Labmate LMSIM-A100 Silver Ion Meter User Manual

Index

1. Introduction

The Silver Ion Meter LMSIM-A100 provides a direct ion concentration readout with a measuring range of 0.01 to 107900 ppm. It can store up to 500 data sets and allows easy data transfer via a USB interface. The meter features automatic electrode diagnosis for reliable operation and a system menu for easy parameter adjustment.

2. Features

• Fitted with a silver ion selective electrode for measuring silver ion concentration.
• Incorporates a stability indicator for real-time information.
• Includes an advanced reset setting function.
• Integrated with an auto-hold function for better recording.
• Designed with a built-in real-time clock to timestamp events.
• Enhanced with temperature compensation for accurate results.
• Features a calibration due reminder for regular calibration.
• Equipped with an LCD display.

3. Specifications

4. Applications

The Silver Ion meter is used to measure the concentration of silver ions in a solution. It finds application in various fields, including water quality monitoring, electroplating, metal finishing, photography, and research.

5. Instrument Introduction

5.1 Meter Overview

The meter consists of the following components:

• 1) Sensor connections
• 2) Base plate of the electrode arm
• 3) Display
• 4) Membrane keypad

Figure-1: Meter Overview

Connectors:

The meter has the following connectors:

• 1) Socket for pH, ORP, or ion-selective electrode
• 2) Socket for temperature probe (3.5 mm jack)
• 3) Socket for dissolved oxygen electrode (6-pin DIN)
• 4) Socket for conductivity electrode (6-pin DIN)
• 5) Socket for reference electrode (3.5 mm jack)
• 6) USB-B interface to the power adapter or computer

Figure-2: Connectors

5.2 Keypad

6. Installation

6.1 Environmental conditions

Before unpacking, ensure the following environmental conditions are met:

• Relative humidity is below 80%.
• Temperature range of the surrounding air: 0°C (32°F) to 50°C (122°F).
• Absence of possible electromagnetic interference.
• No corrosive gases present.

6.2 Packing list

Verify that all parts of the meter are present and in good condition.

• 1) Meter

  Figure-3: Meter

• 2) Electrode arm

  Figure-4: Electrode arm

• 3) USB cable

  Figure-5: USB cable

• 4) Power adapter

  Figure-6: Power adapter

• 5) Ion-selective electrode

  Figure-7: Ion-selective electrode

• 6) Ionic strength adjuster

  Figure-8: Ionic strength adjuster

• 7) Temperature probe

  Figure-9: Temperature probe

6.3 Installing the electrode holder

Remove the electrode arm from the accessory box. The electrode arm has a connecting rod, and its base plate has a round hole. Insert the connecting rod into the circular hole and rotate the electrode arm by 90 degrees to position the electrode holder.

6.3.1 Adjusting the Electrode Arm

If the electrode arm automatically rises or falls after installation, adjust the screw until the arm stays in position.

1. On the right side of the electrode arm, remove the plastic cover.

   Figure-11: Adjusting the Electrode Arm - Step 1

2. Moderately tighten the screw with a screwdriver.

   Figure-12: Adjusting the Electrode Arm - Step 2

3. Replace the plastic cover.

6.3.2 Connection

1) Connecting the Electrode

To position the electrode on the left or right side of the electrode arm, follow these instructions:

For the Ion Selective Electrode:

Place the BNC connector into the ISE connector socket. Push and rotate it clockwise to lock the connector.

Figure-13: Connecting the Electrode

2) Connecting the Power Adapter

Use the USB cord to connect the 5V DC power adapter and the meter. Plug the power adapter into a wall outlet.

Figure-14 & 15: Connecting the Power Adapter

7. Operations

7.1 Switching the Meter On and Off

1. Press the Meas key and release to switch on the meter.
2. Press and hold the Meas key to switch off the meter.

   Figure-16: Switching the Meter On and Off

7.2 General Settings

The meter has an integrated setup menu for adjusting function parameters. The selected menu items will be displayed on the screen. Settings altered in the general settings apply to all modes.

7.2.1 Setting a Default Option

1. In the measurement mode, press and hold the Cal key to enter the setup menu.
2. Press the ▼ key to select a menu item.

   Figure-17: Setup Menu - Menu Item Selection

3. When you press Enter, the current option is displayed.

   Figure-18: Setup Menu - Option Display

4. Press the ▲ / ▼ key to select a desired option, and press the Enter key to save.

   Figure-19: Setup Menu - Saving Option

Note: To exit the setup menu without saving changes, press the Meas key.

7.2.2 Setting the Date and Time

1. To access the configuration menu, press and hold the Cal key in the measurement mode.
2. Press the ▼ key until the meter shows dAtE.

   Figure-20: Setting Date and Time - Select Date

3. Press the Enter key; the current year is displayed.

   Figure-21: Setting Date and Time - Year Input

4. Press the ▲ / ▼ key to set the year, and press the Enter key to switch to the date and time options.

   Figure-22: Setting Date and Time - Month/Day/Time Input

7.3 Temperature Calibration

A temperature probe is included for measuring and temperature correction. Calibration is necessary if the measured temperature reading deviates from a reliable thermometer.

Note: This probe is not necessary if the dissolved oxygen electrode has an integrated temperature sensor.

7.3.1 Connecting the Temperature Probe

1. Insert the temperature probe into the circular opening in the electrode arm's middle.

   Figure-23: Connecting the Temperature Probe

2. Place the jack plug into the ATC connector socket, ensuring it is fully inserted.

   Figure-24: Connecting the Temperature Probe to ATC Socket

7.3.2 Calibrating the Temperature Probe

1. Place the temperature probe in a solution with a known, accurate temperature and wait for the reading to stabilize.
2. Press and hold the Mode | °C key to enter the temperature setting.
3. Press the ▲ / ▼ key to modify the temperature value, and press the Enter key to save.

   Figure-25: Calibrating the Temperature Probe

Note: Pressing the Meas key will end the calibration without preserving any modifications.

7.4 Ion Calibration and Measurement

7.4.1 Prior to use

1. Connect the ion-selective electrode to the meter (Refer to 6.3.2 Connection).
2. Remove the protective cap and immerse the electrode for ten minutes in a 100 ppm standard solution.

   Figure-26: Electrode Immersion in Standard Solution

Selecting the Measurement Mode:

Press the Mode key until the ION icon appears on the display. The meter then enters the ion concentration measurement mode.

Figure-27: Selecting Ion Measurement Mode

7.4.2 Ion Settings

The meter's setup menu offers three measurement settings and seven general options.

To access the setup menu and modify settings, press and hold the Cal key. Press the ▲ / ▼ key to select an option and press Enter to confirm.

NOTE: Refer to the Setting a Default Option section.

Attention: If the ion concentration unit is converted, the meter will display CAL and wait for calibration. Calibration is performed by pressing the Cal key and consulting the Ion Calibration section. Upon completion, the meter will change to the chosen concentration unit.

Figure-28: Ion Settings - Calibration Prompt

7.4.3 Temperature Compensation

It is advised to enable temperature compensation during calibration and measurement, as temperature differences between standard and sample solutions can cause a measurement inaccuracy of approximately 2% per degree Celsius change.

1) Automatic Temperature Compensation

After connecting the temperature probe, the meter enters automatic temperature adjustment mode, indicated by the ATC icon on the screen.

Figure-29: ATC Connector

Figure-30: Display with ATC Icon

2) Manual Temperature Compensation

If the meter cannot detect a temperature probe, it displays the degrees Celsius indicator (°C), signifying manual temperature correction mode. Use the following steps to set the temperature:

1. To change the temperature, press and hold the °C key.
2. Press the ▲ / ▼ key to modify the temperature value.
3. Press the Enter key to save.

Attention: Pressing and holding the ▲ / ▼ key will make the value change faster.

7.4.4 Ion Calibration

The meter can be calibrated from 2 to 5 points in ion mode. The following are examples of acceptable calibration points:

Ensure the ionic valency setting in the setup menu matches the connected electrode before calibration. The temperature of all standards and samples should be consistent, and the calibration points should cover the expected sample range.

Add an ionic strength adjuster (ISA) to all standards and samples, especially for low concentrations or samples with interfering ions. A common procedure is adding 2 milliliters of ISA to 100 milliliters of standard and sample.

For low-level sodium determination (<1 ppm), use the laboratory plastic beaker as a container.

Stir standards and samples consistently for the most accurate readings.

1) Calibrating the Meter

1. Depending on the chosen concentration unit, the meter displays 0.001 ppm/CAL1 (or mg/L, mol/L, or mmol/L) when the Cal key is pressed.
2. Press the ▲ key to select the first calibration point (e.g., 100 ppm). The meter automatically performs calibration from low to high concentrations.

   Figure-31: Calibration - First Point

3. Rinse the ion-selective electrode with deionized water before adding a small amount of standard solution. Add the electrode (with the temperature probe) to the standard solution and mix gently to homogenize.

   Figure-32: Preparing Standard Solution

4. Press the Enter key; the Calibration icon begins flashing.

   Figure-33: Calibration - Flashing Icon

5. Once the measurement stabilizes, 1000 ppm/CAL2 will appear, prompting for the second point calibration.

   Figure-34: Calibration - Second Point

6. Rinse the ion-selective electrode with deionized water before adding the next standard solution. Add the electrode and temperature probe, then stir carefully.

   Figure-35: Preparing Second Standard Solution

7. Press the Enter key; the Calibration icon begins flashing.

   Figure-36: Calibration - Flashing Icon (Second Point)

8. CAL3 will appear upon stabilization, prompting for the third point calibration.
9. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the meter displays End. Calibration is complete.

   Figure-37: Calibration - End

NOTE: To exit calibration without saving changes, press the Meas key.

2) Viewing the Calibration Log

1. In the ion measurement mode, press the MR key and the ▼ key until the meter shows CLE/P-02.
2. Press the Enter key; the meter shows the last calibration date.

   Figure-38: Viewing Calibration Log - Date

3. Press the ▼ key to view the calibration point and mV value.

   Figure-39: Viewing Calibration Log - mV Value

7.4.5 Ion Measurement

1. Rinse the ion-selective electrode with deionized water and gently swirl it (along with the temperature probe) into the sample solution. Ensure the liquid junction and ion-sensitive membrane are fully submerged.

   Figure-40: Ion Measurement - Electrode in Sample

2. If the Auto-Hold option is enabled in the setup menu, the meter will automatically sense a stable reading and lock the measurement, displaying the HOLD icon. Press the Meas key to resume measuring. If the option is turned off, the meter will continuously measure and update readings.

   Figure-41: Ion Measurement - Auto-Hold

3. Once the measurement has stabilized, take a reading.
4. Rinse the electrode with deionized water after measuring each sample.

NOTE:

• Never wipe the ion-sensitive membrane while measuring; use a lint-free tissue to blot dry any water droplets.
• If the electrode is not calibrated, the meter's display will read 0.000.
• If the meter displays ----, indicating the measurement is outside the range, remove the electrode from the sample immediately.

7.5 Data Management

The meter can store and recall up to 500 data sets.

7.5.1 Storing Measurement Result

Press the MI key during measurement to save the reading to memory. The Memory icon will appear on the screen.

Figure-42: Storing Measurement Result

7.5.2 Viewing the Data Logs

1. In the measurement mode, press the MR key and the ▼ key until the meter shows LOC/P-01.

   Figure-43: Viewing Data Logs - Initial Screen

2. Press the Enter key; the meter displays the serial number of the saved data.

   Figure-44: Viewing Data Logs - Serial Number

3. Press the ▼ key to view the date and time of measurement.

   Figure-45: Viewing Data Logs - Date and Time

4. Press the ▼ key to view the stored data.

   Figure-46: Viewing Data Logs - Stored Data

5. Press the ▼ key to view the next data set.
6. Press the Meas key to close the data log.

NOTE: The display will only show ---- if the meter is not storing any readings.

7.5.3 Clearing the Data Logs

If the memory is full, the meter will automatically display when the MI key is pressed. Follow these instructions to remove data logs:

1. Press and hold the Cal key to enter the setup menu.
2. Press the ▼ key until the meter shows CLr.

   Figure-47: Clearing Data Logs - Select CLr

3. Press the Enter key; the meter shows NO/CLr.
4. Press the ▼ key to select YES/CLr.
5. Press the Enter key to confirm.

   Figure-48: Clearing Data Logs - Confirm YES

7.5.4 Communication

The meter can import data into Excel using a free program or transfer data to a computer. This software is available for download from the Labmate website. Ensure your computer has Windows 10 installed before installation.

1) Receiving the Data

1. After connecting the USB cable to the meter, click the icon. A message box stating "Found a port on your computer" will appear after the system automatically searches for an open communication port.

   Figure-49: Communication - Found Port

2. Click OK, and the application starts.
3. Click Connect; "Port is connected" will appear on the screen.
4. The stored data will be automatically transferred to the computer when you click OK and then Receive.

   Figure-50: Communication - Data Transfer

2) Interval Readings

• Choose a time by clicking the Interval Recording selection box.
• To start recording readings, click the Receive button.

NOTE:

• After a minute, the first data will appear on the screen.
• In Interval Readings mode, avoid pressing any keys on the meter to prevent disrupting communication.

3) Creating an Excel File

The data sheet's readings will automatically convert to an Excel file after clicking the Save as Excel button upon completion of the transfer.

NOTE: All received data will be erased and unrecoverable after the app is closed.

8. Maintenance

8.1 Electrode Maintenance

1. After using the ion-selective electrode, rinse it thoroughly with deionized water, wipe it clean with a lint-free tissue, reinstall the protective cap, and store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
2. Never scratch the electrode's ion-sensitive membrane.
3. If the electrode response begins to lag, soak the electrode for at least an hour in a 100 ppm standard solution.

   Figure-51: Ion Sensitive Membrane

8.2 Disposal

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Union mandates that this product not be disposed of in household garbage. Use the designated collection location for electrical and electronic equipment to dispose of this product in compliance with local laws.

WEEE Symbol

9. Accessories

Standard Accessories

Optional Accessories