MantaFluor Quick Start Guide

Connecting to Your MantaFluor

1. Connect the MantaFluor Communication Cable to the MantaFluor probe. Line up the 6 pins, push the probe and cable together, then thread the black cable coupling onto the probe until finger-tight. Only twist the black cable coupling. Attach the cable to the MantaMobile 2 via the 9-pin connector.

Only tighten using the black coupling

Connect Your MantaFluor Cable to Your MantaFluor Probe

MantaMobile 2

2. Press the power button to turn on the MantaMobile 2. After it powers on, it will show the battery status for 5 seconds. Solid green LEDs indicate battery status. After 5 seconds, the LEDs will flash blue to indicate “ready to pair”. Once the MantaMobile 2 is paired, the LEDs will turn solid blue for 5 seconds, then return to the battery life indicator. Five green LEDs indicate a full charge. Connect the MantaMobile 2 charger and recharge if needed (available through Solinst Eureka).
3. Launch the MantaFluor App on your display device. The MantaFluor App will open, and you will see a list of available devices. Select the MantaMobile you want to connect to.

4. Once you have selected your MantaFluor, the Home screen will display the name of the Fluorometer, its reading, and the temperature reading. The Last Sample time will also be displayed. Readings are refreshed every second.

Start Autosnap

Autosnap allows you to log data at a specified time interval.

Tap Start Autosnap to start recording data logs. You will hear a click each time the data is “snapped”, and the Start Autosnap icon will flash to indicate Autosnap is running. Tap Autosnap again to cease recording. One snap every second is the default setting.

To set the Autosnap Interval, go to the Settings menu. Scroll to select how often you want to record a snap. Tap Update and return to the Home screen.

Detail

Tap Detail to view information for the connected MantaFluor sensor and MantaMobile 2.

Sensor Details include the Last Calibration date and time, Serial Number and Firmware Version.

MantaMobile 2 Details include Bluetooth connection indication, Firmware Version, and the option to select Autoconnect the next time you connect the same MantaMobile 2.

Calibration

The MantaFluor has been calibrated before shipment and, depending on the fluorometer type and operating conditions, may not require recalibration for 6–12 months.

Deep-UV fluorometers may require more frequent calibration checks because excitation and emission filters may photobleach and LED performance may gradually deteriorate over time.

Each MantaFluor is factory-calibrated using a two-point calibration, typically zero and a known calibration standard. Because preparing standards using actual target materials, such as live algae or refined fuels, can be difficult, expensive, or require special handling, surrogate calibration standards are commonly used.

 
Review the following requirements to ensure accurate and repeatable calibration:

• Allow approximately 5 minutes for temperature equilibration after placing the sensor in the solution.
• Ensure the temperature sensor is completely submerged in the calibration solution.
• Maintain at least 10 cm (4 inches) of clearance between the sensor head and the bottom of the calibration container.
• Avoid containers with highly reflective bottoms or walls, such as glass beakers and certain plastics, which may interfere with fluorescence measurements.
• Perform calibration at room temperature, between 18–30°C (64–86°F).
• Allow the fluorometer to warm up for at least 10–15 minutes.
• Ensure the MantaFluor’s optical window is clean.
• Rinse with deionized (DI) water before each calibration point.
• Verify that the concentration of your calibration standard is accurate.

After reviewing the points above, to calibrate your MantaFluor sensor:

1. Place your MantaFluor sensor in the first calibration solution. Allow for temperature equilibration.
2. Tap Calibration in the MantaFluor App. Tap Start Calibration.
3. Enter the value of the first reference standard, or tap sync to use the real time reading from the sensor. Tap Next.
4. Rinse the probe with DI water and place in the second calibration standard. Allow temperature equilibration.
5. Enter the value of the second reference standard, or tap sync to use the real time reading from the sensor. Tap Next.
6. A pop-up message will indicate a successful calibration. Tap OK.

Calibration Logs

Each time you calibrate your MantaFluor a calibration log is stored on your device. To access the logs, tap Logs at the top right of the Calibration screen. Tap to expand the “three-dot “ flyout menu at the bottom left of the Logs screen to access the same functions as the Data menu. Tap the Share icon to export a CSV file of the calibration logs. You have the option to share logs from the current day only or all records. Sharing options will be the same as the Data options.

MantaFluor Field Notes

For good results, follow these best practices:

• Keep the probe head at least 10 cm or 4 inches away from any surface (e.g. lake or well bottom) when taking a measurement.
• Use of the Sensor Guard is recommended to protect the optical head of the Fluorometer. It is held in place by friction fit.
• Make sure the temperature sensor is completely submerged and not blocked.
• Allow for 5 minutes of temperature equilibration before taking your first reading, especially when moving your probe between temperature extremes.
• The operating temperature of the MantaFluor is 0–50ºC.

MantaFluor Maintenance

As with any monitoring project, you should select the proper equipment and determine a maintenance schedule based on the environment specific to your application.

• Cleaning the sensor – Rinse the sensor in fresh water following each deployment, ideally until it is completely clean again. Do not let the sensor come in contact with any organic solvents, such as acetone and methanol, or strong acids and bases.
• Cleaning the optics – Visually inspect the optical window after each deployment following a soaking in fresh water. Use optical tissue to clean the window with soapy water, if needed.
• Proper storage – When not in use, store the MantaFluor at temperature between 0 ºC and 50 ºC

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