OPERATION OF THE SMART COLORIMETER
OVERVIEW
The SMART Colorimeter is a portable, microprocessor controlled, direct
reading colorimeter. It has a sealed membrane keypad and a 4 line, 16
character liquid crystal digital display for alphabetical and numerical
messages. The operation is controlled with the keypad through menu
driven software in response to selections shown on the display.
There are 42 LaMotte tests, 6 %T/Absorbance tests, and 25 User Tests
stored in the colorimeter in a test library. The LaMotte tests are
precalibrated for LaMotte reagent systems. The colorimeter displays the
results of these tests directly in units of concentration, but by holding the
EDIT
button depressed, the display will change to a %T/Absorbance
reading of the sample. The 25 “User Tests” may be used to enter
additional calibrations. All of these tests may be arranged in any of 3
sequences. These sequences can be modified a limitless number of times
to meet changing testing needs.
The optics feature a tungsten bulb as a light source with a life expectancy
of 150,000 tests. Wavelength selection is made with 6 narrow bandwidth
interference filters with 5 -15 nm bandwidths. They are positioned on a
filter wheel. The microprocessor controls this wheel, automatically
turning the wheel to the correct filter position for the test that has been
selected. The filters transmit light at 420 nm, 460 nm, 510 nm, 530 nm,
570 nm, and 605 nm. The light is detected by a silicon photodiode.
The SMART Colorimeter is powered by a rechargeable battery pack
which should provide 250 tests before recharging. An AC adapter is also
included for powering and recharging. An optional cigarette lighter
adapter is also available. To save power, an automatic shut-off occurs
about 30 minutes after the last button push on the keypad.
A RS-232 serial port on the back of the colorimeter, and optional
software, allows the colorimeter to be interfaced with an IBM compatible
personal computer for real time data acquisition and data storage using a
PC. This port also allows an interface with a RS-232 serial printer.
Due to its portability, alternate power sources, and the sealed membrane
keypad, the SMART Colorimeter is ideal for lab and field use.
SMART COLORIMETER
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