Instruction Manual

This manual contains complete instructions for setting up and using

the MA235 ion analyzer. Applications information is also available.

The information contained in this manual was correct at the time of

going to print. However, we continue to improve products and reserve
the right to change specifications, equipment and maintenance
procedures at any time.
This manual is copyrighted, and all rights are reserved. No part of
this manual may be reproduced by any means or in any form without
prior consent in writing.

The power supply unit is classed as IEC Class II equipment (equipment

providing an adequate degree of protection against electric shocks, in
which additional safety precautions, for example, double or reinforced
insulation, are included). The MA235 is intended for use by persons
knowledgeable in safe laboratory practices. If the MA235 is not used
in accordance with these instructions for use, the protection provided
by the equipment may be impaired.
The MA235 is suitable for direct current only.

This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency

energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference with radio communications. It
has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference
in which case the user at his own expense will be required to take
whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.
There are no user replaceable parts in the MA235 or power supply
unit. Do not remove the covers.

/
FS 981/SM
1746

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Contents

Set Up

1.1
1.2
1.3

Unpacking and Installation ................................................ 5

Input and Output Connections ........................................... 6
Controls ............................................................................. 7

Operation

2.1
2.1.1
2.2
2.2.1
2.3
2.3.1
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.10.1
2.10.2
2.10.3
2.10.4
2.11
2.11.1
2.11.2
2.11.3
2.12
2.12.1
2.12.2
2.12.3
2.12.4

pH Measurements ............................................................. 8
Calibrating a pH Electrode ................................................ 8
mV Measurements .......................................................... 10
Relative mV Measurements ............................................ 10
Concentration Measurements ......................................... 11
Calibrating an Ion Selective Electrode ............................ 11
Known Addition/Subtraction Measurements ................... 13
Sample Addition/Subtraction Measurements .................. 14
Temperature Measurements ........................................... 15
Manual and Auto Endpoint, and Endpoint Time ............. 15
Sample ID ........................................................................ 16
Program Menu ................................................................. 17
Calibration Programming ................................................. 19
Calibration Point Setting .................................................. 19
Last Calibration Recall .................................................... 20
mV Offset Setting ............................................................ 21
Isopotential Point Setting (pH) ........................................ 21
Display Menu ................................................................... 22
Measurement Channel Selection .................................... 22
Units for Measurement Selection .................................... 22
Display Resolution for pH Selection ................................ 23
System 1 Menu ................................................................ 26
Time and Date Setting ..................................................... 24
Language Selection ......................................................... 24
Baud Rate Selection ........................................................ 25
Key Press Beeper Setting ............................................... 25

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Contents (cont)

Operation (cont)

2.13
System 2 Menu ................................................................ 26
2.13.1 Temperature Mode Selection .......................................... 26
2.13.2 Manual Temperature Setting ........................................... 26
2.13.3 Endpoint Time Setting ..................................................... 27
2.13.4 Meter Self Test ................................................................ 27
2.14
Limits Menu ..................................................................... 29
2.14.1 Alarm Option Selection .................................................... 29
2.14.2 High/Low Limits for pH .................................................... 30
2.14.3 High/Low Limits for Temperature .................................... 30
2.14.4 High/Low Limits for pH Electrode Slope .......................... 31
2.15
Datalog Menu .................................................................. 32
2.15.1 Datalog Selection ............................................................ 32
2.15.2 Interval Timer Setting ...................................................... 32
2.15.3 Recalling Data ................................................................. 33
2.15.4 Clearing Data ................................................................... 34
2.16
GLP Menu ........................................................................ 35
2.16.1 GLP Option Selection ...................................................... 35
2.16.2 Cal Alarm Setting ............................................................. 35
2.16.3 Entering ID Number ......................................................... 36
2.17
Method Menu ................................................................... 37
2.17.1 Method Saving ................................................................. 37
2.17.2 Method Loading ............................................................... 38
2.17.3 Resetting the MA235 ....................................................... 38
2.18
ISE Menu ......................................................................... 39
2.18.1 Electrode ID Selection ..................................................... 39
2.18.2 Incremental Technique Selection .................................... 39
2.18.3 Known Values for Incremental Techniques ..................... 40
2.18.4 Sample Volumes for Incremental Techniques ................ 41
2.19
Chart Recorder ................................................................ 42
2.20
Interfacing via the RS232 Output .................................... 43
2.21
Using an Electrode Selector Box .................................... 46

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Contents (cont)

Support Information

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.4
3.5

Basic Theory .................................................................... 47

Operating Hints ................................................................ 48
Maintenance .................................................................... 50
MA235 Maintenance........................................................ 50
Electrode Maintenance .................................................... 50
Problem Solving .............................................................. 51
Specifications .................................................................. 54

Consumables and Accessories ...................................................... 56

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1.1 Installation
1.

Unpack the meter, power supply, electrode, electrode arm,

buffer sachets, Guide Book and calibration certificate. Store
the calibration certificate in a safe place.

2.

Check the power supply unit is the correct voltage for your
local supply. If it is not, contact your distributor.
Attach the electrode arm to the left or righthand side of the
meter:

3.

a. Turn the meter upside down and seat the dome of the
electrode of the electrode arm base into the left or
righthand meter recess.

b. Insert and tighten the fixing screw.

c. Turn the meter and base the right way up and locate the
electrode arm onto the base fixing post. Press down to
snap into place.

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1.2 Input and Output Connections

power supply
unit socket

recorder output
socket, see
Section 2.19
for details

combination or pH electrode
sockets, Channel A & B
ATC (automatic temperature
compensation) probe socket

PT1000 (automatic
temperature compensation)
probe sockets
data output socket,
see Section 2.20
for interfacing details

reference electrode sockets,

Channel A & B

1.

Disconnect the shorting clips from the pH sockets and retain

by clipping over the socket. If you are using two sensing
electrodes connect them to Channel A and B. If you are using
one electrode, connect it to Channel A.

2.

Connect the reference electrode(s), if using, to the Ref

socket(s).

3.

If you are using an ATC probe connect it to the ATC socket.

If you are using a PT1000 probe connect it to the PT sockets.

4.

Connect the power supply unit to the DC socket.

5.

When the MA235 is powered up it carries out a display self test.

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1.3 Controls
Mode

Selects pH, mV, relative mV, concentration, known

addition or sample addition mode.

Prog

Accesses software menu from current mode. Exits

softwaremenu one step at a time.

Selects automatic endpoint, timed endpoint or manual

endpoint facility.

On
Off

Turns the display off, and places the meter in standby

mode. Wakes the meter up.

Cal

Starts a calibration sequence in pH, concentration and

relative mV modes. Starts sequence in known addition
and sample addition modes.

Read

Starts sample measurement in all modes. Press again

to manually endpoint. Starts and stops timed data
logging. Returns to measurement from softwaremenu.
Enters sample ID mode.

ID

>

Enter

>

Used to move around software menu.

9
6
3
-

Data entry keys, to set calibration buffers, date/time,

high/low limits etc. Can also be used to move around
software menu quickly.

>

>

7
4
1
0

8
5
2
.

Selects options in software menu, and enters data or

selection.

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2.1 pH Measurements

pH Read

We recommend regular calibration before sample measurement

(see Section 2.1.1).
To measure the pH of a sample:

Place electrode in sample and press Read or start the

measurement.
The display shows the pH of the sample. If you are using a
temperature probe the sample temperature is shown, or you can
enter the temperature manually (see Section 2.13.2).
If you are using auto endpoint or timed endpoint the display
freezes automatically (see Section 2.7). To manually endpoint
and freeze the display press
Read

2.1.1

Calibrating a pH Electrode

pH

Cal

NOTES If you are using a temperature probe the buffer

temperature is shown, or you can enter the temperature
of the buffer manually (see Section 2.13.2).
If you are using auto endpoint or timed endpoint the
display freezes automatically (see Section 2.7). To
manually endpoint and freeze the display press
Read

To calibrate an electrode:
Press

Cal

>

If you are using both measurement channels

(A and B), select the one you want to calibrate
using
and
thenpress
Enter

>

To start a new measurement press Read

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2.1.1

Calibrating a pH Electrode (cont)

The calibration buffers are shown on the display.

If you want to use other buffers, you will need to enter the values
(see Section 2.10.1).
1 point calibration
Place the electrode in the first buffer. At the measurement
endpoint a tick (4 ) appears on the display.
If you are using a standard buffer the display updates to the
temperature corrected value (see Section 3.5).
The electrode offset is displayed.
To return to sample measurement press Read
2 point calibration
To continue with a 2 point calibration:

Place the electrode in the second buffer and press

Cal

When the display freezes the electrode slope value will be

displayed.
To return to sample measurement press Read
3, 4 and 5 point calibration
Repeat procedure using the third, fourth and fifth calibration
buffer.

NOTE

The buffers can be selected for calibration in any order.

>

and

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to select the buffer you want to use

for the calibration and press
Cal

>

Use

2.2 mV Measurements
To measure the absolute mV of a sample:

Mode mV Read

Place electrode in sample and press Read to start the measurement.

The display shows the absolute mV of the sample.

If you are using auto endpoint or timed endpoint the display freezes
automatically (see Section 2.7). To manually endpoint and freeze the
display press
Read
To start a new measurement press Read

2.2.1

Relative mV Measurements

Mode Rel mV

Place electrode in the reference sample and press

Cal

Read

Cal

The display shows the mV of the reference sample.

If you are using auto endpoint or timed endpoint the display
freezes automatically (see Section 2.7). To manually endpoint and
freeze the display press
Read
The display updates to 0.0, or an entered value (see Section 2.10.3).
To measure the relative mV of a sample:

Place electrode in sample and press Read to start the measurement.

The display shows the relative mV of the sample. If you are using
auto endpoint or timed endpoint the display freezes automatically
(see Section 2.7). To manually endpoint and freeze the display
press
Read
If you entered a mV offset (see Section 2.10.3) the sample result
will be the difference between the measured and the set value.
To start a new measurement press Read

10

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2.3 Concentration Measurements

Mode concentration Read
We recommend regular calibration before sample measurement
(see Section 2.3.1).
To measure the concentration of a sample:

Place electrode in sample and press Read to start the

measurement.
The display shows the concentration of the sample (you can
change the units of measurement - see Section 2.11.2). If you are
using a temperature probe the sample temperature is shown or
you can enter the temperature manually (see Section 2.13.2).
If you are using auto endpoint or timed endpoint the display
freezes automatically (see Section 2.7). To manually endpoint
and freeze the display press
Read

To start a new measurement press Read

2.3.1

Calibrating an Ion Selective Electrode

Mode concentration

Cal

NOTES If you are using a temperature probe the temperature of

the standard is shown, or you can enter the temperature
of the standard manually (see Section 2.13.2).
If you are using auto endpoint or timed endpoint the
display freezes automatically (see Section 2.7). To
manually endpoint and freeze the display press
Read
To calibrate an electrode:
Cal

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>

If you are using both measurement channels

(A and B), select the one you want to calibrate
using
and
thenpress
Enter

>

Press

11

2.3.1

Calibrating an Ion Selective Electrode (cont)

Five calibration standards are shown on the display. If you want

to use other standards, you will need to enter the values (see
Section 2.10.1).
1 point calibration
Place the electrode in the first standard. At the measurement
endpoint a tick (4 ) appears.
The electrode offset is displayed.
To return to sample measurement press Read
2 point calibration
To continue with a 2 point calibration:

Place the electrode in the second standard and press Cal

To return to sample measurement press Read

3, 4 and 5 point calibration
Repeat the procedure using the third, fourth and fifth calibration
standard.
NOTES The standard set for the first calibration standard is the
isopotential point, calibrate in this standard first.
The five standards can be selected for calibration in any
order.
and

12

to select the standard you want

to use for the calibration and
press
Cal

>

Use

>

When the display freezes the electrode slope value will be

displayed.

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2.4 Known Addition/Subtraction Measurements

Mode k. add

Cal

Read

Enter electrode type and electrode slope, volumes and standard

concentration before measurement (see Section 2.18).
To measure a sample by known addition/subtraction:

Place electrode in sample and press Cal to start the

measurement.
The display shows the first part of the measurement (you can
change the units of measurement - see Section 2.11.2). If you are
using a temperature probe the sample temperature is shown or
you can enter the temperature manually (see Section 2.13.2).
If you are using auto endpoint or timed endpoint the display
freezes automatically (see Section 2.7). To manually endpoint
and freeze the display press
Read
Add the standard to the sample and press Read
The sample result is shown. If you are using auto endpoint or
timed endpoint the display freezes automatically (see Section 2.7).
To manually endpoint and freeze the display press
Read

NOTE

known values (Section 2.18.3) - enter the volume and

concentration of the standard you are using, and the
slope of the electrode.
sample volumes (Section 2.18.4) - enter the volume of
your sample as sample volume 1.

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13

2.5 Sample Addition/Subtraction Measurements

Mode s. add

Cal

Read

Enter electrode type and electrode slope, volumes and standard

concentration before measurement (see Section 2.18).
To measure a sample by sample addition/subtraction:
Place electrode in standard and press
measurement.

Cal to start the

The display shows the first part of the measurement (you can
change the units of measurement - see Section 2.11.2). If you
are using a temperature probe the temperature of the standard
is shown or you can enter the temperature manually (see
Section 2.13.2).

If you are using auto endpoint or timed endpoint the display

freezes automatically (see Section 2.7). To manually endpoint
and freeze the display press
Read
Add the sample to the standard and press Read

The sample result is shown. If you are using auto endpoint or

timed endpoint the display freezes automatically (see Section 2.7).
To manually endpoint and freeze the display press
Read
You can enter volumes for 4 samples (see Section 2.18.4), so it is
possible to measure 4 samples using the same standard. You can
measure more than 4 samples (the MA235 assumes the sample
volume is that entered for sample volume 4) but for maximum
accuracy we recommend that you only measure 4 samples for
each standard.
To start a new measurement add the next sample to the
standard (and previous sample) and press
Read
The MA235 uses the known values, plus the calculated sample
value to calculate a new standard value and therefore the new
sample measurement.
14

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2.5

Sample Addition/Subtraction (cont)

NOTE

known values (Section 2.18.3) - enter the volume and

concentration of the standard you are using, and the
slope of the electrode.
sample volumes (Section 2.18.4) - enter the volume of
your samples (up to 4).

2.6 Temperature Measurements

To measure the temperature of samples and calibration buffers
you must have a temperature probe connected (see Section 1.2).

Select which temperature mode you want to use for each channel
(see Section 2.13.1). If you are using a temperature probe place
the probe in the sample with the electrode when you calibrate
and measure in any mode. The temperature is displayed with the
reading, and the display shows ATC or PT1000.

If you do not have a temperature probe connected or if you

selected manual in temp mode, the display shows MTC. The
temperature displayed will either be the default value of 25C, or
a temperature entered manually, see Section 2.13.2.

2.7

Manual and Auto Endpoint, and Endpoint Time

The auto read control can be used in all modes to

select the endpoint method - manual, automatic or timed.

The automatic endpoint facility checks each measurement to see

if the electrode output is stabilizing, and when the stability
requirements have been met automatically endpoints the
reading. For solutions with long equilibration times (e.g. low
ionic strength samples) it is better to use manual or timed
endpoint.
The endpoint time facility freezes the display after a preset
amount of time (see Section 2.13.3). The endpoint time facility is
turned off by setting the endpoint time to 00:00:00.
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15

2.7

Auto Endpoint and Endpoint Time (cont)

Auto endpoint and endpoint time should not be used when using
timed interval data logging.
To use auto or timed endpoint:
press

the auto endpoint indicator appears

A
T

Press again to select timed endpoint

During calibration or sample measurement the

decimal place flashes until a stable endpoint is
reached, or until the endpoint time has elapsed,
then the display freezes.

To cancel timed endpoint enter 0 as the endpoint time.

NOTES If 0 has been entered as the endpoint time, the manual

endpoint indicator appears

The method of endpointing can be saved as part of a

method, see Section 2.17.1.

2.8 Sample ID

ID

The sample number counter increments 1 every time a sample

measurement is endpointed.
To change or reset the sample ID number press

ID

Enter your required sample number using the keypad (enter 0 if

you want to reset the number) and press
again.
ID
NOTE

16

If you press

ID

If you press

ID

while measuring, the sample number

is assigned to that sample.
when the measurement has
endpointed, the number will be
assigned to the next sample.
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cal points

last cal

mV offset

iso

calibration

Enter

endpoint time
self test

time/date

language

baud

beeper

channel

conc units

pH resolution
slope limits

temp

set limits

alarm

limits

5
GLP
on/off
cal alarm
ID no.

datalog
on/off
timer
recall data
clear data

reset

load

save

method

sample
volumes

known values

incremental
tech

electrode ID

ISE

This is useful when operating the MA235 remotely from a PC, see Section 2.20.

The numeric keypad can be used as quick access keys. For example, to change the display
resolution to X.XX press Prog then 2 (to access menu 2), 3 (to access item 3),
2 (to select option 2).

Use the arrow keys to move around the menus.

set temp

temp mode

system 2

system 1

display

>

>

>

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Prog

The MA235 uses a menu system for the set up functions. There are nine menus, these are: calibration,
display, system 1, system 2, limits, datalog, GLP, method, ISE. This chart shows the nine menus.

2.9 Program Menu

>

17

2.9

Program Menu (cont)

To access the menus:

press Prog the display shows three menu titles at a time (if you
are using both measurement channels (A and B), you
have to select which channel you want to set up).
< calibration

>

Press

and

system 1

system 2

>

to move round the menus.You can move

either way, and the menu wraps round
at each end.
Each time you press an arrow key
the next menu title appears, e.g. press

< display

>

>

To access the menu items, press Enter or

required menu is highlighted,

when your

>

e.g. to access the display menu items press Enter

< display

system 1

system 2

>

channel
conc units

Use Enter to move down through the items.

pH resolution
To access your chosen item press Enter or

>

and

then press Enter

>

To choose from options displayed use

>

>

system 1

display

Before you can enter or change a value the value must be flashing,
for example: cal 1 = 7.000
Press Enter Change the flashing value using the keypad, then
press Enter again.
Press Read to return directly to measurement.
18

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2.10 Calibration Programming

This menu allows you to set 5
calibration points for pH or
concentration; recall data for the
last 10 calibrations, set an offset
value for relative mV mode and set
the isopotential point for pH.
Default refers to the factory
setting which the MA235 uses if no
information is entered.

calibration
cal points
last cal
mV offset
iso
2.10.1

Calibration point setting

Press Enter or

>

when cal points is highlighted.

If you enter cal points from pH mode, the cal points for pH
calibration are set up. If you enter from concentration mode, the
concentration calibration points are set up, and the standard set
as the first calibration point is the isopotential point.

>

and

to select the calibration point

you want to change and press Enter

>

Use

The display flashes showing that the value can be changed.

Enter the required value using the keypad and press
Enter
# appears if you set a pH calibration value to a standard buffer,
(the value must be the pH value at 25C for the standard buffer).
The MA235 stores temperature corrected values for the standard
buffers (see Section 3.5).
The next cal point is highlighted. If you want to change this next
point, press
and continue as before.
Enter

>

and

to select another calibration point to change,

>

Use
OR

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19

2.10 Calibration Menu (cont)

press

Calibration point setting (cont)

>

2.10.1

or Prog

to leave cal points without any further

changes.

Press Read to return directly to measurement.

NOTE

Last calibration recall

Press Enter or

>

when last cal is highlighted.

If you recall the data to the external printer it will print all the
calibration data logged (up to 10 calibrations).
If you recall the data to the display it is shown 4 calibrations at a
time.

>

and

to scroll through the data; press

>

Use

further information.

>

to see

NOTES The MA235 can store data for the last 10 calibrations.
So, if for example 15 calibrations have been carried out,
the MA235 stores the data for calibrations 6 to 15.
Calibration data cannot be cleared.
Press

>

2.10.2

The concentration range of the MA235 is 1.00E9 to

9.99E+9. Enter values in the normal way (for example,
100.0). If you enter a value within the range 0.0001 to
19999 this is how it will be displayed. If you enter a
value outside this range (for example 20500) it will be
converted to exponential format on the display (2.05E+4).

to leave last cal.

Press Read return directly to measurement.

20

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