Wireless Conductivity Sensor
(PS-3210A)
Introduction
The Wireless Conductivity Sensor measures conductivity over a
range from 0 to 40,000 microsiemens/centimeter (µS/cm),
double the range of older versions. The probe is able to work in
a variety of solutions. Measurements are transmitted wirelessly
via Bluetooth and recorded and displayed by PASCO software
on a connected wireless device, such as a tablet or computer.
The Wireless Conductivity Sensor is powered by a replaceable
three volt coin cell battery (included) and is well-suited for
continuous recording and discrete measurements. The sensor is
designed to optimize the battery usage time.
Since each sensor has a unique device ID number, more than
one Wireless Conductivity Sensor can be connected to a
computer or tablet at the same time.
The sensor housing is water-resistant, but immersing it in liquid
may cause a loss of wireless connection. Only the Conductivity
Probe should be placed into the substance being measured.
Features
Battery Status LED
Indicates the battery level of the sensor by blinking red at
low power.
ON/OFF button
Press to turn the sensor on. Press and briefly hold to turn
the sensor off. Note that the sensor automatically turns
itself off after several minutes of inactivity if not connected.
Bluetooth Status LED
Indicates the status of the sensor’s Bluetooth connection.
Bluetooth LED
Status
Red blink
Ready to pair
Green blink
Connected
Yellow blink
Logging data
For information on remote data logging, see the PASCO
Capstone or SPARKvue online help.
Device ID number
Use this to identify the sensor when connecting via
Bluetooth.
Water-resistant gasket
Protects the sensor’s internal components from water
damage in the event the sensor is exposed to water.
Sensor housing
Tolerates temperatures in the range of -15°C to +50°C.
Probe
Tolerates temperatures in the range of 0°C to 80°C.
Background
Electrolytic conductivity is defined as the ability of a liquid to
conduct electrical current. In conductive solvents, dissolved ions
are the principle conductors of electricity. By selecting the
appropriate electrode, one can easily measure the electrical
conductivity of liquids ranging from ultra-pure water to extremely
salty solutions.
How well a solution conducts electricity is dependent on the
following parameters:
• Concentration of ions
• Mobility of ions
• Valence of ions
• Solution temperature
The Wireless Conductivity Sensor determines the electrical
conductivity (EC) of a solution by measuring the alternating
current (AC) flowing through a circuit when an AC signal is
applied to a 2-cell electrode submerged in the solution.
The accuracy of conductive measurements depends on the
following factors:
• Absence of contamination
• Resistance of the electrodes to polarization
• Consistent electrode geometry (cell constant) between
calibration and measurement
• Consistent temperature between calibration and
measurement
Other features
• Data from the Wireless Conductivity Sensor can be used to
determine Total Dissolved Solids (TSD).
• The sensor measures temperature and automatically
compensates for it.
Sensor theory
Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance. Conductivity is the
specific conductance of a material, or the conductance
measured between the opposite faces of a one centimeter cube
of a material.
The electrode cell in the end of the Conductivity Probe is
constructed of an insulating material embedded with stainless
steel pins. These metal contacts serve as sensing elements and
are placed at fixed distances apart.
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
or search for SPARKvue in your device’s
app store.
Product Guide | 012-14997C
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