Hach HQ Series Portable Meters User Manual

Section 1: Product Overview

The HQ Series portable meters are designed for measuring water quality parameters using digital Intellical probes. The meter automatically identifies the connected probe type. Data can be transferred to a PC or USB storage device. An optional Hach Communication Dongle (HCD) enables connection to Claros.

The HQ Series meters are available in eight models, each supporting different probe types as detailed in the table below:

Note:

• pH/mV/ORP probes include temperature measurement.
• LDO/LBOD probes include temperature measurement.
• Conductivity probes measure salinity, TDS (total dissolved solids), resistivity, and temperature.
• ISE probes measure ions such as ammonia, nitrate, chloride, fluoride, and sodium.

The product components include the meter, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, battery compartment, hand lanyard, probe connector plugs, USB port plug, screwdriver, USB cable, USB power adapter, and optional Hach Communication Dongle (HCD).

Section 2: Specifications

Dimensions: 22 x 9.7 x 6.3 cm (8.7 x 3.8 x 2.5 in.)

Weight: Varies by model (519 g to 570 g)

Enclosure Rating: IP67 (with battery compartment installed)

Power Requirements (Internal): Rechargeable lithium-ion battery 18650 (3.7 VDC, 3400 mAh). Battery life: >1 week with typical use.

Power Requirements (External): 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz input; 5 VDC at 2 A USB power adapter output.

Operating Temperature: 0 to 60 °C (32 to 140 °F)

Storage Temperature: -20 to 60 °C (-4 to 140 °F)

Humidity: 90% (non-condensing)

Probe Connector: 5-pin M12 connector for Intellical probes

Data Log: HQ1000 Series: 5000 data points; HQ2000 Series: 10,000 data points; HQ4000 Series: 100,000 data points

Certifications: CE, FCC, ISED, RCM, KC, ETL, US DOE/NRCan Energy Efficiency, RoHS

Warranty: HQ1000/HQ2000 series: 1-2 years; HQ4000 series: 3 years.

Section 3: General Information

3.1 Safety Information

DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation that may result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE: Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, may cause damage to the instrument.

Read the manual carefully before operating the equipment. Ensure all safety precautions are followed.

3.2 Use of Hazard Information

Hazard statements are used to indicate potential risks associated with the product's use and installation.

3.3 Precautionary Labels

Labels on the instrument provide important safety information. Refer to these labels and the corresponding statements in the manual.

3.4 Product Components

Verify all components are received upon unpacking. Contact the manufacturer if any items are missing or damaged.

3.5 Certification

The device complies with Canadian Radio Interference-Causing Equipment Regulation, ICES-003, Class B and FCC Part 15, Class "B" Limits. Modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

3.6 Hach Communication Dongle (Optional)

The HCD uses Bluetooth® Low Energy to communicate with Claros. Follow the manufacturer's guidance for installation and operation.

3.7 Intended Use

CAUTION: Chemical exposure hazard. Obey laboratory safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

The HQ Series portable meters are intended for measuring water quality parameters in laboratory or field settings. They do not treat or alter water.

Section 4: Installation

4.1 Lithium Battery Safety

WARNING: Fire and explosion hazard. Handle lithium batteries with care. Do not expose to fire, extreme heat, or puncture. Keep away from water and prevent short circuits.

4.2 Install the Battery

WARNING: Fire and explosion hazard. Use only the manufacturer-supplied lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Ensure enclosure covers are installed and secured.

Refer to Figure 3 for battery installation and removal instructions.

4.3 Charge the Battery

DANGER: Electrocution hazard. Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI/GFI) device when connecting to the main power source outdoors or in wet locations.

WARNING: Fire hazard. Use only the specified external power supply. Electrical shock hazard. Ensure externally connected equipment has applicable safety standard assessment.

Charge the battery using the supplied USB cable and power adapter or a PC. The green LED indicator lights up when the instrument is connected to power. A full charge takes approximately 5 hours when the instrument is off.

4.4 Install the Lanyard

Install the lanyard for safely holding the meter, as shown in Figure 5.

4.5 Install the Probe and USB Port Plugs

Install port plugs when ports are not in use to maintain the instrument's enclosure rating (IP67). Refer to Figures 6 and 7.

Section 5: Startup

5.1 Start the Meter

Press the On/Off key to start the meter. Ensure the battery is installed correctly or the meter is connected to a power source.

5.2 Select the Language

On first startup or after battery installation, the language selection screen appears. Select the desired language. The language can also be changed in the Settings menu.

5.3 Set the Date and Time

On first startup or after battery installation, the Date-Time screen appears. Use the arrow keys to select the date format, navigate to the date and time fields, and adjust the values. Select 'Save' to confirm.

5.4 Connect a Probe

Set the time and date before connecting a probe. The time stamp records probe history and measurement times.

Section 6: User Interface and Navigation

The Home screen displays after startup with a connected probe. Use the keypad for navigation and selections. The main menu provides access to settings and other functions.

6.1 Home Screen

The Home screen displays measurement values, temperature, units, and measurement status. Models with multiple probe ports show all connected probes. Available tasks include measuring samples, calibrating probes, verifying calibrations, setting sample IDs, managing data, and accessing instructions.

6.2 Keypad

The keypad includes On/Off, Navigation arrows, Menu, Back, and Select keys for operating the meter.

6.3 Main Menu

The Main menu provides access to Home, Settings, Data, Samples, About, Date and Time, User ID, and Bluetooth® settings (if HCD is installed).

Section 7: Operation

7.1 Measure Samples

Select the measurement mode (Push to read, Interval, or Continuous). Prepare the sample according to on-screen instructions or the probe's user manual. Save data as required by the measurement mode.

7.2 Calibrate a Probe

From the Home screen, select 'Calibrate'. Follow on-screen instructions for preparing calibration solutions. Select 'Read' to measure each solution and 'Save' to store the calibration. Refer to Probe settings for calibration adjustments.

7.3 Verify the Calibration

From the Home screen, select Options > Verify calibration. Prepare the verification solution as instructed. Select 'Read' to measure the solution. If verification is successful (indicated by ✅), select 'Save'.

7.4 Include Sample ID with Measurement Data

Enter sample names in the 'Samples' menu. Select the applicable sample ID before measurement. The instrument automatically numbers samples with the same name (e.g., "Sample name (2)").

7.5 Include User ID with Stored Data

In the Settings menu, select 'Users'. Choose 'User' to select a user name, or 'Create new user' to add names. The selected user name is saved with stored data.

Section 8: Meter Settings

Access general meter settings via the Settings menu. Password protection may restrict access to certain options.

• [Probe name]: Configure probe-specific settings for measurements, calibration, and verification.
• Measurement mode: Set to Push to read, Continuous, or Interval.
• Temperature: Select temperature units (°C or °F).
• Display: Adjust brightness, backlight timeout, and auto-shutdown timer.
• Sound: Enable audible alerts for key presses, stability, reminders, errors, and charge completion.
• Users: Manage user accounts (select, create, delete).
• Date-Time: Set date/time format and values.
• Language: Select the meter's display language.
• Access: Set a PIN to restrict access to specific menus and functions.
• Diagnostics: Generate a diagnostic file for technical support.

Section 9: Probe Settings

Configure settings for measurements, calibrations, and verifications for each connected probe type (pH, ORP, Conductivity, LDO/LBOD, ISE).

9.1 Change the pH Settings

Adjust measurement resolution, speed, limits, and maximum stability. Configure calibration settings including slope limit, buffer sets, and reminders. Set verification parameters like standard solutions, acceptance range, and reminders.

9.2 Change the ORP Settings

Adjust measurement response time, limits, and maximum stability. Configure calibration settings including standard solutions, offset limit, and reminders. Set verification parameters like standard solutions, acceptance range, and reminders.

9.3 Change the Conductivity Settings

Set measurement parameters (Conductivity, Salinity, TDS, Resistivity), stability, units, and limits. Configure temperature correction and reference temperature. Adjust calibration settings including standard solutions, reminders, and expiration. Set verification parameters like standard solutions, acceptance range, and reminders.

9.4 Change the LDO or LBOD Settings

Set DO units (mg/L or %), resolution, speed, limits, pressure units, and salinity correction mode. Configure calibration settings including mode, standard concentration, and reminders. Set probe settings for current use.

9.5 Change the ISE Settings

Adjust measurement form, units, limits, significant digits, and auto-stabilization. Configure calibration settings including standard sets, form, units, slope limit, and reminders. Set verification parameters like standard solutions, acceptance range, and reminders.

Section 10: Data Management

The meter saves sample, calibration, and verification data. Data can be viewed, exported to a PC or USB storage device, or deleted.

• View data: Browse data log entries, filter by parameter, data type, or date range.
• Export data: Transfer data as a .csv file to a PC or USB storage device.
• Calibration history: View current and previous calibration data for a probe.
• Delete data: Erase all data from the data log.

Section 11: Advanced Operation

11.1 Control Access to Settings

Use the Access menu to set a PIN for restricting access to critical settings like measurement mode, language, data deletion, and software updates. Lock the meter to enforce these restrictions.

11.2 Update the Meter Software

Download software upgrade files (.swu) from the manufacturer's website. Connect the meter to a PC via USB and copy the file to the meter's designated folder. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the update.

11.3 View the Probe Information

Navigate to Settings > [Probe name] > About to view probe model, serial number, software version, and date of first use.

11.4 View the Meter Information

Navigate to Settings > About to view meter model, serial number, and software version.

Section 12: Maintenance

12.1 Clean the Instrument

Clean the exterior with a moist cloth and mild soap solution, then wipe dry.

12.2 Replace the Battery

Replace the battery when it no longer charges or holds a charge. Use only manufacturer-supplied batteries and chargers.

12.3 Prepare for Shipping

Disconnect probes, clean, and decontaminate the instrument. For shipping, remove the lithium-ion battery and package it separately. Ship the instrument in original or protective packaging.

Section 13: Troubleshooting

13.1 Use the On-Screen Troubleshooting Instructions

Error (1) or warning ($oldsymbol{A}$) icons on the display provide brief problem descriptions and recommended solutions. Navigate using the arrow keys for detailed instructions.

13.2 Export a Diagnostic File

If requested by technical support, generate a diagnostic file via Settings > Diagnostics. Connect the meter to a PC to retrieve the zip file from the 'diag-backup' subfolder.

13.3 Troubleshooting Table

Section 14: Replacement Parts

Use only manufacturer-approved replacement parts to ensure safety and proper function.

Contact Information

HACH COMPANY World Headquarters
P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539-0389 U.S.A.
Tel. (970) 669-3050 | (800) 227-4224 (U.S.A. only)
Fax (970) 669-2932 | orders@hach.com | www.hach.com

HACH LANGE GMBH
Willstätterstraße 11, D-40549 Düsseldorf, Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 21152 88-320 | Fax +49 (0) 21152 88-210
info-de@hach.com | www.de.hach.com

HACH LANGE Sàrl
6, route de Compois, 1222 Vésenaz, SWITZERLAND
Tel. +41225946400 | Fax +41225946499

© Hach Company/Hach Lange GmbH, 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.