PASCO PS-3215 Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor Instruction Manual

Features: Measures absorbance, transmittance, and turbidity;
six different wavelengths of light; USB and Bluetooth
connectivity
Components: Turbidity sensor, power button, light source, test
chamber, colorimeter sensor, battery status LED, Bluetooth status
LED, device ID

Product Usage Instructions:

Charging the Battery:

Before using the device, ensure the battery is fully
charged:

Connect the micro USB port to a standard USB charger.

The Battery Status LED will be solid yellow while
charging.
When fully charged, the LED will change to solid green.

Using the Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor:

1. Powering On/Off:

To turn the sensor on or off:

Press and hold the power button for about 1 second.

2. Inserting Samples:

Follow these steps when inserting samples:

Insert a smooth cuvette with a test solution into the test
chamber.

For ezSample Snap Vial ampoules, use the provided cap to cover
the ampoule.
Ensure ambient light is blocked by closing the cover or using
the ampoule cap.

3. Colorimeter Sensor:

When using the colorimeter sensor:

Use a lined cuvette with clear sides between the light and
sensor.

The sensor consists of six spectral sensors for different light
wavelengths.

4. Turbidity Measurement:

For turbidity measurements:

The turbidity sensor measures light scattered at a 90-degree
angle.
Nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) are used to measure water
cloudiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can this sensor be used for water quality analysis?

A: Yes, the sensor functions as a turbidimeter for water quality
analysis and can measure parameters like turbidity in water
samples.

Q: How do I connect the sensor to a computer or mobile
device?

A: Use the included USB cable to connect to a USB port for data
transfer. Note that iOS devices do not support this connection
method.

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Product Manual | 012-15830D

Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor

PS-3215

Introduction

Features

The Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor simultaneously measures the absorbance and transmittance of six different wavelengths of light. The sensor can be used to study Beer’s law (absorbance versus concentration), enzyme activity, photosynthesis, and the rates of chemical reactions (absorbance versus time). The colorimeter can also be used for the chemical analysis of water samples using PASCO’s ezSample Snap Vial test kits.

The sensor also functions as a turbidimeter for water quality analysis. Rather than measuring transmitted light, the turbidity sensor measures light scattered at a 90 degree angle from the sample. Turbidity level (cloudiness) of water samples is measured in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU).

1 USB port

co lo rime te r and
turbidity 123-456

Components
Included components:

Use with the USB cable to connect to a USB wall charger to charge the battery. Connect to a USB port of a computer or mobile device to send measurement data to software. Note that iOS devices do not support this connection method.

2 Turbidity sensor
Consists of a photodiode that measures the amount of light scattered by a test sample illuminated at 90 degrees. When using or calibrating this sensor, ensure you use a smooth cuvette.

3 Power button Press and hold for about 1 second to turn the sensor on or off.

4 Light source
Consists of a white LED for colorimeter measurements and an infrared LED for turbidity measurements.

1 Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor (PS-3215) 2 2× cuvette racks 3 10× cuvettes (4× smooth, 6× lined) with caps 4 100 NTU calibration solution 5 Ampoule cap 6 Micro USB cable 7 2× 100 NTU cuvette labels (not shown) 8 2× 100 NTU expiration labels (not shown) Required items: · PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue data collection software Required items for water quality measurements:

5 Test chamber
Insert a cuvette containing a test solution or an ezSample Snap Vial ampoule into the chamber. Keep out ambient light by closing the cover (when using cuvettes) or by using the ampoule cap (when using ampoules). (If the ampoule cap is lost, cover the ampoule with a crumpled paper towl or small cloth instead.)
6 Colorimeter sensor
Consists of six spectral sensors, each filtered for a different range of wavelengths of light. The sensor measures the intensity of light transmitted through a solution in the test chamber. When using this sensor, ensure that you use a lined cuvette with the two clear sides between the light and the sensor.
7 Battery Status LED
Indicates the battery charge and charging status.

· ezSample Snap Vial test kit
Chemical analysis of water samples requires an ezSample kit for the chemical being tested. Kits are available for testing ammonia, chlorine, iron, phosphate, and nitrate. Search for “ezSample” on pasco.com to purchase the kits.

LED

Status

Red blink Low charge (20%)

Yellow ON

Charging

Green ON Fully charged

Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor | PS-3215 8 Bluetooth Status LED Indicates the status of the Bluetooth connection.

LED

Status

Red blink

Ready to pair

Green blink

Paired

Yellow blink Remotely logging data

9 Device ID Use to identify the sensor when connecting via Bluetooth.

Getting started
The following three sections should be completed before first using the device in the classroom.
Initial step: Charge the battery
Charge the battery by connecting the micro USB port to any standard USB charger. The Battery Status LED is solid yellow while charging. When fully charged, the LED changes to solid green.
Get the software
You can use the sensor with SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software. If you’re not sure which to use, visit pasco.com/products/guides/ software-comparison.
SPARKvue is available as a free app for Chromebook, iOS, and Android devices. We offer a free trial of SPARKvue and Capstone for Windows and Mac. To get the software, go to pasco.com/downloads or search for SPARKvue in your device’s app store.
If you have installed the software previously, check that you have the latest update:
SPARKvue: Main Menu > Check for Updates
PASCO Capstone: Help > Check for Updates
Check for a firmware update
SPARKvue
1. Press the power button until the LEDs turn on.
2. Open SPARKvue, then select Sensor Data on the Welcome Screen.

3. From the list of available devices, select the sensor that matches your sensor’s device ID.
4. A notification will appear if a firmware update is available. Click Yes to update the firmware.
5. Close SPARKvue once the update is complete. PASCO Capstone
1. Press the power button until the LEDs turn on. 2. Open PASCO Capstone and click Hardware Setup in the Tools
palette.
2

3. From the list of available wireless devices, select the sensor that matches your sensor’s device ID.
4. A notification will appear if a firmware update is available. Click Yes to update the firmware.
5. Close Capstone once the update is complete.
Using the colorimeter
Use the colorimeter to measure the absorbance and transmittance of six different wavelengths.
Step 1: Prepare solutions for analysis
When preparing solutions for colorimeter analysis:
· Use the lined cuvettes.
· Handle the cuvettes by the lined sides to avoid getting fingerprints on the smooth sides.
· Fill cuvettes ¾ full with the test solution and cap the cuvette.
· Clean the smooth sides of the cuvette using a lint-free wipe before inserting it into the test chamber.
Step 2: Prepare a blank calibration cuvette
Fill one lined cuvette ¾ full with the solvent used to prepare the test solutions. The solvent will be used to calibrate the colorimeter.
Step 3: Set up data collection
SPARKvue:
1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor.
2. Open SPARKvue, then click Sensor Data.
3. From the list of available wireless devices, select the sensor with a device ID matching the ID printed on your sensor.
4. Select a Quick Start Experiment from the column on the right.
Absorbance and Transmittance Measure absorbance and transmittance of a solution at six different wavelengths on a bar meter display.
Beer’s Law Plot absorbance versus concentration of known solutions to determine the unknown concentration of a solution.
NOTE: Upon opening the Quick Start Experiment, you may be prompted to calibrate the sensor. If you wish to do so now, click Calibrate and proceed to Step 2 of the SPARKvue section of Calibrate the sensor. Otherwise, click Cancel.
PASCO Capstone:
1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor.
2. Open Capstone and click Hardware Setup in the Tools palette on the left.

3. From the list of available wireless devices, select the sensor with a device ID matching the ID printed on your sensor.
NOTE: Upon connecting the sensor, you may be prompted to calibrate it. If you wish to do so now, click Calibrate and proceed to Step 2 of the Capstone section of Calibrate the sensor. Otherwise, click Cancel.

4. Click Hardware Setup again to close the tool.
5. A list of Quick Start Experiments will be visible in the main window. Select one of the following Quick Start Experiments.
Absorbance and Transmittance Measure absorbance and transmittance of a solution at six different wavelengths on a bar meter display.
Beer’s Law Plot absorbance versus concentration of known solutions to determine the unknown concentration of a solution.

Step 4: Calibrate the sensor
SPARKvue:

1. Select Hardware Setup , then click the Calibration button for the Wireless Colorimeter.
2. Insert the blank calibration cuvette into the test chamber, with the smooth sides between the light and sensor, and close the cover.
3. Click Calibrate. A green check mark will indicate that the colorimeter is calibrated.
4. Click Done, then close Hardware Setup.
PASCO Capstone:

1. Click Calibration in the Tools palette.
2. Select Wireless Colorimeter from the list of available sensors and click Next.
3. Insert the blank calibration cuvette into the test chamber, with the smooth sides between the light and sensor, and close the cover.
4. Click Calibrate. A green check mark will indicate that the colorimeter is calibrated.

5. Click Finish, then click Calibration again to close the tool.

Step 5: Collect data (Absorbance and Transmittance)
SPARKvue:
1. Insert a cuvette containing your test sample into the test chamber, with the smooth sides between the light and sensor, and close the cover.

2. Click Start to begin data collection.

3. When you have obtained your necessary data, click Stop data collection.
4. Remove the sample cuvette from the test chamber.
5. Repeat the above steps for any additional test samples.

to end

Product Manual | 012-15830D
PASCO Capstone:
1. Insert a cuvette containing your test sample into the test chamber, with the smooth sides between the light and sensor, and close the cover.
2. Click Record to begin data collection.
3. When you have obtained your necessary data, click Stop to end data collection.
4. Remove the sample cuvette from the test chamber.
5. Repeat the above steps for any additional test samples.
Step 5: Collect data (Beer’s Law)
SPARKvue:
1. Click Start to begin data collection.
2. Insert a cuvette containing a solution of known concentration into the test chamber, with the smooth sides between the light and sensor, and close the cover.
3. Enter the known concentration into the table.
4. Click Keep to record the Absorbance measurement.
5. Remove the sample cuvette from the test chamber.
6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for each known solution.
7. When you have all necessary data, click Stop to end data collection.
PASCO Capstone:
1. Click Preview to begin data collection.
2. Insert a cuvette containing a solution of known concentration into the test chamber, with the smooth sides between the light and sensor, and close the cover.
3. Enter the known concentration into the table.
4. Click Keep Sample to record the Absorbance measurement.
5. Remove the sample cuvette from the test chamber.
6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for each known solution.
7. When you have all necessary data, click Stop to end data collection.
Using the water quality colorimeter
Use the colorimeter to perform chemical analysis of water samples using ezSample Snap Vial test kits.
Step 1: Prepare samples for analysis
ezSample Snap Vial test kits can be used to test for concentrations of ammonia, chlorine, iron, phosphate, or nitrate. Refer to the documentation for the ezSample Snap Vial kit you will be using for instructions on how to prepare the samples. When preparing the samples:
· Clean the ampoule using a lint-free wipe before inserting it into the test chamber.
· Handle the ampoules by the tip to avoid getting fingerprints on the ampoule body.
3

Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor | PS-3215 · To keep out ambient light, cover the ampoule in the test chamber with the ampoule cap, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Ampoule cap covering an ezSample Snap Vial ampoule inserted into the test chamber.
Step 2: Set up data collection
SPARKvue: 1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor. 2. Open SPARKvue, then click Sensor Data. 3. From the list of available wireless devices, select the sensor with a
device ID matching the ID printed on your sensor. 4. Deselect the default measurement, then select the chemical
corresponding to your ezSample Snap Vial test kit. (You may need to scroll down to see the additional measurements.) 5. Under Templates, select Digits to open the Experiment Screen. A digits display measuring your selected chemical in mg/L will automatically be created.
NOTE: Upon creating the display, you may be prompted to calibrate the sensor. If you wish to do so now, click Calibrate and proceed to Step 2 of the SPARKvue section of Calibrate the sensor. Otherwise, click Cancel.
PASCO Capstone: 1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor. 2. Open Capstone and click Hardware Setup in the Tools palette
on the left. 3. From the list of available wireless devices, select the sensor with a
device ID matching the ID printed on your sensor. NOTE: Upon connecting the sensor, you may be prompted to calibrate it. If you wish to do so now, click Calibrate and proceed to Step 2 of the Capstone section of Calibrate the sensor. Otherwise, click Cancel.
4. Double-click the Digits icon in the Displays palette. 5. In the digits display, click <Select Measurement> and select the
chemical corresponding to your ezSample Snap Vial test kit.
4

Step 3: Calibrate the sensor
SPARKvue:
1. Select Hardware Setup , then click the Calibration button for the Wireless Colorimeter.
2. Insert the calibration ampoule included with the ezSample kit into the test chamber. Cover the chamber with the ampoule cap.
3. Click Calibrate. A green check mark will indicate that the colorimeter is calibrated.
4. Click Done, then close Hardware Setup.
PASCO Capstone:
1. Click Calibration in the Tools palette.
2. Select Wireless Colorimeter from the list of available sensors and click Next.
3. Insert the calibration ampoule included with the ezSample kit into the test chamber. Cover the chamber with the ampoule cap.
4. Click Calibrate. A green check mark will indicate that the colorimeter is calibrated.
5. Click Finish, then click Calibration again to close the tool.
Step 4: Collect data
SPARKvue:
1. Insert an ampoule containing your sample into the test chamber. Cover the chamber with the ampoule cap.
2. Click Start to begin data collection.
3. When you have all required data, click Stop to end data collection.
4. Remove the ampoule from the test chamber.
5. Repeat the above steps for any additional test samples.
PASCO Capstone:
1. Insert an ampoule containing your sample into the test chamber. Cover the chamber with the ampoule cap.
2. Click Record to begin data collection.
3. When you have all required data, click Stop to end data collection.
4. Remove the ampoule from the test chamber.
5. Repeat the above steps for any additional test samples.
Using the turbidity sensor
Use the turbidity sensor to measure the turbidity level (cloudiness) of a water sample.
Step 1: Prepare solutions for analysis
When preparing solutions for analysis:
· Use the smooth cuvettes that do not have lines.
· Fill cuvettes ¾ full with the test solution, then cap the cuvette.
· Clean the smooth sides of the cuvette using a lint-free wipe before inserting it into the test chamber.

Step 2: Prepare a blank calibration cuvette
Deionized water is used for the first calibration point. Fill one smooth cuvette ¾ full with deionized water and cap the cuvette.
Step 3: Prepare a 100 NTU calibration cuvette
The 100 NTU solution is used for the second calibration point. 1. Fill one smooth cuvette ¾ full with the 100 NTU solution. Cap the cuvette. 2. Place a 100 NTU cuvette label over the cuvette cap, as shown in Figure 2. 3. Place an expiration date label on the 100 NTU cuvette label.
Figure 2. A cuvette with the 100 NTU label placed over the cap, with the expiration date label attached.
NOTE: The 100 NTU standard sample should provide accurate results (±7%) until the expiration date.
Step 4: Set up data collection
SPARKvue: 1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor. 2. Open SPARKvue, then click Sensor Data. 3. From the list of available wireless devices, select the Wireless
Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor with a device ID matching the ID printed on your sensor. 4. Toggle the Wireless Turbidity Sensor switch from disabled
to enabled . (You may need to scroll down the list of measurements to see the sensor.) 5. Under Templates, select Digits to open the Experiment Screen. A digits display measuring turbidity (in NTU) versus time will automatically be created.
NOTE: Upon creating the display, you may be prompted to calibrate the sensor. If you wish to do so now, click Calibrate and proceed to Step 2 of the SPARKvue section of Calibrate the sensor. Otherwise, click Cancel.
PASCO Capstone: 1. Turn on the Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor. 2. Open Capstone and click Hardware Setup in the Tools palette
on the left. 3. From the list of available wireless devices, select the Wireless
Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor with a device ID matching the ID printed on your sensor.

Product Manual | 012-15830D
NOTE: Upon connecting the sensor, you may be prompted to calibrate it. If you wish to do so now, click Calibrate and proceed to Step 2 of the Capstone section of Calibrate the sensor. Otherwise, click Cancel.
4. Toggle the Wireless Turbidity Sensor switch from disabled to enabled .
5. Double-click the Digits icon in the Displays palette to create a digits display.
6. In the digits display, click the <Select Measurement> box and select Turbidity (NTU) from the list.
Step 5: Calibrate the sensor
SPARKvue:
1. Click Hardware Setup , then click the Calibration button for the Wireless Turbidity Sensor.
2. Insert the blank calibration cuvette into the test chamber and close the cover.
3. Click Calibrate in item 3. A green check mark will appear to indicate that calibration is complete.
4. Remove the blank calibration cuvette, then insert the 100 NTU standard cuvette into the test chamber and close the cover.
5. Click Calibrate in item 4. A green check mark will appear to indicate that calibration is complete.
6. Click Done, then close Hardware Setup.
PASCO Capstone:
1. Click Calibration in the Tools palette.
2. Select Wireless Turbidity Sensor from the list of available sensors to calibrate, then click Next.
3. Insert the blank calibration cuvette into the test chamber and close the cover.
4. Click Calibrate for the blank calibration cuvette. A green check mark will appear to indicate that calibration is complete.
5. Remove the blank calibration cuvette, then insert the 100 NTU standard cuvette into the test chamber and close the cover.
6. Click Calibrate for the 100 NTU standard cuvette. A green check mark will appear to indicate that calibration is complete.
7. Click Finish, then click Calibration again to close the tool.
Step 6: Collect data
SPARKvue:
1. Insert a cuvette containing a test sample into the test chamber and close the cover.
2. Click Start to begin data collection.
3. When you have collected all required data, click Stop to end data collection.
4. Remove the cuvette from the test chamber.
5. Repeat the previous four steps for any additional test samples.
5

Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor | PS-3215
PASCO Capstone:
1. Insert a cuvette containing a test sample into the test chamber and close the cover.
2. Click Record to begin data collection.
3. When you have collected all required data, click Stop to end data collection.
4. Remove the cuvette from the test chamber.
5. Repeat the previous four steps for any additional test samples.
Software help
The SPARKvue and PASCO Capstone Help provide information on how to use this product with the software. You can access the help from within the software or online.
SPARKvue
Software: Main Menu > Help
Online: help.pasco.com/sparkvue
PASCO Capstone
Software: Help > PASCO Capstone Help
Online: help.pasco.com/capstone
Specifications and accessories
Visit the product page at pasco.com/product/PS-3215 to view the specifications and explore accessories. You can also download experiment files and support documents from the product page.
Experiment files
Download one of several student-ready activities from the PASCO Experiment Library. Experiments include editable student handouts and teacher notes. Visit pasco.com/freelabs/PS-3215.

Technical support
Need more help? Our knowledgeable and friendly Technical Support
staff is ready to answer your questions or walk you through any issues.

Chat Phone
Email

pasco.com
1-800-772-8700 x1004 (USA) +1 916 462 8384 (outside USA)
support@pasco.com

Limited warranty
For a description of the product warranty, see the Warranty and Returns page at www.pasco.com/legal.
Copyright
This document is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Permission is granted to nonprofit educational institutions for reproduction of any part of this manual, providing the reproductions are used only in their laboratories and classrooms, and are not sold for profit. Reproduction under any other circumstances, without the written consent of PASCO scientific, is prohibited.
Trademarks
PASCO and PASCO scientific are trademarks or registered trademarks of PASCO scientific, in the United States and in other countries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of, and are used to identify, products or services of, their respective owners. For more information visit www.pasco.com/legal.
Product end-of-life disposal
This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations that vary by country and region. It is your responsibility to recycle your electronic equipment per your local environmental laws and regulations to ensure that it will be recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. To find out where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local waste recycle or disposal service, or the place where you purchased the product. The European Union WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container.
CE statement
This device has been tested and found to comply with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the applicable EU Directives.
FCC statement
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Battery disposal
Batteries contain chemicals that, if released, may affect the environment and human health. Batteries should be collected separately for recycling and recycled at a local hazardous material disposal location adhering to your country and local government regulations. To find out where you can drop off your waste battery for recycling, please contact your local waste disposal service, or the product representative. The battery used in this product is marked with the European Union symbol for waste batteries to indicate the need for the separate collection and recycling of batteries.

Documents / Resources

PASCO PS-3215 Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor [pdf] Instruction Manual
012-15830D, PS-3215 Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor, PS-3215, Wireless Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor, Colorimeter and Turbidity Sensor, Turbidity Sensor, Sensor

References

User Manual