Aqualabo NEON, portable measuring device with permanently attached digital sensor, IP67

Product information "Aqualabo NEON, portable measuring device with permanently attached digital sensor, IP67"

Anyone wishing to measure a single water parameter quickly and reliably in the field does not need a multi-parameter instrument with several connections, but rather a robust handheld meter with a permanently attached sensor. The Aqualabo NEON is exactly that: a portable single-parameter meter in which the selected digital sensor is permanently connected to the housing at the factory via a PG9 cable gland. Eight sensor variants measure, as required, oxygen, pH with or without redox potential, conductivity, turbidity, suspended solids or sludge level, each available with a 3-, 7- or 15-metre sensor cable. The ABS casing is IP67-rated, stores up to 30,000 measurement points and transfers them wirelessly to a PC via Wi-Fi.

Selection guide for the Aqualabo NEON: Select sensor and cable length

All 24 variants of the NEON share the same housing, display and memory, differing only in the factory-fitted sensor and cable length. The following overview matches each sensor option with the measurement task for which it is designed:

Optical oxygen, OPTOD stainless steel	Oxygen (mg/L, ppm, % saturation)	Standard application in fresh water and wastewater; optical measurement with no membrane wear
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 pH
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)	Point-source 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 determines only the operating distance between the housing and the sensor, not the measurement accuracy: the measurement specifications for each sensor are the same for all cable lengths, as stated in the data sheet.

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

Distinctions within the Aqualabo range of handheld measuring devices

The NEON is the entry-level model in the Aqualabo range of handheld measuring devices and differs from the other three series primarily in terms of the sensor connection. The Aqualabo NEON OPEN features a robust 6-pin metal connector with automatic sensor recognition instead of the PG9 screw connection, meaning the same base unit can be used with any compatible DIGISENS sensor, or optionally as a base unit without a sensor at all. The Aqualabo ODEON Open One and Aqualabo ODEON X handheld analysers also feature the interchangeable sensor connection: like the NEON and NEON OPEN, the ODEON Open One measures one parameter at a time and, according to the product range structure, covers only seven rather than eight sensor variants; the titanium version of the OPTOD oxygen sensor is not listed there. The ODEON X is additionally designed for the simultaneous operation of two sensors on a single housing, such as pH/redox/temperature together with conductivity. For those who only measure a single parameter on a permanent basis and do not plan to change sensors, the NEON offers the simplest and most cost-effective solution.

The following overview compares the four series based on their key differences:

Sensor connection	PG9 screw connection, permanently attached	6-pin plug connector, interchangeable	6-pin plug connector, interchangeable, automatic detection with self-diagnosis	2 × 6-pin connectors, interchangeable, automatic detection with self-diagnosis
Sensor channels	1	1	1	2
Display	LCD graphic display, size not specified	LCD graphics display, size not specified	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 GLP-compliant data records with sample, user and campaign IDs	8 MB, over 100,000 GLP-compliant data records 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	USB, ODEON Viewer PC software included

Anyone requiring more than just measurement – such as GLP-compliant documentation with sample, user and campaign IDs, significantly more storage space or included PC analysis software – is better served by the ODEON platform than by the NEON. On the other hand, anyone who only needs to read a single parameter in the field occasionally and does not need to document the data systematically will find the more compact NEON sufficient. For the simultaneous measurement of two parameters on a single device, the ODEON range also includes the two-channel ODEON X variant.

Use, calibration, maintenance and storage

The NEON is powered by three AA-type alkaline batteries, displays readings on a backlit LCD graphic display with five adjustable brightness levels, and uses a stability indicator to show when a reading is stable enough to be recorded. Recordings can be saved manually or automatically at selected time intervals; the automatic switch-off function can be set to 2, 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes, and for the NTU version, additionally to 120 minutes.

The calibration process varies in complexity depending on the sensor:

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 using 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 per cent

We also stock suitable calibration solutions for the PHEHT and PHT pH sensors individually as pH buffer solutions.

According to the manufacturer, the OPTOD optical oxygen sensor operates without the need for calibration during normal operation and without a membrane or electrolyte; the only recurring maintenance task is to replace the DOdisk cap every two years. For the PHEHT and PHT, the pH cartridge is the wear part; the manufacturer’s website recommends replacing it every 12 to 18 months. According to the manufacturer, the C4E conductivity sensor is considered maintenance-free, whilst the NTU turbidity sensor requires no consumables of its own. The MES5 and VB5 operate optically and require regular cleaning of the measuring optics to prevent measurement drift.

The housing is designed for a storage temperature of -10 to 60 degrees Celsius; the NEON operates between -5 and 50 degrees Celsius. The sensors themselves are protected against immersion to IP68 standard and, according to the data sheet, can withstand pressures of up to 5 bar. The three alkaline batteries must be removed prior to prolonged storage or disposal of the device and disposed of separately as battery waste.

Typical applications

Whether at the edge of a tank in an aquaculture facility or in a shaft at a municipal sewage treatment plant: the NEON delivers a stable reading within a few seconds and, thanks to its battery operation, can be used anywhere where there is no mains power supply.

Fish farming: RAS systems, ponds, offshore cages, aquaculture industry
Aquariums
Surface water and groundwater monitoring
Municipal wastewater treatment: inlet, aeration tank, outlet
Industrial wastewater treatment
Small-scale sewage treatment plants and decentralised sanitation technology

The NEON thus complements our range of laboratory and field measurement technology.

Investment rationale: single-parameter device or open platform

The NEON is designed purely as a single-parameter handheld measuring device: the sensor is permanently fitted at the factory, thereby eliminating a plug-in connection as a potential source of error, and the device remains more cost-effective than the open platform whilst offering comparable sensor capabilities. This design is worthwhile if only one parameter is measured on a permanent basis – for example, exclusively oxygen in fish farming or exclusively pH in wastewater monitoring – and no switch to other parameters is foreseeable. On the other hand, anyone wishing to measure several parameters in rotation or to replace the sensor as required without having to purchase a second housing will find the right solution in the open-platform Aqualabo NEON OPEN, which is also available as a base unit without a sensor. A switch to a different configuration is possible at any time: anyone who starts with a NEON and later expands their measurement requirements can purchase the open-platform base unit and retain their existing NEON as a standalone secondary unit for the original parameter.

Frequently asked questions about the Aqualabo NEON

Can I change the sensor on the NEON myself?
No. The sensor is permanently attached to the housing at the factory via the PG9 cable gland and cannot be replaced without tools. The open platform Aqualabo NEON OPEN is designed for a replaceable sensor connection.

What cable lengths are available, and does the length affect measurement accuracy?
The NEON is available with 3, 7 or 15 metre sensor cables. The cable length only determines the operating distance between the housing and the sensor; according to the data sheet, the measurement specifications are identical for all three lengths.

How is the measurement data read out?
Wirelessly to a PC via Wi-Fi. 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, recorded either on demand or automatically at a selectable time interval.

What batteries does the NEON require, and how long does a charge last?
Three AA (LR6) alkaline batteries. Without recording, they last between 648 and 850 hours, depending on the sensor variant; with one recording per minute, they last between 170 and 230 hours.

Is the NEON also suitable for use in seawater?
For corrosive and marine environments, the OPTOD Titan sensor variant features a titanium housing instead of 316L stainless steel, making it suitable for seawater monitoring and fish farming in saltwater.

What is included in the scope of delivery?
The NEON housing with the permanently attached sensor of the selected version, the appropriate calibration solutions, a laminated quick start guide and a carry bag.

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

Technical details

Device type	Portable single-parameter handheld meter
Display	Backlit LCD graphic display, 5 brightness levels
Sensor connection	PG9 cable gland, sensor permanently connected, cannot be replaced without tools
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 (NTU version also 120 mins)
Power supply	3 x 1.5 V AA batteries (alkaline, type LR6)
Operating time without recording	648 to 850 h, depending on sensor variant
Operating time with recording (1/min)	170 to 230 hours, depending on the sensor variant
Housing material	ABS
Dimensions (H x W x D)	146 x 88 x 33 mm
Weight (housing without sensor)	880 g
Protection rating (housing / sensors)	IP 67 / IP 68
Operating temperature (housing)	-5 to 50 °C
Storage temperature (housing)	-10 to 60 °C
Available sensor variants	OPTOD stainless steel, OPTOD titanium, PHEHT, PHT, C4E, NTU, MES5, VB5

Measuring ranges and accuracy by sensor variant (temperature measurement from 0.00 to 50.00 °C also available for all sensors):

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 -1000.0 to +1000.0 mV Accuracy: pH ±0.1; redox ±0.2 to ±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 2000 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 4000 NTU (5 ranges); 0 to 4500 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 per cent; turbidity ±5 per cent (200 to 4,000 FAU); sludge level ±2 per cent
Sludge level, VB5	0 to 100 per cent Accuracy: ±2 %

NEON housing with a factory-fitted sensor of the selected version, 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 selected variant
Calibration solutions suitable for the selected sensor
Laminated quick start guide
Carry case

A connection cable for the PC is not included and, according to the data sheet, is not provided for; data export takes place exclusively via Wi-Fi transfer.

Regulatory information

As an electrical appliance, the NEON is subject to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). At the end of its useful life, the device must not be disposed of with household waste but must be taken to a separate collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment. The three alkaline batteries must be removed before disposal and disposed of separately as battery waste.

Individual Requirements & Procurement Service

Our procurement service is here to assist you with additional calibration solutions, spare parts such as the DOdisk cap for the OPTOD sensor or the pH cartridge for the PHEHT sensor, as well as with any queries regarding the appropriate sensor variant. Those who prefer to work with a traditional, replaceable glass electrode will find the WTW ProfiLine pH 3310 – a tried-and-tested handheld meter from our range. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to switch to the NEON OPEN open platform at a later date.