Aqualabo ODEON Open One, sludge level, VB5, 15 m cable, NC-POR-C-00270

Anyone who takes measurements in the field or directly at a sewage treatment works is familiar with the problem: a simple handheld meter is sufficient for a quick spot check, but not for measurement series requiring documentation involving multiple samples, users and campaigns. The Aqualabo ODEON Open One bridges this gap as a portable, multi-parameter handheld measuring device featuring a single sensor channel, a large graphic display and its own PC software: It automatically recognises the connected digital PONSEL sensor, stores more than 100,000 data records for GLP documentation, including sample, user and campaign IDs, and transfers the measurement series via USB to the supplied ODEON Viewer software.

Large display, plenty of memory, documentation in a GLP environment

The 4-inch backlit graphic display, with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, shows the measured value alongside the date, time, user, sample, temperature, status and air pressure, whilst displaying up to 7 parameters simultaneously. An 8 MB memory operates in the background, storing more than 100,000 data records for GLP documentation, each with a sample ID, user ID, date and time. Three recording modes, manual, interval or continuous, cover both one-off measurements and automated measurement series. Sample, campaign and user IDs can be assigned using alphanumeric characters of up to 10 characters; the device manages up to 20 users simultaneously, which is practical for teams sharing a single device.

Sensor detected automatically, ready to measure straight away

As soon as a digital PONSEL sensor is connected to the 6-pin grey metal plug, the ODEON Open One automatically recognises it and carries out a self-diagnostic test, plug-and-play with no need for manual sensor configuration. The housing and connections are IP67-rated, meaning the device can withstand brief submersion and is suitable for use across different locations, including site premises, the water’s edge and the laboratory. Power is supplied by 4 AA alkaline batteries; optionally, it can also be powered by rechargeable NiMH batteries or an external 12 V power supply, with a runtime of between 145 and 190 hours, depending on the configuration.

Selection guide: choosing the right sensor and cable length

The ODEON Open One is available with seven different PONSEL digital sensors, each in cable lengths of 3 m, 7 m or 15 m. The following overview matches the different models to typical measurement tasks:

The cable length depends on the distance between the operator and the measuring point: 3 m is sufficient for measurements taken directly at the edge of a vessel or tank; 7 m is suitable for medium-depth tanks; and 15 m is suitable for deep tanks, shafts or measuring points located at a greater distance from the operator’s station.

Distinctions within the Aqualabo range of handheld measuring instruments

Aqualabo offers four versions of its portable handheld measuring devices: Aqualabo NEON, a single-parameter device with a hard-wired sensor; Aqualabo NEON OPEN, featuring Open Technology for interchangeable digital sensors; and the ODEON Open One and Aqualabo ODEON X, which are larger platforms with a large graphic display, more memory and dedicated PC software. The following table compares the four models:

If you only need to continuously measure a single, fixed parameter, the NEON will suffice. If you wish to change the sensor occasionally but can do without the larger display and greater memory capacity of the ODEON range, the NEON OPEN is suitable. For measurement series requiring documentation, with a large display, high memory capacity and PC analysis, the ODEON Open One with a single sensor channel is the suitable choice; the ODEON X adds a second channel for the simultaneous measurement of two parameters.

Typical applications

As a portable handheld measuring device with automatic sensor detection and GLP documentation, the ODEON Open One is suitable for, amongst other things:

• Municipal wastewater treatment, such as monitoring of inflow, aeration tanks and outflow
• Industrial wastewater treatment and process water monitoring
• Drinking water testing
• Surface waters and natural water bodies in field use
• Switching between laboratory and field use with the same device and different sensors

Day-to-day use, calibration and maintenance

Calibration and maintenance depend on the sensor selected. According to the manufacturer, the OPTOD optical oxygen sensor operates without the need for calibration during normal operation and requires no membrane or electrolyte; the only regular maintenance required is the replacement of the DOdisk cap every two years. The pH sensors PHEHT and PHT are calibrated at three points; their cartridge can be replaced if necessary. The conductivity sensor C4E is calibrated across four measurement ranges, each with two calibration points, and is, according to the manufacturer, maintenance-free. The NTU turbidity sensor is calibrated using two points per measurement range and requires no consumables. The MES5 suspended solids sensor and the VB5 sludge level sensor operate optically and are set up using one or two calibration points, depending on the measured parameter. Suitable pH buffer solutions from our range are available for pH calibration; to replace worn-out electrodes, please take a look at our range of electrodes.

Data export, storage and disposal

Charging and connection to the PC are carried out via the same 7-pin metal plug. The ODEON Viewer software analyses the measurement series in tabular and graphical form and exports them as CSV, XLS, XLSX, JPEG, PNG, TIF or PDF files, for example for GLP documentation or transfer to a laboratory information system. The manufacturer specifies a storage temperature range of -25 to +65 °C at 0 to 80 % relative humidity. At the end of its service life, the device must be disposed of as waste electrical and electronic equipment via a separate collection scheme; see ‘Regulatory information’ below for further details.

Investment rationale: a platform rather than a single device

Anyone who is already using Aqualabo or Ponsel sensors does not necessarily have to buy a complete sensor set: The Aqualabo ODEON Open One base unit without sensor covers precisely this scenario. For everyone else, it is worth taking a look at the platform as a whole, because unlike a device designed for a single parameter, the ODEON Open One comes complete with documentation in a GLP environment, sample and user management, and the ODEON Viewer PC software. As the unit automatically recognises every compatible digital PONSEL sensor, the sensor array can be expanded as requirements grow without having to replace the base unit. Anyone wishing to measure two parameters simultaneously from the outset, such as pH and conductivity in a single operation, will be better served by the Aqualabo ODEON X with two sensor channels.

Frequently asked questions about the ODEON Open One

What is the difference between the ODEON Open One and the ODEON X?
The ODEON Open One has one sensor channel, whilst the ODEON X has two. This means that the ODEON X can measure two parameters simultaneously, such as pH, redox and temperature, together with conductivity. According to the data sheet, the other technical specifications, such as the display, memory and protection rating, are identical for both devices.

How many readings can be stored on the device?
The 8 MB memory can hold more than 100,000 data records for GLP documentation, each containing a sample ID, user ID, date and time.

Do I need to configure the sensor manually?
No. The ODEON Open One automatically recognises connected digital PONSEL sensors and carries out a self-diagnosis (plug and play).

What cable lengths are available for the sensors?
The digital PONSEL sensors are available with 3 m, 7 m or 15 m cables.

How is the measurement data analysed?
Using the ODEON Viewer PC software supplied, via a USB cable, with tabular and graphical analysis, as well as export to CSV, XLS, XLSX, JPEG, PNG, TIF or PDF.

Is the device suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, the housing and connections are rated to IP67. Power is supplied by 4 AA alkaline batteries; optionally, rechargeable NiMH batteries can also be used, with a runtime of 145 to 190 hours depending on the configuration.

Can I retrofit further sensors at a later date?
Yes. As the device automatically recognises any compatible digital PONSEL sensor, the sensor set can be expanded as required, for example if additional measurement parameters are added.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1 ODEON Open One unit, supplied with 4 AA alkaline batteries as standard
• 1 digital PONSEL sensor with a 3 m, 7 m or 15 m cable, depending on the version selected
• 1 ODEON-PC connection cable (USB)
• Standard solutions, 125 ml, depending on the parameter
• Shock-resistant carrying case for up to 2 sensors, a PC cable and 4 bottles of standard solution
• ODEON Viewer PC software

The device operates out of the box using the 4 AA alkaline batteries supplied; according to the manufacturer, this set does not include a charger. For use with rechargeable batteries, the Rechargeable Battery ODEON accessory kit, comprising a charging cable and four NiMH rechargeable batteries, is available separately (reference NC-ACC-C-00001).

Regulatory information

As an electrical appliance, the ODEON Open One is subject to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). At the end of its useful life, the appliance must not be disposed of with household waste, but must be taken to a separate collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Individual requirements and procurement service

Our procurement service is here to assist you with additional sensors, replacement cables, standard solutions or setting up a shared sensor pool for multiple ODEON devices. We’d also be happy to discuss the right equipment with you if you have any questions about calibration accessories from our range of measurement technology or about comparing NEON, NEON OPEN and ODEON X.