Aqualabo NEON OPEN, optical oxygen, OPTOD stainless steel, 15 m cable, NC-POR-C-00310

Product information "Aqualabo NEON OPEN, optical oxygen, OPTOD stainless steel, 15 m cable, NC-POR-C-00310"

A handheld measuring device that isn’t limited to a single parameter: rather than a permanently screwed-in sensor cable, the Aqualabo NEON OPEN uses a robust 6-pin metal connector with automatic sensor recognition. This means that the same base unit can be used with any compatible DIGISENS sensor from the Aqualabo range, from oxygen measurement through to pH and conductivity, right through to turbidity, suspended solids and sludge level measurement. The housing, display, memory and power supply are identical to those of its single-parameter sister model, the NEON: the device is IP67-rated, stores up to 30,000 measurement points and exports them wirelessly via Wi-Fi. There are eight sensor variants to choose from, each with a cable length of 3, 7 or 15 metres, and those who do not yet require a sensor can also order the NEON OPEN as a base unit only.

Selection guide for the Aqualabo NEON OPEN: choosing a sensor and cable length

As the sensor on the NEON OPEN can be replaced at any time, the same selection table used for the initial set-up can be consulted again later when ordering an additional sensor. To get you started, it matches each sensor option to the appropriate measurement task:

Optical oxygen, OPTOD stainless steel	Oxygen (mg/L, ppm, % saturation)	For fresh water and wastewater; can be replaced with another sensor at any time
Optical oxygen, OPTOD titanium	Oxygen (mg/L, ppm, % saturation)	Titanium housing for seawater, saltwater fish farming and other corrosive environments
pH, redox and temperature, PHEHT	pH, redox/ORP, temperature	If redox potential is required in addition to the pH value
pH and temperature, PHT	pH, temperature	If only the pH value is required, without redox measurement
Conductivity and salinity, C4E	Conductivity, salinity, TDS	Conductivity and salinity measurement from fresh to seawater
Turbidity, NTU	Turbidity (NTU), suspended solids (mg/L)	Spot turbidity measurement according to the formazin standard
Suspended solids, MES5	Suspended solids (g/L), turbidity (FAU), sludge level	If several solids parameters are to be measured using a single sensor
Sludge level, VB5	Sludge level, temperature	When only the sludge level in the clarifier is to be measured

The cable length only affects the operating distance, not the measurement accuracy: the measurement specifications for each sensor are identical for all three cable lengths.

3 m	Manual measurement directly at the edge of the tank or body of water, short distance between the operator and the measurement point
7 m	Measurement points at medium depth or distance, for example at the edges of tanks or in shallower shafts
15 m	Deep shafts, large tanks or containers where the measurement point is a long way from the operator

Distinction within the Aqualabo handheld measuring devices

Unlike the single-parameter Aqualabo NEON, whose sensor is permanently connected to the housing via a PG9 screw connection, the NEON OPEN automatically recognises any connected DIGISENS sensor via the 6-pin connector. This makes it the series’ open platform and explains why it is also sold as a basic unit without a sensor. Among the other Aqualabo handheld measuring devices, the Aqualabo ODEON Open One and Aqualabo ODEON X employ the same plug-in principle, but to varying degrees: Like the NEON OPEN, the ODEON Open One measures one sensor at a time and, according to the manufacturer, covers seven of the eight sensor variants, excluding the titanium version of the OPTOD oxygen sensor. The ODEON X allows two sensors to be operated simultaneously on a single unit, for example, conductivity alongside pH and redox. The NEON OPEN thus remains the entry-level model in the open Aqualabo platform, without the dual-channel capability of the ODEON X.

The advantage of automatic sensor recognition is particularly evident during operation: unlike with a permanently screwed-in cable, with the NEON OPEN there is no need for anyone to manually select the sensor type on the device; according to the manufacturer, the meter automatically recognises the connected sensor. This allows the same base unit to be switched between measuring points with different parameters in the field, without having to carry a separate housing for each measurement task.

The following table summarises the key differences between the four series:

Sensor connection	PG9 screw connection, permanently connected	6-pin plug connector, interchangeable	6-pin plug connector, interchangeable, automatic detection with self-diagnosis	2 x 6-pin connectors, interchangeable, automatic detection with self-diagnosis
Sensor channels	1	1	1	2
Display	LCD graphic display	LCD graphic display	4-inch graphic display, 240 x 320 pixels	4-inch graphic display, 240 x 320 pixels
Memory	30,000 measurement points	30,000 measurement points	8 MB, over 100,000 data records for GLP documentation with sample, user and campaign IDs	8 MB, over 100,000 data records for GLP documentation with sample, user and campaign IDs
Recording modes	2: on-demand, at set time intervals	2: on-demand, at set intervals	3: manual, at intervals, continuous	3: manual, at intervals, continuous
Data transfer	Wi-Fi transfer	Wi-Fi transfer	USB, ODEON Viewer PC software included in the scope of delivery	USB, ODEON Viewer PC software included in the scope of delivery

Switching to the ODEON platform is worthwhile as soon as documentation in a GLP environment with sample, user and campaign IDs, more than 30,000 stored measurement points or bundled PC analysis software, features which the NEON OPEN does not offer in this form. If, on the other hand, automatic sensor detection is sufficient without this additional GLP documentation and software, the NEON OPEN remains the more streamlined choice amongst the open platforms. Anyone wishing to operate two sensors simultaneously on a single device will find this feature exclusively in the ODEON range, specifically the two-channel ODEON X model.

Use, calibration, maintenance and storage

Like its sister model, the NEON OPEN is powered by three AA-type alkaline batteries and features an illuminated LCD graphic display with five brightness levels and a stability indicator for the measured value, which shows when a measurement is stable enough to be read. Recordings can be made on demand or automatically at selected time intervals; the automatic switch-off function can be set to 2, 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes to conserve battery power during fieldwork. Without recording, a single battery charge lasts around 648 hours; with one recording per minute, it lasts up to 230 hours.

The calibration effort depends on the sensor used and remains unchanged when the sensor is replaced:

Oxygen (OPTOD): 1 or 2 points
pH with redox (PHEHT) or without redox (PHT): 3 points
Conductivity (C4E): 4 measurement ranges, 2 points each
Turbidity (NTU): 2 points per measurement range, plus 2 points with a real sample in the mg/L range
Suspended solids (MES5): 2 points for suspended solids and turbidity, 1 point for the sludge level
Sludge level (VB5): 1 point at 100 %

In terms of maintenance, the sensors are no different from the NEON: the OPTOD optical oxygen sensor requires no calibration during normal operation; only the DOdisk cap needs to be replaced every two years. The PHEHT and PHT use a replaceable pH cartridge as a wear part; the manufacturer recommends replacing this every 12 to 18 months. According to the manufacturer, the C4E is considered maintenance-free; the NTU requires no consumables of its own; and the MES5 and VB5 merely require a clean measuring optic to prevent drift. Anyone wishing to compare the NEON OPEN with traditional electrode technology for stationary laboratory use will find further models in our range of electrodes.

The housing is designed for a storage temperature of -10 to 60 °C, whilst the operating temperature ranges from -5 to 50 °C. The sensors are protected against immersion to IP68 standard. Before prolonged storage or disposal of the device, the three alkaline batteries must be removed and disposed of separately as battery waste.

Typical applications

As the sensor can be replaced at any time, the NEON OPEN is particularly suitable where different parameters need to be measured during the course of a project or where a sensor needs to be replaced quickly:

Fish farming: RAS systems, ponds, offshore cages, the aquaculture industry
Aquariums
Surface water and groundwater monitoring
Municipal wastewater treatment: inlet, aeration tank, outlet
Industrial wastewater treatment

Investment rationale: base unit plus sensors or complete set

The additional cost of the open platform compared to the single-parameter NEON pays for itself as soon as more than one parameter is being monitored or a sensor needs to be replaced over time. Anyone who already owns a compatible DIGISENS sensor or wishes to operate several sensors in succession on a single housing will find the Aqualabo NEON OPEN base unit without a sensor more cost-effective than purchasing several complete sets. If, on the other hand, only a single parameter is required on a permanent basis, the single-parameter Aqualabo NEON is the simpler choice.

The open platform also pays off for businesses that are growing gradually: A single base unit is sufficient to allow for the purchase of several sensors in succession over time, for example, first an oxygen sensor and later a pH sensor for a new measurement task, rather than having to buy a completely new unit for each additional parameter. The housing itself, display, memory and power supply remain the same throughout the entire service life.

Frequently asked questions about the Aqualabo NEON OPEN

Can I change the sensor on the NEON OPEN myself?
Yes. The 6-pin metal connector automatically recognises any connected DIGISENS sensor; no tools are required to change it.

Which sensors are compatible with the NEON OPEN?
All eight DIGISENS sensor variants in the NEON range: OPTOD stainless steel and titanium, PHEHT, PHT, C4E, NTU, MES5 and VB5.

Can I order the NEON OPEN without a sensor?
Yes, as a base unit without a sensor, listed under reference number PF-POR-C-00188.

How is measurement data read out?
Wirelessly to a PC via Wi-Fi transfer; according to the data sheet, there is no provision for a USB or cable connection.

How many measurement points does the device store?
Up to 30,000 measurement points, either on demand or automatically at the selected time interval.

How long does a battery charge last?
Around 648 hours without recording; up to 230 hours with one recording per minute, using three AA alkaline batteries.

What distinguishes the NEON OPEN from the NEON?
The sensor connection: the NEON OPEN features a replaceable 6-pin connector with automatic recognition, whilst the NEON has a permanently screwed-in PG9 cable gland.

How long is Aqualabo’s warranty on the NEON OPEN?
1 year against manufacturing defects, excluding consumables such as sensor cartridges. The warranty begins with factory acceptance by the purchaser, or alternatively on the date of delivery or dispatch.

Technical details

Device type	Portable handheld measuring device, open platform for DIGISENS sensors
Display	Backlit LCD graphic display, 5 brightness levels
Sensor connection	6-pin metal connector with automatic sensor recognition
Available cable lengths	3, 7 or 15 m
Recording capacity	30,000 measurement points
Recording modes	Snapshot and automatic at set intervals
Data transfer	Wi-Fi transfer
Automatic switch-off	2 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 30 mins
Power supply	3 x 1.5 V AA batteries (alkaline)
Operating time without recording	648 h
Operating time with recording (1/min)	up to 230 h
Housing material	ABS
Dimensions (H x W x D)	146 x 88 x 33 mm
Weight (housing without sensor)	880 g
Degree of protection (housing / sensors)	IP 67 / IP 68
Operating temperature (housing)	-5 to 50 °C
Storage temperature (housing)	-10 to 60 °C
Compatible sensor variants	OPTOD stainless steel, OPTOD titanium, PHEHT, PHT, C4E, NTU, MES5, VB5

Measuring ranges and accuracy by sensor variant:

Optical oxygen, OPTOD	0.00 to 20.00 mg/L; 0.00 to 20.00 ppm; 0 to 200 % saturation Accuracy: ±0.1 mg/L; ±1 % (0 to 100 %)
pH, redox and temperature, PHEHT	pH 0.00 to 14.00; redox -1,000.0 to +1,000.0 mV Accuracy: pH ±0.1; redox ±2 mV
pH and temperature, PHT	pH 0.00 to 14.00; temperature 0.00 to 50.00 °C Accuracy: pH ±0.1; temperature ±0.5 °C
Conductivity and salinity, C4E	0 to 200.0 µS/cm; 0 to 2,000 µS/cm; 0.00 to 20.00 mS/cm; 0.0 to 200.0 mS/cm; Salinity: -5 to 60 g/kg ; Accuracy: ±1 % of the full-scale value
Turbidity, NTU	5 to 4,000 NTU (4 measuring ranges and automatic range selection); 0 to 4,500 mg/L Accuracy: < 5 % of the measured value
Suspended solids, MES5	TSS 0 to 50 g/L; turbidity 0 to 4,000 FAU; sludge level 0 to 100 % Accuracy: TSS < 10 %; turbidity ±5 % (200 to 4,000 FAU); sludge level ±2 %
Sludge level, VB5	0 to 100 % Accuracy: ±2 %

Scope of delivery

NEON-OPEN housing with 6-pin connector, including 3 x 1.5 V alkaline batteries (type LR6)
1 sensor from the OPTOD stainless steel, OPTOD titanium, PHEHT, PHT, C4E, NTU, MES5 or VB5 range, depending on the variant selected
Calibration solutions suitable for the selected sensor
Laminated quick start guide
Carry bag

A connection cable for the PC is not included; data export is carried out exclusively via Wi-Fi transfer.

Regulatory information

As an electrical appliance, the NEON OPEN is also subject to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). Disposal via household waste at the end of its service life is not permitted; the device must be placed in the separate collection scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment. The alkaline batteries must be removed beforehand and disposed of separately as battery waste.

Individual requirements and procurement service

Our procurement service is here to assist you with additional sensors, calibration solutions or spare parts, such as the pH cartridge for the PHEHT sensor or the DOdisk cap for the OPTOD sensor. Please also feel free to contact us if you are switching from an existing NEON system to the open platform, or if you have any questions regarding the compatibility of individual sensors.