Orion 125A+, 150A+

Orion Aplus ™

Advanced Conductivity Meters

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SETUP:
S-1
TEMPER
S-2 ATURE
MANU COEF
S-3 AL
REFERE TEMPERAT FICIENT
S-4 URE INP
S-5
AUTO
PRINT
NCE TE
CAL (O
N
MPER
ATURE
UT yes
ON RE / OFF) log vie
ADY w mode
ERRO
R CODE
S:
E-20
OUT OF
E-21 RANG
AUTO E
E-22 ST
BAD CE ANDARD ER log cal
E-23
LINEA LL CONSTANTROR
E-26 RIT
DATA LO Y ERROR
E-29 G FU
PRINT LL
ER ER
ROR

See Ma
nual for
log clr setup
other Er
ror Code
s.

Condu
ctivity on/off
meter print

Orion
150 A +

Analyze • Detect • Measure • Control™

AQUAfast, Cahn, EZ Flash, Ionalyzer, ionplus, KNIpHE, No Cal, ORION, perpHect, PerpHecT, PerpHecTion, pHISA, pHix, pHuture, Pure Water, Sage, Sensing the Future,
SensorLink, ROSS Ultra, Sure-Flow, TEA Analyzer, Titrator PLUS, TURBO2 and Wine Master are registered trademarks of Thermo Electron Corporation.

1-888-pHAX-ION, A+, All in One, Aplus, AQUAsnap, AssuredAccuracy, AUTO-BAR, AUTO-CAL, AUTO DISPENSER, Auto-ID, AUTO-LOG, AUTO-READ, AUTO-STIR, Auto-Test,
BOD AutoEZ, Cable-Free, CERTI-CAL, CISA, DataCOLLECT, DataPLUS, digital LogR, DirectCal, DuraProbe, Environmental Product Authority, Extra Easy/Extra Value, FAST QC,
Flash Titration, Flash Titrator, GAP, GLPcal, GLPcheck, GLPdoc, ISEasy, KAP, LabConnect, LogR, Low Maintenance Triode, Minimum Stir Requirement, MSR, NISS, One-Touch,
One-Touch Calibration, One-Touch Measurement, Optimum Results, Pentrode, pHuture MMS, pHuture Pentrode, pHuture Quatrode, pHuture Triode, Quatrode, QuiKcheK,
rf link, ROSS, ROSS Resolution, SAOB, Smart CheK, Stacked, Stat Face, The Enhanced Lab, ThermaSense, Triode, TRIUMpH, Unbreakable pH, Universal Access are
trademarks of Thermo.

Guaranteed Success and The Technical Edge are service marks of Thermo.

PerpHecT meters are protected by U.S. patent 6,168,707.

PerpHecT ROSS are protected by U.S. patent 6,168,707.

ORION Series A meters and 900A printer are protected by U.S. patents 5,108,578, 5,198,093, and German patents D334,208 and D346,753.

Sure-Flow electrodes are protected by European Patent 278,979 and Canadian Patent 1,286,720.

ionplus electrodes and Optimum Results solutions are protected by US Patent 5,830,338.

ROSS Ultra electrodes have patents pending.

ORION ORP Standard is protected by US Patent 6,350,367.

ORION Series A conductivity meters are protected by US Patent 5,872,454.

© Copyright 2003, Thermo Electron Corporation. All rights reserved. Question everything, and Analyze. Detect. Measure. Control are trademarks of Thermo Electron
Corporation.

The specifications, descriptions, drawings, ordering information and part numbers within this document are subject to change without notice.

This publication supersedes all previous publications on this subject.

Chapter I Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
How to Use this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Chapter II Measurement Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Conductivity Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Cell Constants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Temperature Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Salinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Total Dissolved Solids Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Conductivity Standard Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Chapter III General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Instrument Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Chapter IV System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Instrument Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Self-Diagnostics Checkout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Power Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Auto Shutoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Chapter V Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Calibration of the Cell Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Ready Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Auto Range Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Temperature Compensation and Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Data Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Print Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Chapter VI Use with Printers and Computers. . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Cables and Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Orion 150Aplus Remote Control Computer Commands . . . . . . . . . . .32
Command Specifics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Chapter VII Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Operator Assistance Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Chapter VIII Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Chapter IX Notice of Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Declaration of Conformity (125Aplus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Declaration of Conformity (150Aplus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Chapter I
Introduction
The Orion Portable 125Aplus and Benchtop 150Aplus Conductivity Meters
are value priced, full featured meters which can be used for a wide variety
of applications. Water quality, salinity, acids, bases and other samples can
be easily analyzed for conductivity, salinity, and total dissolved solids.

These meters feature microprocessor design, which automates complicated

and time consuming calibration and measurement procedures for a wide
variety of applications. Orion’s new DirectCal™ direct calibration
technique allows calibration by direct input of actual calibration standard
values, eliminating iterative adjustments of cell constants. Orion’s new
AutoCal™ calibration technique features automatic recognition of Orion
conductivity standards. A wide variety of cells, Conductivity and TDS
Standards and accessories are available.

SETUP CALIBRATE READY

SETUP CALIBRATE MEASURE
mg/l mg/l
log µS µS
mS mS
‰
‰
cm -1
ON ˚C ON °C cm -1
OFF ATC low bat. OFF ATC low bat.

Cond Sal TDS LogView Cond Sal TDS LOGVIEW

yes mode SETUP: yes

log view mode
S-1 TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT log view
S-2 MANUAL TEMPERATURE INPUT
S-3 REFERENCE TEMPERATURE
S-4 AUTO CAL (ON / OFF)
S-5 PRINT ON READY
cal cal
log log
ERROR CODES:
E-20 OUT OF RANGE
E-21 AUTO STANDARD ERROR
setup E-22 BAD CELL CONSTANT setup
log clr E-23 LINEARITY ERROR log clr
E-26 DATA LOG FULL
E-29 PRINTER ERROR

on/off print See Manual for other Error Codes. on/off print

Orion 125 A + Conductivity meter Orion 150 A+

Figure #1 Orion 125Aplus Figure #2 Orion 150Aplus

How to Use This Manual

For more detail on the operation of any of the models, please refer to the
Table of Contents for the page location of an operation of a particular
Orion meter. Troubleshooting instructions are common to all meters and
this information is located toward the end of this manual.
Explanation of key functions and additional reference information are not
required for calibration and measurement can be found in the appendices.

1
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

2
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Chapter II
Measurement Theory
Conductivity Measurement
The term conductance refers to the ability of materials to carry an electric
current. Liquids which carry an electric current are referred to as
electrolytic conductors. Under the influence of an electric field, the flow of
current through an electrolytic conductor is accomplished by the movement
of positive and negative ions. The conductance of a liquid is defined by the
ratio of current to voltage between any two points within the liquid. As the
two points move closer together or further apart the ratio will change. For
analytical purposes, a dimension is given to the measurement; i.e., the
physical parameters of the measurement.
By defining the physical parameters of the measurement, a standard
measure is created. The standard measure is referred to as specific
conductance or conductivity, which is defined by the reciprocal of the
resistance in ohms, measured between the opposing faces of 1 cm cube of
liquid at a specific temperature.
The units used to define conductance are:1/ohm=1 mho=1Siemen(S)=1000
mS=1,000,000 mS. The conductivity value is obtained by multiplying the
conductance value by the cell constant. See Figure 3 for Conductivity
Ranges of Common Aqueous Solutions.

µS/cm mS/cm
0.1 1 10 100 1 10 100 1000

high pressure boiler water

deionizer water

demineralizer water

drinking water

wastewater

surface water

brackish water, sea water

industrial process-water

concentrated acids and dyes

Figure #3 Ranges of Common Aqueous Solutions

3
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Cell Constants
In theory, a conductivity measuring cell is formed by two 1 cm square
surfaces spaced 1 cm apart. The theoretical cell just described has a cell
constant of K = 1.0 cm-1. The cell constant, K, is defined as the ratio of the
distance between the electrodes, d, to the electrode area, A. However, the
existence of a fringe-field effects the electrode area by the amount AR,
therefore K = d/(A + AR). See Figure 4. Because it is normally impossible
to measure the fringe-field effect and the amount of AR to calculate the cell
constant, K, the actual K of a specific cell is determined by a comparison
measurement to a standard solution of known conductivity (e.g., 0.01 M
KCl).

Homogeneous Field

Fringe Field
Electrode distance (d)
Figure #4

Cells of different physical configuration are characterized by their cell

constant, K. Often for considerations having to do with sample volume or
space, a cell’s physical configuration is designed differently. Cells with
constants of 1.0 cm-1 or greater normally have small, widely spaced
electrodes. Cells with constants of 0.1 cm-1 or less normally have large
closely spaced electrodes.

4 Measurement Theory
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Since K is a “factor” which reflects a particular cell’s physical

configuration, the cell constant must be multiplied by the observed
conductance to obtain the actual conductivity reading. For example, an
observed reading of 200 mS using a cell with K = 0.1 cm-1, the
conductivity value is 200 mS x 0.1 cm-1= 20 mS/cm.
Solutions with low conductivity, up to 1-2 mS/cm, are best measured with
cells having a cell constant of K = 0.1 cm-1. Cells with K = 1.0 cm-1 are
best used for solutions with conductivity of 1 mS/cm to 1000 mS/cm.
Cells with K = 10.0 cm-1 are best used for solutions with conductivity of 10
mS/cm to 2000 mS/cm. See Figure 5 for typical conductivity ranges for
cell constants.

µ S/cm mS/cm
0.1 1 10 100 10 100 1000

K=0.1

K=0.475

K=0.6

K=1.0

K=10

Figure #5 Typical Ranges of Conductivity Cells

Measurement Theory 5
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Temperature Effects
The conductivity of a solution with a specific electrolyte concentration
changes with temperature. The relationship of the change in conductivity as
a function of temperature is described by a solution’s temperature
coefficient. Temperature coefficients vary with each solution. Some
examples are shown in Table 1. The Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus use
2.1%/°C as a default temperature coefficient, which is representative of
many aqueous samples, to compensate for temperature changes. The meters
have an adjustable temperature coefficient of 0.0 to 3.0%/°C. The meters
also have a nonlinear temperature coefficient (nLF) which is helpful for
measurements of natural waters.
By definition, temperature compensated conductivity of a solution is the
conductivity which that solution exhibits at the reference temperature. The
temperature is chosen to be either 25 °C or 20 °C. A measurement made at
the reference temperature needs no compensation. The closer the sample is
to the reference temperature, the smaller the error will be if the meter
temperature coefficient is incorrect. The Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus
automatically compensate for temperature changes based on the
temperature coefficient and the reference temperature when a simultaneous
temperature measurement is made.

Table 1
Typical Temperature Coefficients Between 25 and 50 °C
(percent change of Conductivity per °C)

Solution %/°C
Ultrapure Water 4.55
Salt (KCl) 2.01
Salt (NaCl) 2.12
5% NaOH 1.7
Dilute Ammonia 1.88
10% HCl 1.32
5% Sulfuric Acid 0.96
98% Sulfuric Acid 2.84
Sugar Syrup 5.64

6 Measurement Theory
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Salinity
Salinity is a measure of the total dissolved salts in a solution and is used to
describe seawater, as well as natural and industrial waters. Salinity is a
relative scale based on a KCl solution. A Salinity value of 35 is relative to
seawater at 15 °C and a conductivity value equivalent to a KCl solution
containing 32.4356 g KCl in 1 Kg of solution. The units to describe
salinity are ‰ or ppt (parts per thousand). Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus
calculate the salinity based on the Practical Salinity Scale of 1978, as
referenced in Standard Methods.

Total Dissolved Solids Measurement

The standard method of determining TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is by
evaporating the sample to dryness at 180 °C and weighing the residue.
Conductivity may be used to estimate TDS by calculating the concentration
of sodium chloride equivalent to a given conductivity and temperature
value. Orion conductivity systems report a sample’s TDS value in mg/L of
sodium chloride by comparing its conductivity and temperature to data
stored in the meter’s memory. Data was obtained from the International
Critical Tables. For TDS values between 0 to 19,900 mg/L and temperature
values between 5 and 50 °C, the displayed TDS value agrees with Critical
Tables values with an accuracy of 0.87% R.S.D.

Conductivity Standard Values

The following table contains conductivity values for Orion
Conductivity/TDS Standards at a range of temperatures. The conductivity
value at the temperature of the standard should be used when using the
DirectCal™ calibration procedure. For higher accuracy, data in this table
may be interpolated between integral temperature readings. There may be
small differences between the values shown here and other values in the
literature. These small differences are due to using kilograms of water
rather than liters, as well as changes in assigned molecular weights,
definitions of the Siemen, the use of slightly different temperature scales,
and whether the inherent conductivity of water was subtracted out. For
further information, see “Review of Electrolytic Conductance Standards”,
Wu, Koch, Hamer and Kay, J. Soln. Chem. 1987,16, 985-997.

Measurement Theory 7
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Table of Conductivity vs. Temperature for Orion Conductivity

Standards. Values shown are in pS (microSiemens).

Temp. 12.9 mS/cm Standard 1413 µS/cm Standard 100 µS/cm Standard
˚C Orion 011006 Orion 011007 Orion 011008

0 7131 776 54
1 7344 799 56
2 7560 822 58
3 7776 846 59
4 7995 870 61
5 8215 894 63
6 8436 918 64
7 8659 943 66
8 8884 968 68
9 9110 992 70
10 9337 1017 72
11 9566 1043 73
12 9796 1068 75
13 10027 1094 77
14 10260 1119 79
15 10494 1145 81
16 10729 1171 83
17 10956 1198 85
18 11203 1224 87
19 11441 1251 88
20 11681 1277 90
21 11922 1304 92
22 12164 1331 94
23 12407 1358 96
24 12651 1386 98
25 12896 1413 100

8 Measurement Theory
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Temp. 12.9 mS/cm Standard 1413 µS/cm Standard 100 µS/cm Standard
˚C Orion 011006 Orion 011007 Orion 011008

26 13142 1441 102

27 13389 1468 104
28 13637 1496 106
29 13885 1524 108
30 14135 1552 110
31 14385 1580 112
32 14636 1608 114
33 14888 1636 117
34 15141 1665 119
35 15394 1693 121
36 15648 1722 123
37 15903 1751 125
38 16158 1780 127
39 16414 1808 129
40 16671 1837 131
41 16928 1866 134
42 17185 1896 136
43 17443 1925 138
44 17701 1954 140
45 17960 1983 142
46 18220 2013 145
47 18479 2042 147
48 18739 2071 149
49 18999 2101 151
50 19260 2103 154

Measurement Theory 9
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

10
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Chapter III
General Information
Instrument Descriptions
Orion 125Aplus Portable Meter
& 150Aplus Benchtop Meter

11
SETUP CALIBRATE READY
mg/l
1
log µS
mS 6
10
‰

8 ON ˚C
cm -1 7
OFF ATC low bat.
9
2
Cond Sal TDS LogView 13

3 4 12 5

Figure #6 Orion 125Aplus & 150Aplus

Item Display Feature Function Comments

1 Alphanumeric Display Displays Conductivity,
Salinity, TDS value, or
User prompts
2 Cond ▼ COND Indicator Indicates
Conductivity Mode
3 Sal ▼ SAL Indicator Indicates Salinity
Mode
4 TDS ▼ TDS Indicator Indicates TDS Mode
5 LogView ▼ LogView Indicator Indicates LogView
Mode

11
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Item Display Feature Function Comments

6 mS (milliSiemens/cm) Conductivity Units
µS (microSiemens/cm) Conductivity Units
‰ (parts per thousand) Salinity Units
mg/l (milligrams per Liter) TDS Units
7 cm-1 Cell Constant Units
8 Alphanumeric Display Displays Temperature
and Log Identification
Points
9 low bat. Indicates Low Battery (Orion 125Aplus
only)
10 log Indicates data is stored
in memory
11 READY Ready Indicator Displayed when
reading is stable
SETUP Setup Mode Indicator
CALIBRATE Calibration Mode
Indicator
12 ATC Displayed when
temperature sensor
attached
13 °C Degree Centigrade Temperature Units

12 General Information
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Keypads, Orion 125Aplus & 150Aplus

yes mode
SETUP: yes mode
log view S-1 TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT log view
S-2 MANUAL TEMPERATURE INPUT
S-3 REFERENCE TEMPERATURE
S-4 AUTO CAL (ON / OFF)
S-5 PRINT ON READY
cal cal
log log
ERROR CODES:
E-20 OUT OF RANGE
E-21 AUTO STANDARD ERROR
setup E-22 BAD CELL CONSTANT setup
log clr E-23 LINEARITY ERROR log clr
E-26 DATA LOG FULL
E-29 PRINTER ERROR

on/off print See Manual for other Error Codes. on/off print

Orion 125 A + Conductivity meter Orion 150 A +

Figure #7 Orion 125Aplus Figure #8 Orion 150Aplus Keypad

Key Primary Function Comments

YES/ Accepts entered or displayed LogView in measurement
values modes only
LogView Views logged datapoints
MODE Conductivity, Salinity or TDS To return to active
Measurements measurement from any mode,
press the MODE key
▲ Scroll values up
LOG Log current value In measurements modes only
▼ Scroll values down
LOG Clears data in log Hold down key for 3 seconds
CLEAR to clear data in log (in
measurement modes only)
CAL Calibration
SETUP Setup
PRINT Prints measured value or Prints logged data in LogView
logged data mode only
ON/OFF Power

General Information 13
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Meter Connections, Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus

Figure #9 Orion 125Aplus Connections Power

9V DC ATC/DIN Ref. Input

2 1

SETUP CALIBRATE MEASURE

2nd
ready
bold
EXP
ON °C
OFF ATC

pH mV Rel mV Conc

SETUP: yes mode

S-1 TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT log view
S-2 MANUAL TEMPERATURE INPUT
S-3 REFERENCE TEMPERATURE
S-4 AUTO CAL (ON / OFF)
S-5 PRINT ON READY
cal
log
ERROR CODES:
E-20 OUT OF RANGE
E-21 AUTO STANDARD ERROR
E-22 BAD CELL CONSTANT setup
E-23 LINEARITY ERROR log clr
E-26 DATA LOG FULL
E-29 PRINTER ERROR

3 See Manual for other Error Codes.

Conductivity meter
on/off print

Orion 150 A+

Figure #10 Orion 150Aplus Connections

Item Feature Function

1 DIN Connector Conductivity Probe Connection
2 Power Connection For connection of line adapter
3 RS232 Connector For printer or computer

14 General Information
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Chapter IV
System Setup
Instrument Setup
Power Source

Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus operate on an AC line adapter (Orion

020125 for 110 V, Orion 020130 for 220 V, or Orion 020135 for 240 V).
The Orion 125Aplus also operates on either one 9V alkaline battery or one
9 V lithium battery. The estimated battery life is 45 hours of continuous
operation for an alkaline battery and 80 hours of continuous operation for a
lithium battery.

Battery Installation (Orion 125Aplus)

1. Open battery compartment by pushing closure up. This is most easily
accomplished by using a coin and inserting it into the slot on the side of
the meter.
2. Insert battery by pushing gently until it locks in place. Verify polarity is
correct as shown in the battery compartment.
3. Replace battery compartment cover.
Note: Recalibrate after replacing the battery. Without the battery installed or
meter plugged into line power, the meter loses calibration data and other
information in memory. To prevent loss of data in the field, turn meter off if
the low battery signal comes on. Check and replace batteries regularly prior
to field use.

15
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Self-Diagnostics Checkout
It is recommended to perform this test when the meter is first received or
when problems occur.
Note: Self test will not function with a low battery.
1. Disconnect the conductivity cell for the following test. If the cell is
attached and immersed in solution, the meter will fail “Test 3.”
2. Press and hold the YES key while pressing the ON/OFF key to turn the
meter on. The instrument automatically performs electronic and
hardware diagnostic tests.
3. After Test 7, a “0” will appear on the display. Press each key (the
numeric digits will change with each keypress).
Note: Time between each keypress must be less than 4 seconds.
4. After the Test 7, the meter will display “Test 8” and then turn off.
5. If any problems are found during self-test, the meter will display an
operator assistance code until the YES key is pressed. See page 37 for
operator assistance codes.
6. If the operator does not wish to perform the self-diagnostics checkout,
the meter may be turned on by pressing the ON/OFF key.

Power Up
1. Connect the conductivity cell to the meter.
2. Press the ON/OFF key to turn meter on. All display indicators will be
displayed briefly, followed by the meter model number. If “low bat.”
indicator remains on, replace battery or use line adapter.

Auto Shutoff (Orion 125Aplus only)

The Orion 125Aplus meter will automatically shut off 20 minutes after the
last keypress. The Auto Shutoff default setting is on. To turn the feature
off, press the MODE key while turning the meter on. A low pitched beep
indicates Auto Shutoff has been disabled. Auto Shutoff will be activated
when the meter is turned off and on again.

16 System Setup
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Setup Menu
Five features are accessed by pressing the SETUP key to access the setup
menu. The “SETUP” indicator at the top left of the display will be
illuminated.
• Scroll through setup choices by pressing the YES key.
• Changes are made with the ▲ or ▼ keys.
• All changes must be acknowledged by pressing the YES key.
• Return to measure mode by pressing the MODE key.

Display Feature Options Comments

S-1 Temperature 0.0 to 3.0%/˚C Scroll to maximum
or ---- setting (----) for nLF
function
S-2 Manual Temperature -5 to 105 ˚C For Manual Temperature
Input Compensation (sample
temperature
S-3 Reference Temperature 25 ˚C or 20 ˚C Default is 25 ˚C
S-4 AutoCal™ ON or OFF Set to ON to enable
automatic recognition of
Orion calibration
standards
Note: Manual Temperature Input is not accessible in the Setup mode
when a conductivity cell with an internal temperature sensor or an
external temperature sensor is attached to the meter.

System Setup 17
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

18
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Chapter V
Operation
Calibration of the Cell Constant
It is recommended to calibrate the cell constant against known conductivity
standards as the conductivity cell constant may shift with time. The Orion
125Aplus & 150Aplus have three means of calibration. Each meter may
be calibrated by a cell constant adjustment method. The meters may also
be calibrated by performing either a DirectCal™ or an AutoCal™. A
DirectCal™ is performed by entering the desired conductivity range and
then inputting the temperature corrected standard value(s). The cell
constant is then calculated by the meter. An AutoCal is performed by
entering the nominal cell coefficient and then measuring the Orion
calibration standard. When the reading stabilizes, the nominal calibration
standard value is displayed. Whether using a temperature sensor or manual
temperature, the meter corrects for temperature internally. For best results,
calibrate at the chosen reference temperature. If a two point calibration is
performed, the percent linearity of the conductivity cell will be displayed
simultaneously with the cell constant. Percent linearity is a measure of the
linearity of a given cell. Calibration for TDS and Salinity must be
performed in the conductivity mode using conductivity standards.
Note: Cell Constant Adjustment & DirectCal™ may only be performed
when AutoCal is disabled. Refer to Setup section to disable the AutoCal
feature.

Calibration - Cell Constant Adjustment Method

Note: To return to active measurement modes from the calibration mode,

press the MODE key.
1. Disable temperature compensation by entering the setup mode,
scrolling the temperature coefficient (S-1) down to 0 and pressing
the YES key. Press the MODE key to return to
measure mode.
2. Initiate calibration by pressing the CAL key. The “CALIBRATE”
indicator and the last cell constant will appear on the display.
3. Immerse the conductivity cell in the standard. Slightly agitate the cell
to remove any air bubbles.

19
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

4. Enter the cell constant printed on the cell cable or estimate the cell
constant of the cell you are using. Use the ▲ or ▼ key to move the
decimal point, then press the YES key to accept the decimal
placement. Enter the cell constant value by scrolling each digit with
the ▲ or ▼ key, then accepting the value by pressing the YES key.
The meter automatically returns to the measurement mode.
5. Compare the displayed value of the standard to its specified value at
the standard’s temperature. (See table page 8).
6. If the correct standard value is not displayed, calculate the percentage
error in the displayed value from step 4.
Standard Value
Percent Error = x 100
Displayed Value
7. Return to step 2 and change the cell constant by this percentage.
8. Repeat steps 2 through 6 until the desired calibration accuracy is
obtained.
9. Once the appropriate cell constant has been established, the
temperature compensation feature may be enabled by changing the
temperature coefficient in setup mode (see step 1).

DirectCal™ Direct Calibration Method

Note: To return to active measurement modes from the calibration mode,
press the MODE key.
1. Initiate by pressing the CAL key twice. The “CALIBRATE” indictor
will appear at the top center of the display while P1 is displayed to
indicate the first calibration point.
2. Press the CAL key until the correct range for your standard appears on
the display. The calibration ranges, 199.9 mS,19.99 mS, 1999 µS and
199.9 µS, may be scrolled through multiple times by pressing the
CAL key.
Note: The conductivity standard value should be 10% to 100% of the
displayed range value. For example, 1413 µS would be in the 1999 µS
range.
3. Immerse the conductivity cell in the standard. Slightly agitate the cell
to remove any air bubbles.

20 Operation
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

4. Enter the value of the standard by scrolling each digit with the ▲ or ▼
key, then accepting the value by pressing the YES key. Be sure to
select the standard value at the actual standard temperature (See table
page 8).
5. After the last digit has been entered and accepted by pressing the YES
key, the meter will check the input for a stable reading (indicated by
the flashing CALIBRATE indicator). When stability is achieved, the
READY indicator will light up followed immediately by P2
(indicating the second calibration point).
6. If a two point calibration is desired, rinse the probe and place it into
the next calibration standard. Then follow steps 2 through 5 for the
second point.
7. If a one point calibration is desired, press the MODE key when P2 is
displayed.
8. The meter will perform the calibration, display the calculated cell
constant and return to the measurement mode.
Note: If “E-22,” cell constant out of range, appears on the display,
press the YES key to clear the error. See the Troubleshooting section for
corrective action.

AutoCal™
The AutoCalibration feature, when activated, allows the meter to
recognize Orion Conductivity Standards. Only the following Orion
standards may be used: 12.9mS (Orion 011006), 1413µS (Orion
011007) and 100µS (Orion 011008).
To perform an AutoCalibration, the user must first activate the
AutoCalibration feature. Then, upon entering Calibration mode, the
nominal cell constant or current value in memory must be entered. The
meter is then ready to recognize Orion Conductivity Standards.
Note: When a standard is recognized, the nominal standard value is
displayed. However, the temperature-corrected value is used internally
as the calibration value.

Operation 21
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

AutoCal™ Method

1. Enter the SETUP mode by pressing the SETUP key.

2. Press the YES key until the AutoCal function is accessed. This is
indicated by the SETUP
code S-4.
3. Press a SCROLL key (s or t) until the ON indicator is displayed.
4. Press the YES key to activate the function.
5. Press the MODE key until the desired measure mode is accessed.
6. Place the conductivity probe into the standard. Slightly agitate the
probe to remove air bubbles. Only the following Orion standards may
be used: 12.9mS (Orion 011006), 1413mS (Orion 011007) and 100mS
(Orion 011008).
7. Press the CAL key to initiate the calibration.
8. The current cell constant will then be displayed. This value may be
accepted (if appropriate) or the cell constant may be changed to a
nominal value (i.e. 1.0, 0.1 or 0.6) using a SCROLL key (s or t).
When the desired cell constant is displayed, press the YES key.
9. The meter will then display P1 to indicate the first calibration point.
While the meter is attempting to recognize the standard, dashes (----)
will flash on the display.
10. When the meter recognizes a standard, the READY indicator will be
displayed simultaneously with the nominal value of the recognized
standard. If the probe input stabilizes without recognizing a standard,
the dashes will stop flashing and the READY indicator will be
displayed.
11. When the recognized standard value is displayed, press the YES key.
12. The meter will display P2 and dashes (----) to indicate the second
calibration point. If a two-point calibration is desired, rinse the probe
& place it into the next calibration standard. Then follow steps 10 and
11.
13. If a one-point calibration is desired, press the MODE key.
14. After the last calibration standard has been entered, the meter will
display the calculated cell constant then return to measure mode.

22 Operation
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Measurements
Press the MODE key to move between conductivity, salinity, and TDS
modes. Significant errors may result if the effects of temperature are
ignored. For best results, use a temperature compensated conductivity cell,
a separate ATC probe, or manual temperature compensation with the actual
sample temperature entered into the meter. (See Temperature
Compensation and Measurement).
Note: Salinity and TDS measurements always require either automatic
or manual temperature compensation.

Conductivity Measurement
Place the conductivity cell in the sample. Slightly agitate the cell to remove
any air bubbles. Allow the reading to stabilize. The conductivity reading in
units of either mS/cm (milliSiemens per centimeter) or mS/cm
(microSiemens per cm) will be displayed.

Salinity Measurement
Place the conductivity cell in the sample. Slightly agitate the cell to remove
any air bubbles. Press the MODE key until the Salinity mode indicator is
displayed. Allow the reading to stabilize. The salinity reading in units of ‰
(parts per thousand) will be displayed.

TDS Measurement
Place the conductivity cell in the sample. Slightly agitate the cell to remove
any air bubbles. Press the MODE key until the TDS mode indicator is
displayed. Allow the reading to stabilize. The TDS reading in units of
mg/L will be displayed.

Ready Indication
After the signal has reached stability, the “READY” indicator at the top
right of the display will be displayed.

Operation 23
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Auto Range Selection

Both the 125Aplus and 150Aplus feature automatic range selection. The
most accurate range is automatically chosen by the meter based on the
sample’s conductivity value. A small amount of overlap is provided
between all ranges to avoid “range flip” when measuring a sample whose
conductivity is near the end of a range.
Both meters choose the most accurate range from:
Range 1 0.0 to 199.9 µS
Range 2 195 to 1999 µS
Range 3 1.95 to 19.99 mS
Range 4 19.5 to 199.9 mS

Temperature Compensation and Measurement

The Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus automatically compensate for
temperature changes based on the temperature coefficient and the reference
temperature when a temperature measurement is simultaneously made or
manually entered in the meter. The temperature coefficient, reference
temperature, and manual temperature input are accessed in the setup mode.

Temperature Coefficients
The Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus have a default temperature coefficient
of 2.1%/°C. The temperature coefficient can be adjusted from 0.0 to
3.0%/°C. If the value is scrolled above 3.0, dashes (----) will be displayed
to activate the non-linear function. The non-linear function is most helpful
in measuring natural waters.
Note: If the coefficient is set to zero, the conductivity reading will not be
temperature compensated.
To adjust the temperature coefficient:
1. Press the SETUP key to enter the setup mode.
2. When “S-1” is displayed, 2.1%/°C or the last temperature coefficient
in memory will be displayed.
3. Use the ▲ or ▼ key to change the value.
4. Press the YES key to accept the new value.
5. Return to active measuring mode by pressing the MODE key.

24 Operation
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Reference Temperature (Tref)

When temperature compensation is activated, the conductivity value is
referenced back to 25 or 20 °C. The default is 25 °C.
To adjust the reference temperature:
1. Press the SETUP key to enter the setup mode.
2. Press the YES key until “S-3” is displayed. The current Tref will be
displayed.
3. Use the ▲ and ▼ keys to toggle between 25 °C and 20 °C.
4. Acknowledge the change by pressing the YES key.
5. Return to active measuring mode by pressing the MODE key.

Automatic Temperature Compensation

When a conductivity cell with an integral temperature sensor or an ATC
probe is connected, the meter automatically recognizes the connection and
the “ATC” Indicator will be displayed. The measured values are
automatically temperature corrected based on the entered temperature
coefficient and reference temperature.

Manual Temperature Compensation

Temperature corrected values based on the manually entered temperature,
temperature coefficient and reference temperature will be displayed. It is
recommended that the temperature of the sample be accurately determined
for use with this method. Errors of 1% to 3% per °C are typically
encountered if the effects of temperature are ignored.
Note: A temperature sensor must not be connected to the meter for
manual temperature compensation. If a temperature sensor is
connected, the manual temperature function (S-2) cannot be accessed.
1. Press the SETUP key to enter the setup mode.
2. Press the YES key until “S-2” is displayed.
3. Using the ▲ or ▼ keys adjust the displayed temperature to the
sample temperature.
4. Press the YES key to accept the value.
5. Return to active measuring mode by pressing the MODE key.

Operation 25
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

No Temperature Compensation

Use of this mode is available for conductivity measurements only. The

displayed value is the actual conductivity of the sample at its current
temperature. In no temperature compensation mode, a temperature value is
only displayed when a temperature sensor is recognized by the meter.
Note: In Salinity and TDS modes, all measurement values are
temperature compensated. If a temperature probe is not plugged into the
meter, manual temperature compensation at the currently selected
manual temperature setting (default of 25 °C) is used.
1. Press the SETUP key to enter the setup mode.
2. Press the YES key until “S-1” is displayed. The last
temperature coefficient in memory will be
displayed.
3. Use the ▼ key to change the value to 0.0%/°C.
4. Acknowledge the change by pressing the YES key.
5. Return to active measuring mode by pressing the MODE key.

Measurement with an External Temperature Probe

Temperature compensation and measurement is most conveniently

accomplished by using an Orion Conductivity cell with an integral
temperature sensor. A conductivity cell with a dual banana plug and a
separate ATC probe may be used on the Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus
with an adapter, Orion 011210.

Data Logging
Storage
1 To log data from any measurement mode, simply press the LOG key.
The current reading will be written to the log and a log point (L-01 to
L-50) will be displayed in the temperature readout. After display of
the logged reading for approximately one second, the display will
return to an active reading.

26 Operation
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

2. A maximum of 50 points can be stored. Attempting to log data after

50 points will result in an “E-26” error message on the display. If this
happens, the log must be cleared to continue logging data.
3. The “log” indicator on the display will be lit whenever there is any
data in the log.

Readout of Stored Data

1. To view data, press the LOG VIEW key. Point L-01 will be
displayed. The temperature display will alternate between the log
point and the temperature of the data point (if applicable).
2. To view other points, use the ▲ and ▼ keys to scroll through the data.
3. To return to active measurement modes, press the MODE key or the
LOG VIEW key.

Printing of Stored Data

1. To print all the logged data, press the LOG VIEW key.
2. Press the PRINT key while in LogView mode to start data
transmission. The entire log will be printed. Each data set is separated
by one blank line. The following information is printed:
- Log Point
- Measured value
- Sample temperature
-“MAN” if manually temperature compensated

Erasure of Stored Data

1. To clear all data in the log, exit from LogView by pressing the
MODE key.
2. Press and hold the LOG CLR key for 3 seconds. The “log” indicator
will disappear from the display, indicating that the log is cleared.
CAUTION: This will permanently erase all data from the log. Print
out needed data before clearing the log.

Operation 27
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Print Function
To print the current reading to a printer or computer while in any
measurement mode, press the PRINT key.

Print on Ready

The Print on Ready SETUP function (S-5) enables the meter to send data
to a printer or computer via the RS232 port. To activate the feature
perform the following steps.
1. Enter the SETUP mode by pressing the SETUP key.
2. Press the YES key until the Print on Ready function is accessed.
This is indicated by the SETUP code S-5.
3. Press a SCROLL key (▲ or ▼) until the ON indicator is displayed.
4. Press the YES key to activate the function.
5. Press the MODE key until the desired measure mode is accessed.
6. Printing of measurement data will occur automatically upon stability
of the input signal. This will continue to occur until the feature is
disabled.

28 Operation
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Chapter VI
Use with Printers and Computers

One way communication to printers and computers is available on both

meters. Bidirectional communication with computers is available only on
the Orion 150Aplus.

5
9
4
8
3
7
2
6
1

Figure #11

RS232 Interface Data Transmission Settings

Connections Baud Rate 1200
Parity (PC only) None
Meter Pin
Data Bits (PC only) 8
RXD 2 Stop Bit (PC only) 1
TXD 3 Start Bit 1
DSR 4
SIG GND 5
DTR 6
RTS 7
CTS 8
Note: Jumper 4 + 6 together.

29
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Cables and Cable Connections

For Computer, use: Orion 0ACBL0 (DB25 Connector)

GND
5 5 1 1
9 9 14 14
4 4 DSR 2 2
8 8 CTS 15 15
3 3 TXD 3 3
7 7 RTS 16 16
2 2 RXD 4 4
6 6 DTR 17 17
1 1 5 5
18 18
DSR 6 6
Meter RS-232 Cable RS-232 19 19
Connector (Pins) Connector (Sockets) 7 7
DTR 20 20
8 8
21 21
9 9
22 22
10 10
23 23
11 11
Connector 24 24 Connector
DB25S 12 12 DB25P
(Sockets) 25 25 (Pins)
13 13

Meter Cable Computer

Figure #12

30 Use with Printers and Computers

 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

For Computer, use: DB9 Connector

GND 1
5 5 1
9 9 DTR 6 6
4 4 DSR 2 2
8 8 CTS 7 7
3 3 TXD 3 3
7 7 RTS 8 8
2 2 RXD DSR 4 4
6 6 DTR 9 9
1 1 5 5

Meter RS-232 Cable RS-232 Connector Connector

Connector (Pins) Connector (Sockets) DB9S DB9P
(Sockets) (Pins)

Meter Cable Computer

Figure #13

Use with Orion Printer 900A

Connect Orion 900A to the RS232 connector on the side panel. See
Ordering Information for information on printers and accessories.

Use with Printers and Computers 31

Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Orion 150Aplus Remote Control Computer Commands

The Orion 150Aplus meter has the capability to be operated by a remote
device (computer or terminal). After connecting the meter to the device,
press the carriage return (<CR>) to initiate remote control. The commands
are as follows (x denotes numeric digit).

Command Function

Entering and <CR> Start communication with the

exiting remote first carriage return
CLOC<CR> Reverts the Orion 150Aplus to
normal operation
HELP<CR> Displays remote control
command set
Calibration SCxxxxx<CR> Performs a manual calibration
with the specified cell constant
SD<CR> Performs DirectCal calibration
SACAL<CR> Performs AutoCal calibration
procedure
Setting Temperature STCxxx<CR> Set temperature coefficient with
Coefficient and specified value
Reference SREFxxx<CR> Set reference temperature with
Temperature specified value
Measure Conductivity CLF<CR> 0.0 to 199,900 measuring range,
and Temperature autoranging always on
Measure Salinity and CSAL<CR> 0.0 to 80 measuring range
Temperature
Measure TDS and CTDS<CR> 0 to 19990 mg/L measuring range
Temperature
Readout of Input RC<CR> Read cell constant
Values RTC<CR> Read temperature coefficient
RREF<CR> Read reference temperature

32 Use with Printers and Computers

 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Command Specifics
Note: Meter must be in a measurement mode to initiate remote
operation.

1) Logging On/Off
Before <CR> is entered, meter responds “Not Logged On” to all
remote commands. When <CR> is entered, meter responds “150Aplus
Logged On” (meter keypad is now inactive, except for power key).
Meter will enter conductivity measure mode. When CLOC<CR> is
entered, meter responds “Logged Off” (power-down always exits
remote mode).

2) Calibrations
Note: During calibrations the meter display is active and displays the
current measurement with the cell constant in effect applied to the
measurement. If a standard is bad, “E-22:BAD STANDARD” is
displayed on the terminal and the user is reprompted for the calibration
point.
a) Cell Constant Adjustment Calibration: SCxxxxx<CR>
When SCxxxxx<CR> is entered, the cell constant is checked to
be between .0700 and 14.99 and, if valid, it is set. The new cell
constant takes effect in the meter’s display as well. A
confirmation message will be returned: “xxxxx,/cm” or an error
message of “INVALID RANGE”.
b) Direct Calibration: SDCAL<CR>
When SDCAL<CR> is entered, the user is prompted “P1 Value
(wait for READY) or ‘ESC’(return)”. At this point, the user
should have the cell in the first standard. When the input
stabilizes, the terminal will display the measured conductivity
and temperature values: “xxxxxuS Temp xx.xC”. The user
should enter the standard value “xxxxx<CR>”. The terminal
will prompt for units: “Enter ‘U’, ‘M’ or ‘ESC’(return)”. The
user must enter “M” for millisiemens or “U” for microsiemens.
A confirmation message will be returned: “P1=xxxxxu”,
“P1=xxxxxm” or an error message of “INVALID RANGE”.

Use with Printers and Computers 33

Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

The entered values MUST conform to the following ranges:

0.0 to 199.9 uS (one decimal place)
200 to 1999 uS (no decimal places)
2.00 to 19.99 mS (two decimal places)
20.0 to 199.9 mS (one decimal place)
Values will be rounded to the appropriate precision.
At this point, a one point cal. is in effect. The user is prompted “P2
Value (wait for READY) or ‘ESC’(return)”. If a one point cal. is
desired, enter “ESC<CR>”. If a two point cal. is desired, the user
should have the cell in the second standard. When the input stabilizes,
the user should enter the standard value “xxxxx<CR>”. The terminal
will prompt for units: “Enter ‘U’, ‘M’ or ‘ESC’(return)”. The user must
enter “M” for millisiemens or “U” for microsiemens. A confirmation
message will be returned: “P2=xxxxxu”, “P2=xxxxxm” or an error
message of “INVALID RANGE”. The computed cell constant and
percent linearity are then displayed on the terminal.
c) AutoCal: SACAL<CR>
Note: Only the following Orion standards may be used: 12.9mS
(Orion 011006), 1413mS (Orion 011007) and 100mS(Orion 011008).
Before AutoCal is entered, the approximate cell constant must be in
the meter memory. This can be accomplished by either using the cell
constant from the previous calibration or using the Manual Calibration
command (SCxxxxx<CR>). The cell should then be placed into the
first standard. At this point, the SACAL<CR> command should be
entered. The terminal will display “P1, Start to Measure?” An
affirmative response (Y<CR>) will cause the meter to attempt to
recognize the standard. To cancel the calibration, enter “ESC<CR>”.

If the standard is not recognized, the terminal will display “No

Standard Found ‘ESC<CR>’ to exit, <CR> to continue:”. The
calibration standard should be checked. To cause the meter to
reattempt to recognize the standard, enter “<CR>”. To cancel the
calibration, enter “ESC<CR>”. If the standard is recognized, the
terminal will display “Value=xxxxxm” for millisiemens or
“Value=xxxxxu” for microsiemens. Then the terminal will prompt for
the second calibration point “P2, Start to Measure?”.

34 Use with Printers and Computers

 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

If a one point cal. is desired, enter “ESC<CR>”. The terminal will

display “1 Pt Cal Complete” followed by the cell constant
(xxxxx,/cm). If a two point cal. is desired, the cell should be placed
into the second calibration standard. Then the user should enter
“Y<CR>”. The meter then attempts to recognize the standard. When
the standard is recognized, the terminal will display “Value=xxxxxm”
for millisiemens or “Value=xxxxxu” for microsiemens. Then the
terminal will display “2 Pt Cal Complete” followed by the cell
constant (xxxxx,/cm) and the percent linearity (% Linearity= xxx.x).

3) Setting Temperature Coefficient Reference Temperature

a) Temperature Coefficient
When “STCx.x<CR>” is entered, the temperature coefficient
is checked to be between 0.0 and 3.1 and set. If 0.0 is entered,
Temp Compensation is disabled. If 3.1 is entered, Temp
Coefficient is set to nLF. The terminal response is either “TC
= x.x” or “INVALID RANGE”.
b) Reference Temperature
When “SREFxx<CR>” is entered, the reference temperature is
checked to be 20 or 25 and set. The terminal response is either
“RT = xx.0” or “INVALID RANGE”.

4) Measurement
When “CLF<CR>” is entered, conductivity and temperature are
displayed on the terminal as “xxxxx, uS/cm*, 27.2°C”.
When “CSAL<CR>” is entered, salinity and temperature are
displayed on the terminal as “xx.xx,SAL,27.2°C”.
When “CTDS<CR>” is entered, TDS and temperature are
displayed on the terminal as “xx.xx,mg/L,27.2°C”.
If a measurement is requested and the meter is autoranging,
“AUTORANGING” will be displayed on the terminal. The user
must input another display command.

Use with Printers and Computers 35

Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

36
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Chapter VII
Troubleshooting
Operator Assistance Codes
Displayed Error
Message Cause Action

E-2 Memory failure Call Thermo Electron’s

Technical Edge for service
E-3 through E-6 Hardware failure Disconnect the conductivity
cell and repeat the self test
E-7 Keypad failure Repeat the self test insuring
that all keys are pressed
within 4 seconds during test
7. If problem persists, call
Thermo Electron’s Technical
Edge for service
E-20 Reading out of range Adjust cell constant
Verify cell constant
appropriate for sample
conductivity
E-22 Cell Constant out of Calibrate with fresh
range standards. Clean
conductivity cell
Replatinize conductivity cell
(if applicable)
E-26 Data logger full Clear data from memory
(Note: print out any needed
logged data before clearing
the log.)
E-29 Printer error Verify printer is attached
Verify printer is on
Check printer operation
(on line)
E-40 Memory checksum Call Thermo Electron’s
error Technical Edge for service

37
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

38
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Chapter VIII
Warranty

For the most current warranty information, visit www.thermo.com.

The Thermo Electron Corporation, Orion products warranty covers failures
due to manufacturer’s workmanship or material defects from the date of
purchase by the user. User should return the warranty card and retain proof
of purchase. Warranty is void if product has been abused, misused, or
repairs attempted by unauthorized persons.
Warranties herein are for product sold/installed by Thermo or its authorized
dealers.
Any product sold by a U.S. or Canadian distributor must be returned to
Thermo for any warranty work. Please contact our Technical Service
department for further information. A Return Authorization Number must be
SM
obtained from The Technical EDGE for Orion Products before returning
any product for in-warranty repair or replacement.
In the event of failure within the warranty period, Thermo will at the
company’s option, repair or replace product not conforming to this warranty.
There may be additional charges, including freight, for warranty service
performed in some countries. For service, call Thermo or its authorized
dealer outside the United States and Canada. Thermo reserves the right to
ask for proof of purchase, such as the original invoice or packing slip.
Field Service is available on Orion BOD AutoEZ™, EZ Flash® GC Accessory
and TEA Analyzer®. Contact our Field Service department for details on
quotations and service, other field service-related activities.
The following products are warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship in the period listed below from the date of purchase from the
user or from the date of shipment from Thermo, whichever is earlier,
provided use is in accordance with the operating limitations and
maintenance procedures in the instruction manual and when not having been
subjected to accident, alteration, misuse, abuse or breakage of electrodes:
Thirty-six months from date of purchase by the user (or forty-
two months from date of shipment from Thermo)
• Waterproof Meters (Orion 630, 635, 830A, 835A, 260A, 261S, 265A,
266S, 130A, 131S, 135A and 136S), Conductivity Meters (Orion
105Aplus, 115Aplus, 125Aplus, 145Aplus, 150Aplus and 162A),

Special Features 39
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

PerpHect® pH/ISE Meters (Orion 310, 320, 330, 350, 370) pH/ISE
Meters (Orion 210Aplus, 230Aplus, 250Aplus, 290Aplus, 410Aplus,
420Aplus, 520Aplus, 525Aplus, 710Aplus, 720Aplus and 920Aplus),
pHuture MMS™ Meters (Orion 535A and 555A), pH/Conductivity Meter
(Orion 550A), Dissolved Oxygen Meters (Orion 805Aplus, 810Aplus,
850Aplus and 862A).
Twenty-four months from date of purchase by the user (or thirty-
six months from date of shipment from Thermo)
• Orion ROSS Ultra® Electrodes, Orion AQUAfast® IV Colorimeters, Orion
AQUAfast® IV Turbidimeter, Orion 925 Flash Titrator™, Series 100
DuraProbe™ Conductivity Cells and Series 800 Dissolved Oxygen
Probes.
Twelve months from date of purchase by the user (or eighteen
months from date of shipment from Thermo)
• Laboratory pH Meters, (Orion 301, 611 and 940), SensorLink®, pHuture™
pH Meters (Orion 610 and 620), Sage® Pumps, Cahn® Balances, 930
Ionalyzer®, 950 ROSS™ FAST QC™ Titrator, 960 Titrator PLUS®, Karl
Fischer Titrators, Autosamplers, Liquid Handling Devices, Liquid
Handling Automation Workstations (Orion AS2000, AS2500 and
AS4000), Pumps (Orion SP201, SP201-HR, SP201-S, Peristaltic and
Rinse), pHuture® Conversion Box, Wine Master®, 607 Switchbox, rf
link™, AQUAfast® II Colorimeters, Vacuum Degasser and Flowmeter.
• Orion EZ Flash® GC Accessory, Orion TEA Analyzer® 610 and 510
excluding consumable items carry twelve months warranty only.
• Orion Ion Selective Electrodes, ionplus® Electrodes, ROSS™ Electrodes,
Sure-Flow® Electrodes, PerpHecT® Electrodes, AquaPro Professional
Electrodes, No Cal™ pH electrodes, Standard Line pH Electrodes, Tris pH
Electrodes, KNIpHE® electrode, ORP Triode™ (Orion 9180BN), pHuture™
pH Probes (Orion 616500) and pHuture MMS™ Quatrode™ and Triode™
(Orion 616600 and 617900), Orion 97-08 DO Probe, Series 100
Conventional Conductivity Cells, temperature probes and compensators
(except those products noted).
• Orion 93 and 97 ionplus Series sensing modules are warranted to give six
months of operation if placed in service before the date indicated on the
package, except 93-07 and 97-07 Nitrate modules are warranted to give
ninety days of operation if placed in service before the date indicated on
the package.

40 Warranty
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Six months from date of purchase by the user (or twelve months
from date of shipment from Thermo)
• Orion Flash Titration™ Probe (Orion 092518), pHuture™ Electrode (Orion
615700), pHuture MMS™ Pentrode™ (Orion 617500), Quatrode™ (Orion
617800) and Triode™ (Orion 615800), Low Maintenance Triode™ (Orion
9107BN), ORP Low Maintenance Triode™ (Orion 9179BN), and
PerpHecT® Low Maintenance Triode™ (Orion 9207BN), Waterproof
Triode™ (Orion 9107WP, 9107WL, 9109WL and 9109WP), QuiKcheK®
Meters and Micro Electrodes.
Three months from date of purchase by the user (or six months
from date of shipment from Thermo)
• Economy Line Electrodes, Orion 91-05, 91-06, 91-15, 91-16, 91-25, 91-
26, 91-35, 91-36, 92-06. Warranty also includes failure for any reason
(excluding breakage), except abuse, provided the electrode is not used in
solutions containing silver, sulfide, perchlorate, or hydrofluoric acid; or
in solutions more than one (1) Molar in strong acid or base at
temperatures above 50 °C.
“Out-of-Box” Warranty - Should any of the following products
fail to work when first used, contact Thermo immediately for
replacement.
• Orion Solutions, Standards, Reagents, Cables, Ferrules, Tubing, Line
adapters, Printers, Software, Cases, Stands, Probe Membranes,
AQUAfast® Test Strips, EZ Flash® columns, Liquid Handling Probes,
Adapter Plates and Racks and general accessories.
For products in the catalog not listed in this warranty statement, please visit
our website at: www.thermo.com
THE WARRANTIES DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER STATUTORY,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ALL WARRANTIES ARISING FROM
THE COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE. THE BUYER’S
SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IS FOR REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT OF THE NON-CONFORMING PRODUCT OR PART
THEREOF, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, BUT IN NO
EVENT SHALL THERMO (ITS CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS OF
ANY TIER) BE LIABLE TO THE BUYER OR ANY PERSON FOR ANY

Warranty 41
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL

DAMAGES WHETHER THE CLAIMS ARE BASED IN CONTRACT, IN
TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT
TO OR ARISING OUT OF THE PRODUCT FURNISHED HEREUNDER.
REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTIES MADE BY ANY PERSON,
INCLUDING ITS AUTHORIZED DEALERS, REPRESENTATIVES AND
EMPLOYEES OF THERMO WHICH ALTER OR ARE IN ADDITION TO
THE TERMS OF THIS WARRANTY SHALL NOT BE BINDING UPON
THERMO UNLESS IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY ONE OF ITS
OFFICERS.

42 Warranty
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Chapter IX
Notice of Compliance
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 to 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.
“This digital apparatus does not exceed the (Class A) limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.”
“Le présent appareil numérique n’ émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques (de la class A)
prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le
ministère des Communications du Canada.”

Special Features 43
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Declaration of Conformity
Thermo Electron Corporation

Manufacturer:
Thermo Electron Corporation
166 Cummings Center
Beverly, MA 01915 U.S.A.
hereby declares that the products
Conductivity Meter Models 105Aplus
115Aplus
125Aplus
conform with the following standards and documents
Safety: EC Directive 72/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive
DIN VDE 0700 Transformers
UL 1310 Class 2 Power Units
CSA C22.2 No. 223 Extra-Low Voltage
Transformers
Safety: EC 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility
Emissions: EN 55022 Emissions Class A
FCC Part 15 Class A
Immunity: EN 50082-1 Generic Immunity
IEC 801-2 ESD Susceptibility
IEC 801-3 Radiated Susceptibility
IEC 801-4 Conducted Susceptibility
These Orion products have been manufactured in compliance with the
provisions of the relevant Thermo Electron manufacturing and test
documents and processes. Further, these documents and processes are
recognized as complying with ISO 9000:2000 by QMI, listed as File #
001911.

Place and date of issue: ––––––––––––––––––––––

Beverly, MA. John Meserve
June, 2003 Quality Assurance Manager

44 Notice of Compliance
 Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

Declaration of Conformity
Thermo Electron Corporation

Manufacturer:
Thermo Electron Corporation
166 Cummings Center
Beverly, MA 01915 U.S.A.
hereby declares that the products
Conductivity Meter Models 145Aplus
150Aplus
conform with the following standards and documents
Safety: EC Directive 72/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive
IEC 1010 Safety For Laboratory Equipment
UL 1262 Laboratory Equipment
CSA C22.2 No. 151 Laboratory Equipment
Safety: EC 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility
Emissions: EN 55022 Emissions
FCC Part 15 Class A
Immunity: EN 50082-1 Generic Immunity
IEC 801-2 ESD Susceptibility
IEC 801-3 Radiated Susceptibility
IEC 801-4 Conducted Susceptibility
These Orion products have been manufactured in compliance with the
provisions of the relevant Thermo Electron manufacturing and test
documents and processes. Further, these documents and processes are
recognized as complying with ISO 9000:2000 by QMI, listed as File #
001911.

Place and date of issue: ––––––––––––––––––––––

Beverly, MA. John Meserve
June, 2003 Quality Assurance Manager

Notice of Compliance 45
Orion 125Aplus and 150Aplus Conductivity Meters Instruction Manual

46
 METER PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
125Aplus 150Aplus
Display LCD, 4 1/2 Digit LCD, 4 1/2 Digit

Conductivity
Measurement Range 0 to 199,900 µS 0 to 199,900 µS
Range 1 0.0 to 199.9 µS 0.0 to 199.9 µS
Range 2 200 to 1999 µS 200 to 1999 µS
Range 3 2.00 to 19.99 µS 2.00 to 19.99 µS
Range 4 20.00 to 199.9 µS 20.00 to 199.9 µS
Accuracy ±0.5% of full scale reading within each range, max ±0.5% of full scale reading within each range, max

Cell Constant
Range Displayed 0.07 to 14.99 0.07 to 14.99
Resolution 0.0700, 1.000, 10.00 0.0700, 1.000, 10.00

Salinity
Measurement Range 0.0 to 80.0 ppt (‰) 0.0 to 80.0 ppt (‰)
Accuracy ±0.5% max ±0.5% max

Total Dissolved Solids

Measurement Range 0 to 19900 mg/L 0 to 19900 mg/L
Accuracy ±0.5% ±0.5%
Resolution 3 significant digits, 1 mg/L 3 significant digits, 1 mg/L

Temperature
Measurement
Range -5.0 to 105.0 ˚C -5.0 to 105.0 ˚C
Relative Accuracy ±1.0 ˚C ±1.0 ˚C
Resolution 0.1 ˚C 0.1 ˚C

Temperature
Compensation Auto and Manual Auto and Manual
Temperature 0.0 to 3.0%/˚C or nLF 0.0 to 3.0%/˚C or nLF
Coefficient 2.1%/˚C Default 2.1%/˚C Default
Reference Temperature 25 or 20 ˚C 25 or 20 ˚C

Ready Indicator Yes Yes

Low Battery Indicator Yes N/A

Inputs
Conductivity Probe 8 pin DIN 8 pin DIN
Power Pin connector for power adapter Pin connector for power adapter
ATC Probe No separate connector, use adapter 011210 No separate connector, use adapter 011210

Outputs
RS232 output only bi-directional
Connector Standard 9 Pin “DB9” Standard 9 Pin “DB9”
Baud Rate 1200 1200
Parity None None
Handshake Yes Yes
Data Bits 8 8
Stop Bit 1 1
Print on demand Yes Yes
Print on READY Yes Yes

47
 SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)
125Aplus 150Aplus
Power 9V Alkaline Battery or 9V Lithium Battery; 110V, 220V 110V, 220V or 240V Line Adapter
or 240V Line Adapter

Auto Shutoff 20 minutes N/A

Operation time on 45 hours N/A

alkaline batteries,
typical
Operation time on 80 hours N/A
lithium batteries,
typical
Data Logging 50 Data points 50 Data points
Display output Yes Yes
RS232 Yes Yes

ORDERING INFORMATION
Orion Description
012500 Orion 125Aplus and Conductivity Cell

012502 Orion 125Aplus, meter only

015000 Orion 150Aplus and Conductivity Cell

015002 Orion 150Aplus, meter only

013005D Four Electrode Conductivity Cell with Integral Temperature Sensor, Epoxy/graphite, K = 0.475

010500 Orion 105Aplus and Conductivity Cell, Orion 011510

010502 Orion 105Aplus, meter only

011500 Orion 115Aplus and Conductivity Cell, Orion 011510

011502 Orion 115Aplus, meter only

011510 Conductivity Cell with Integral Temperature Sensor, Epoxy, K = 1.0

011010 Conductivity Cell, Glass, K = 1.0

011020 Conductivity Cell, Glass, K = 0.1

011050 Conductivity Cell, Epoxy, K = 1.0

012210 Conductivity Cell, Epoxy, K = 0.609 (use with adapter, Orion 011211)

927005 ATC Probe, Epoxy Body

927006 ATC Probe, Glass Body

927007 ATC Probe, Stainless Steel

011006 Conductivity/TDS Standard, 12.9 mS/cm, 7230 ppm as NaCl, 5 x 60 mL Bottles

011007 Conductivity/TDS Standard, 1413 µS/cm, 692 ppm as NaCl, 5 x 60 mL Bottles

011008 Conductivity/TDS Standard, 100 µS/cm, 47 ppm as NaCl, 5 x 60 mL Bottles

0105PK Platinizing Kit. Includes Fixture, Vessel, and Solution (60 mL)

48
 ORDERING INFORMATION (Continued)
Orion Description
010110 Platinizing Vessel and Solution (60 mL)

011210 Adapter, Dual banana plug connector Cells and ATC probes to 8 pin DIN connector

011211 Adapter, 7 pin DIN connector Cells to 8 pin DIN connector

011220 Calibration Kit, 4 precision conductance/resistance calibrators in container

080150 Field Carrying Case. For meter, probe, and accessories

020125 Line Adapter, 110V

020130 Line Adapter, 220V

020135 Line Adapter, 240V

0ACBL0 Cable, RS232, for use with IBM PC compatible

0900A0 Printer, Orion 900A, attachable, 110V (No cable required)

0900A1 Printer, Orion 900A, attachable, 220V (No cable required)

0900A2 Printer, Orion 900A, no line adapter

0900A4 Printer Paper for Orion 900A

0900A6 Printer Battery for Orion 900A, rechargeable

0900A7 Printer, Orion 900A, attachable, 240V (No cable required)

Thermo Electron offers a variety of probe accessories, materials & cable lengths. Refer to the Laboratory Products
Catalog or call The Technical EdgeSM at 1-800-225-1480.

49
Environmental Instruments
Water Analysis

North America
166 Cummings Center
Beverly, MA 01915 USA
Tel: 978-232-6000
Dom. Fax: 978-232-6015
Int’l. Fax: 978-232-6031

Europe
12-16 Sedgeway Business Park
Witchford, Cambridgeshire
England, CB6 2HY
Tel: 44-1353-666111
Fax: 44-1353-666001

Far East
Room 904, Federal Building
369 Lockhart Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2836-0981
Fax: 852-2834-5160

Customer Support
Toll Free: 800-225-1480
www.thermo.com
Dom. e-mail: domcs1@thermoorion.com
Int’l. e-mail: intcs1@thermoorion.com

For updated contact information, visit www.thermo.com

Analyze • Detect • Measure • Control™

233521-001 Rev.C