, USB cable, 9V battery, transport case, probe with 1 meter cable
601036| EC300M meter, manual, USB cable, 9V battery, transport case, probe with 4 meter cable
Item #| Contents
---|---
601037| EC300M meter, manual, USB cable, 9V battery, transport case, probe with 10 meter cable

UNPACKING

Carefully unpack the unit and accessories, and inspect for shipping damages. Compare received parts with materials listed in the Package Contents section. Notify YSI immediately of any damage or missing parts. Save all packing materials until satisfactory operation is confirmed.

INSA LLAT ION

Battery Installation
An initial display of “BAT” on the LCD indicates approximately one hour of battery life for unit operation within specifications. Replace battery when “BAT” appears on the LCD.

To replace battery, remove the two battery cover screws and the battery cover and o-ring (Figure 1). Replace the 9V battery. Replace the battery cover and o-ring (be sure to align the o-ring correctly to prevent a bad seal) and fasten the two battery cover screws.

Battery Disposal
This instrument is powered by a 9 volt battery, which the user must remove and dispose of when the batteries no longer power the instrument. Disposal requirements vary by country and region, and users are expected to understand and follow the battery disposal requirements for their specific locale.

INTENDED US E AND G ENER AL

OVERV IEW

The YSI model EC300A/EC300M is a precise instrument that measures conductivity, salinity and temperature. A built-in microprocessor calculates and compensates for all parameters related to conductivity and temperature determinations.

This instrument is waterproof (IP67) when the connector cap is installed. The mechanical touch keys are highly reliable with tactile and audio feedback. This instrument uses one 9V battery. Recalibration is not required when power is restored.
The front of the instrument has a large LCD that displays temperature and either temperature compensated or non-temperature compensated conductivity, salinity or TDS simultaneously along with user prompts and mode indicators. The unit prompts users through calibration and measurement procedures.
The model EC300A/EC300M is available with a single four-electrode cell. Other features include automatic conductivity ranging, automatic temperature compensation, long battery life, and 50/60 Hz AC noise rejection. This meter is universal and user-friendly for field, industrial and laboratory applications.
Key differences between the YSI EC300A and EC300M include:

• EC300A can store 50 data sets, while the EC300M can store 250 data sets.
• A real-time clock is included on the EC300M for date/time stamp of saved data.
• The EC300M features a waterproof USB port with cover that will allow customers to download stored measurement data to a PC.
• A recal prompt on the EC300M allows users to select a recalibration interval.

DISPLAY DESCRIPTION

TDS values.
5| Displays when measuring total dissolved solids.
6| Indicates conductivity cell constant value.
7| USB/PC connection indicator (EC300M only)
8| Displays when measuring salinity.
9| Calibration mode indicator
10| Data set number
11| Temperature display
12| Indicates TDS measurement
13| Indicates conductivity measurement
14| Indicates salinity measurement
15| °C: Flashes during temperature compensated conductivity measurement. During calibration, indicates temperature reference unit.

__

%: Displays during calibration; indicates temperature coefficient unit.

indicators.
17| Date/Time display (EC300M only)

OPERATIONAL KEYS DESCRIPTION

display value as desired.
3| __

| Calibration key. Press to enter the calibration mode.
4| __

| Recal Timer key (EC300M only). Press to enter the Recal Timer input display.
---|---|---
5| __| Mode key. Selects display mode. In Normal operation, press Mode to switch the display between uncompensated conductivity, temperature compensated

conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), Recall and Delete. In calibration mode, this key exits the current calibration and displays

the next calibration parameter.

7| __| Enter key. Pressing Enter saves the current measurement

into memory, confirms mode selection (rcl/delete), confirms calibration steps, and confirms data deletion. On the EC300M, this key confirms recal timer entry and date/time selections.

8| | Date/Time key (EC300M only). A short press (i.e. key is not held) of the Date/Time key changes the display in the upper right corner to be either Date or Time. Pressing

and holding for 3 seconds will allow date and time information to be updated. Pressing and holding for 6 seconds will allow for the date (e.g. MM/DD/YYYY) and time format (12 or 24 hour) settings to be changed.

Measurement Modes

1. Temperature – Current solution temperature continually displays.
2. Temperature Compensated Conductivity – Measurement of conductivity, compensated to 25°C or another specified value between 15 and 25°C. Expressed as uS/cm or mS/cm with a flashing “°C”.
3. Uncompensated Conductivity – Direct measurement of conductivity, not compensated to a specific temperature. Expressed as uS/cm or mS/cm.
4. Salinity – Measurement of salinity; expressed in parts per thousand (ppt).
5. TDS – Measurement of total dissolved solids (TDS); expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L)

Carefully observe the units displayed at the far side of the LCD to determine the desired mode.

Calibration
Calibration setup contains five sections: TDS, Cell, Temperature Coefficient, Temperature reference, and Conductivity Calibration. To access these sections:

1. Connect the conductivity probe and cable assembly to the unit and turn the unit on. The screen will display CELL and the cell constant of the conductivity probe.
2.  Allow temperature readings to stabilize, then press CAL to enter the calibration mode; CAL appears on the LCD. Press MODE to sequentially display the following sections:

Note: Press Enter to accept any values changes in each section and automatically advance to the next section. If there are no changes, the unit accepts the current value and proceeds to the next section.

TDS
TDS is determined by multiplying conductivity (mS) by a TDS factor. The default factor value is 0.65. To change the TDS factor, use the up and down keys to adjust the value between 0.30 and 1.00. Press Enter   to save the new value, or press MODE to cancel the change and display the CELL screen.

CELL
The second screen will display CELL and the current cell value. The default cell value is 5.00 and is displayed in the lower right of the screen. The unit allows a variance of ±0.50 before displaying an error message. The cell value cannot be adjusted at this screen; calibrating conductivity is the only way to adjust the cell constant. Press Enter   to reset the cell constant to 5.00 and display the Temperature Coefficient screen.

Note: Be certain to press Enter to reset the cell constant to 5.00. If MODE is pressed, the unit retains the previous cell constant and calibrates from a value that is already offset.

Temperature Coefficient
The unit uses the temperature coefficient to calculate temperature compensated conductivity. The default value is 1.91%. To change the temperature coefficient, use the up and down keys to adjust the value between 0 and 4.00%. Press Enter to save the new value, or press MODE to cancel the change and display the Temperature Reference screen.

Temperature Reference
The unit uses the temperature reference value to calculate temperature compensated conductivity. The default value is 25°C. To change the temperature coefficient, use the up and down keys to adjust the value between 15 and 25°C. Press Enter to save the new value, or press MODE to cancel the change and display the Conductivity Calibration screen.

Conductivity Calibration

1. Immerse the probe in a standard of known conductivity, preferably a standard in the middle range of the solutions to be measured. Completely submerge the probe without touching the sides of the calibration container. Shake the probe lightly to remove any air bubbles trapped in the conductivity cell.
2. Allow temperature to stabilize. The message ‘rAng’ (range) may display briefly to indicate unit auto-ranging; this is normal. After temperature stabilization, use the up and down keys to adjust the conductivity value to that of the conductivity standard at 25°C. Press Enter to calibrate. The unit beeps twice to indicate a successful calibration, then automatically switches to normal operation mode.

Conductivity Measurements

1. Turn the unit on. Place the probe in the solution to be measured. Completely submerge the probe. Shake the probe lightly to remove any trapped air bubbles in the conductivity cell.
2. Press MODE to enter the desired measurement mode. The message ‘rAng’ (range) may appear briefly on the display indicate auto-ranging; this is normal. Allow temperature to stabilize before taking measurements.

Saving, Viewing and Deleting Data

• The EC300A can save 50 data records, while the EC300M can save 250 data records. When in measurement mode, press Enter to save a record. The instrument will confirm saving the data by displaying “Save” and the data record number for one second. “Full” is displayed when trying to save data and memory is full.
• To view saved data, press Mode until “Recall” is displayed and then press Enter . Use the Up or Down arrow keys to review different saved records. Press Mode to escape back to measurement mode.
• To delete data records, press Mode while in measurement mode until “Delete” is displayed. Press Enter . “All” will be displayed and blinking. Press the Up or Down arrow key to switch between delete ‘All’ or ‘Each’ options. Select either ‘All’ or ‘Each’ by pressing Enter while that option is displayed.
• If ‘All’ is selected, all records will be deleted from memory and ‘None’ will be displayed. Press Mode twice to return to the measurement mode.
• If ‘Each’ is selected, the Up and Down arrow keys will allow you to scroll through the saved data records. Press Enter to delete the selected record. All records after the deleted record will shift up to keep the records in sequential order. For example, if record 3 is deleted, record 4 will become record 3 and record 5 will become record 4. Press Mode twice to return to the measurement mode.

Downloading Data to a Computer – EC300M Only
The EC300M features a micro USB connection that allows the instrument to be connected to a computer with Windows 7 or Windows 10 as the operating system. Once connected, data saved to the meter can be downloaded to the computer.

1. A USB cable is included with all EC300M instruments. Plug the micro USB connector into the EC300M instrument and the USB connector into a computer.

2. Turn the EC300M instrument on. A driver will install from the instrument to the computer.

3.  Open Windows Explorer. The PC will recognize the instrument as a removable drive.

4. Copy and paste the .csv file from the instrument to a location on the computer. This file can be opened in Excel®.
   Note: The original .csv file should be left on the EC300M instrument. Do not try to modify this file.
   Note: If the .csv file is opened with Excel® and the data is not formatted correctly (e.g. a temperature reading is interpreted as a date), please refer to the Troubleshooting section.

5. The instrument can be disconnected from the computer. The original .csv file should still be located on the EC300M instrument.

Recal Timer – EC300M Only
The Recal Timer feature provides a reminder to recalibrate the DO probe. If enabled, ‘Recal’ will be displayed when the user-defined interval has elapsed.
After pressing the Recal Timer key, use the Up and Down arrow keys to adjust the value for the recal prompt in number of days. Press Enter to confirm. The instrument will return to the run screen.

Any value between 0 and 60 days can be selected. Set the value to 0 to disable the Recal Timer.

Date/Time Settings – EC300M Only
A short press (i.e. key is not held) of the Date/Time key changes the display in the upper right corner to be either Date or Time.
Press and hold the Date/Time key for 3 seconds to set date and time information. Use the up and down arrow keys to adjust Hour, Minute (Min) and Second (Sec). Press Enter to confirm each selection. After adjusting time, adjust date information by using the up and down arrow key to adjust the MM (month), DD (Day) and YYYY (Year) information. Press Enter to confirm each selection.
Press and hold the Date/Time key for 6 seconds to set the date/time format. Use the Up and Down arrow keys to display the desired Date format (MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY, or YYYY/MM/DD), followed by Enter to confirm the selection. Next, use the Up and Down arrow keys to display the desired Time format (12-hour or 24-hour), followed by Enter to confirm the selection.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Error Messages on Display

• Conductivity is>200.0 mS
• Salinity is > 70.00 ppt

|

• Completely submerge the probe.
• Allow sufficient time for the electrode and Temp probe stabilization.
• Recalibrate with correct value for the conductivity standard.
• Clean cell.
• Return for service.

OvEr/Undr during calibration|

• Cell Constant Calibration is out of range

• Decrease/ Increase the sample temperature.
• Return for service.

Undr| Temperature

< -10.0 °C

Opening the Data File with Excel®
Depending on the region and language setting of your PC, measurement data might be formatted incorrectly by Excel® when the data file is opened.
This is sometimes encountered with German set as the PC language, as a German date format typically utilizes a decimal (DD.MM.YYYY). The EC300M utilizes a decimal as the radix, so a temperature of 31.1 is sometimes interpreted by Excel® as 31. Jan when German is set as the PC language.
If a data file is opened in Excel® and measurement data is incorrectly interpreted as something other than a number, please follow these steps:

1. Open a blank Excel® spreadsheet.

2.  Go to the Data tab and select From Text.

3. Choose to Import the data file you have copied to your PC. Don’t select the original data file that is still on the instrument.

4. Under Step 1 of the Text Import Wizard, choose Delimited.

5. Under Step 2 of the Text Import Wizard, choose Semicolon.

6. Under Step 3, click on the column with the incorrectly formatted data. This column should be highlighted in black. Choose Text under Column data format. Do this for each column with incorrectly formatted data.

7. Select Finish, then choose where you want the data to be placed on your opened spreadsheet.

MAINTENANCE

The most important requirement for accurate and reproducible conductivity measurements is a clean cell. A dirty cell changes the conductivity of a solution through contamination. Clean the cell thoroughly before storing it. To clean the conductivity cell:

1. Dip the cell in cleaning solution and agitate for two to three minutes. Any foaming acid tile cleaner, such as Dow Chemical Bathroom Cleaner, should clean adequately. For a stronger cleaner, use a solution of 1:1 isopropyl alcohol and 1 N HCl. Remove the cell from the cleaning solution.
2. Use the nylon brush (supplied) to dislodge any contaminants from inside the electrode chamber.
3. Repeat steps one and two until the cell is completely clean. Rinse the cell thoroughly in deionized, or clean tap water.

ACCESSORIES / PART NUMBERS

TECHNICAL SERVICES

• Telephone: 800 897 4151 (USA)
• +1 937 767 2762 (Globally) Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM ET
• Email: info@ysi.com
• Mail: YSI Incorporated 1725 Brannum Lane Yellow Springs, OH 45387 USA
• Internet: ysi.com

SPECIFICATIONS

These specifications represent typical performance and are subject to change without notice. For the latest product specification information, please visit YSI’s website at ysi.com or contact YSI Tech Support.

(14 to 194 °F)

| 0.1 °C| ±0.2 °C or ±0.4%,

whichever is greater

Conductivity| 0 to 499.9

µS/cm

| 0.1 µS/cm| ± 1% of reading

+ 2 µS/cm

500 to 4999

µS/cm

| 1 µS/cm| ± 1% of reading

+ 5 µS/cm

5.0 to 49.99

mS/cm

| 0.01 mS/cm| ± 1% of reading

+ 0.05 mS/cm

50 to 200

mS/cm

| 0.1 mS/cm| ± 2.5% of reading

+ 0.5 mS/cm

Salinity| Calculated;

0.0 to 70.0

ppt

| 0.1 ppt| ±0.2% FS
Reference Temperature (Input during calibration)| 15.0 to 25.0°C (59 to 77°F)
---|---
Temperature Coefficient (Input during calibration)| 0.0% to 4.0%
TDS Constant

(Input during calibration)

| 0.3 to 1.00
Cell Constant Range| 4.50 to 5.50
ATC Probe| Thermistor, 10KΩ, at 25 °C
Calibration Backup| Yes
Audio Feedback| Yes, on all keys
Power Source| One 9V battery (included with meter)

Real time clock (RTC) on the EC300M also powered by CR2032 coin battery (3V)

Operating Range

– Temperature

| 0 to 50 ºC (32 to 122 °F)
Operating Range – Relative Humidity| Up to 95%
Instrument Casing| Waterproof IP-67 with cable connector cap installed
Weight (with battery)| 272 grams (.6 lbs)
Dimensions (L x W x H)| 18.7 cm x 7.6 cm x 3.8 cm (7.37 in x 3 in x 1.5 in)
Memory| 50 data sets on the EC300A 250 data sets on the EC300M
Auto Shutoff| Automatically powers off after 30 minutes of inactivity
Recal Timer| EC300M only – Customer selects recalibration interval; from 0 to 60 days
Real-Time Clock (RTC) for Date/Time Stamp of Saved Data| EC300M only
Waterproof USB for Downloading Data to PC| EC300M only
Conforms to the following:

Directives:| EMC 2014/30/EU RoHS 2011/65/EU WEEE 2012/19/EU
Harmonized Standards:| EN61326-1:2013 (IEC 61326-1:2012)

IEC 61000-3-2:2005

IEC 61000-3-3:2008

IEC 61000-4-2:2008

IEC 61000-4-3:2006

IEC 61000-4-4:2004

IEC 61000-4-6:2008

IEC 61000-4-8:2009

Item #606042REF
Revision B; December 2017
For the latest version of this manual, visit ysi.com

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