1200 Turbidity Meter Troubleshooting Guide

Calibration Procedure

The 1200 has been pre-calibrated. Recalibration of the 1200 by the user is not required. However, a procedure to standardize the calibration (shown below) should be performed to obtain the most accurate readings.

Prepare standard solutions to be tested.
Rinse and fill a colorimeter tube (0290) to the 10 mL line with standard solution. Cap and wipe dry.
Insert the tube into the chamber, being sure to align the index line with the arrow on the meter. Close the lid. This tube is the blank or zero.
Push the READ button to turn the meter on. Press the ZERO button and hold it for 2 seconds until bLA is displayed. Release the button to take a zero reading (0 ppm).
React a standard that is in the range of the reagent system, and similar to the expected range of the sample. Follow the individual test procedure.
Wipe the tube clean with a lint-free cloth.
Insert the tube into the chamber, being sure to align the index line with the arrow on the meter. Close the lid.
Push the READ button. If the displayed value is not the same as the value of the reacted standard (within the specification limits), continue with the calibration procedure.
Push and hold the ZERO button for 5 seconds until CAL is displayed. Release the button. The display will flash. Adjust the display with the up arrow and down arrow buttons until the value of the standard is displayed.
Push the ZERO button again to memorize the calibration. The 1200 display will stop flashing. Calibration is complete.
Turn the unit off by holding the READ button down for at least 2 seconds, or proceed to measure the test samples following the analysis procedure.

The 1200 can be calibrated with two prepared standards. The concentrations of the standards should be chosen from the low and high ends of the range of the meter. The low standard must be less than 5% of over range. To calibrate the meter with two standards, follow steps 1-11 of the calibration procedure for one reacted sample. Repeat steps 1-11 of the calibration procedure with the second reacted standard.
The calibration procedure should be followed as often as required by regulations and laws for compliance monitoring.
To reset the calibration to the factory calibration: with the meter off, hold down the t and push READ. The meter will turn on and the calibration will be reset.

Analysis Procedure

Fill the Water Sample Collecting Bottle (0688) with sample water. This will be used to dispense sample water for the tests.
Rinse and fill a colorimeter tube (0290) to the 10 mL line with sample water. Cap and wipe dry.
Insert the tube into the chamber, being sure to align the index line with the arrow on the meter. Close the lid. This tube is the blank or zero.
Push the READ button to turn the meter on. Press the ZERO button and hold it for 2 seconds until bla is displayed. Release the button to take a zero reading (0 ppm).
React a sample following the individual test procedure.
Wipe the tube clean with a lint-free cloth.
Insert the tube into the chamber, being sure to align the index line with the arrow on the meter. Close the lid.
Push the READ button. The concentration in ppm will be displayed within 2 seconds.
The 1200 will turn off automatically 5 minutes after the last button push. To turn the meter off manually, hold the READ button for 2 seconds. Release the button when OFF is displayed.
If Er2 is displayed, the concentration is over range. The sample must be diluted and re-tested.

Troubleshooting:

Problem	Check	Action
Meter won’t turn on	Battery	Replace
	AC Adapter	Plug in
	AC Wall Outlet	Verify power source
	Contact LaMotte for Return Authorization	Return to LaMotte for repair
Suspect Calibration	Check calibration with standards	Use new standards
	Verify standards concentration	Run test with alternative reagent system
	Verify with another meter	Check other meter calibrations
	Check tube alignment	Re-align tube
	Check sample tubes for dirt and scratches	Check, clean, and/or replace if necessary
	Check to see if internal meter components are wet	Always dry tubes before inserting. Examine chamber for visible moisture.
	Contact LaMotte for Return Authorization Return for calibration check	Return meter for recalibration.
Er1	Very low battery	Change battery
Er2	Over range	Dilute sample
Er3	Burnt out bulb or misaligned tube	Check alignment Call LaMotte
BAT	Low Battery	Change battery

Notes:

If the battery voltage is very low, the meter may read Er3 rather than Er1. Replace battery with new Duracell 9V battery.
If unable to calibrate meter to standard solutions, try resetting the meter to factory calibration. To reset the calibration to factory settings: with the meter off, press and hold the DOWN button and push READ. The meter will turn on and the calibration will be reset.
If unable to take a zero reading, there may be debris in the light chamber or on the LED/Photodiode lense that is interfering with the lightpath. Dampen the end of a Q-tip with Windex window cleaner and clean the square LED and photodetector lenses inside the light chamber.

RS232 Port

The 1200 Colorimeter may be interfaced with any IBM compatible computer using an Interface cable (Code 27359-04). The meter may also be interfaced with an RS-232 serial printer, using an appropriate cable and setting the printer configuration to the output below.

Output: RS232 compatible, asynchronous serial, 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit.

Computer Connection: RS232-(27359-04) interface connection, 8 pin mDIN/9 pin F D-submin.

Pin out:
5	RS-232 TxD
3	RS-232 RxD
4, 6, 8	Digital ground

Maintenance

Replacing the Battery

The LaMotte 1200 uses a standard 9-volt alkaline battery that is available worldwide. The battery compartment is located on the bottom of the case. To replace the battery:

Open the battery compartment lid.
Remove the battery and disconnect the battery from the polarized plug.
Carefully connect the new battery to the polarized plug and insert it into the compartment.
Close the battery compartment lid.

Repairs

If it is necessary to return the instrument for repair, telephone LaMotte Company at 1-800-344-3100 or fax 1-410-778-6394 for a return authorization number.

LaMotte Company