Lovibond™ SpectroDirect single beam spectrophotometer

The SpectroDirect is a single-beam spectral photometer (see illustration).
The light source is a tungsten halogen lamp with flash function. The lamp is switched on only momentarily during the measurement process¹, so there is no need for a warm-up period.
The SpectroDirect is ready to perform a self-test as soon as it is switched on.
The light passes through an entry slot to the monochromator, where it is split into spectral ranges. The monochromator is a holographically produced, transparent grating. The movable mirror ensures that light of the desired wavelength is focused automatically so that it passes through the exit slot, into the sample chamber and therefore through the water sample. The light that is not absorbed by the sample travels to the silicon
photodiode detector. This signal is then evaluatedby a microprocessor and shown as a result in the display.
¹(Exception: permanent light is used for a wavelength scan).

Round vials measuring 16 mm and 24 mm in diameter and rectangular cells with pathlengths from 10 to 50 mm may be used without an adapter. Only the 10 mm cell will be fixed by a little holder that must inserted into the sample chamber.

Test methods are continuously updated to suit market requirements.
You can find updates for new methods and additional languages on our website at www.lovibond.com.

Functions
Pre-programmed Lovibond™methods
Absorption
Transmission
Spectral data recording
User calibration (polynomials)
Concentration (linear)
Kinetics

After it is switched on, the SpectroDirect automatically performs a self-test – beginning
with a function test of the stepper motor and the halogen lamp, followed by an optics test.
For this purpose, the unit has a built-in didymium glass filter. This filter checks the correct wavelength setting. If the wavelengths are incorrect, the optical system is automatically adjusted during the self-test.

Thanks to the design of the SpectroDirect, the only maintenance that is required is replacement of the light source. The lamp is situated at the back of the photometer in an easily accessible position. Changing the lamp is fast and simple and does not require any tools. The positioning of the assembly ensures optimum focusing of the halogen lamp.

The required input voltage is 12 V.
The SpectroDirect is connected to an external power pack as standard. Battery operation is also possible by using an external energy station (see accessories).

This spectrophotometer can be tested using a Secondary Standard Filter Set (order code 711160) which is N.I.S.T. traceable. Furthermore the instrument may be calibrated for each method in a user calibration mode with N.I.S.T. traceable standards.

On the back of the SpectroDirect photometer, there is an RS232 interface with a 9-pin D-Sub connector for connection of a PC or a printer with serial interface (see accessories).

Every result is printed with date, time, reg. no, code no., measuring range and method number.

You can store results of programmed and user-specific methods (polynomials) in a memory with a capacity of 1000 data sets. Alongside the result, the data sets contain information on method, date and time of the test.

The user prompt is a convenient and easy to understand feature that guides the user step by step all the way through to the test result.

The user chooses the desired method either from the method list in alphabetical order or by entering a numerical code. If desired additional information like the required vial, the reagent type and the measuring range can be displayed using the functional keys. The date and time are shown in the display by pressing the clock key. The SpectroDirect automatically selects the correct wavelength.
Zero calibration is performed with the water sample by pressing the ZERO key.
A characteristic coloration develops when you add the indicator to the water sample. Press the [Test] key to initiate the measurement (which starts either immediately or after the time required for colour development).

With some methods, after adding the indicator to the water sample, the user has to wait for a predefined colour reaction time. This time interval is shown in the display. The remaining time is displayed continuously. An alarm sounds during the last 10 seconds of the time period. Measurement then starts automatically, and the result is shown in the display. The countdown function can be switched off to allow rapid processing of a series of samples.