DR900 Multiparameter Portable Colorimeter | HACH

Q1: What are the official technical specifications of the Hach DR900 Colorimeter?

Answer: Official manufacturer technical specifications from Hach include:

• Model: DR900 Multiparameter Portable LED Colorimeter (Product No. 9385100).

• Wavelength Range: 420 nm, 520 nm, 560 nm, and 610 nm with automatic wavelength selection.

• Light Source & Detector: Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp with a silicon photodiode detector.

• Photometric Range: 0 to 2 Abs.

• Photometric Accuracy: +/- 0.03 Abs.

• Enclosure Rating: IP67 waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant construction.

• Data Storage: Logs up to 500 measurements (Result, Date, Time, Sample ID, User ID).

• Data Interface: USB mini IP67 connector for PC data transfer.

• Power Supply: 4 x AA alkaline batteries (or 4 x NiMH rechargeable batteries with external charger).

• Battery Life: Approx. 6 months typical (at 5 readings/day without backlight).

• Dimensions & Weight: 231 x 96 x 48 mm; Net Weight: 0.6 kg (1.3 lbs) with batteries installed.

Q2: What general market pricing and local supplier options apply in Bangladesh (BD)?

Answer: Globally, the list price of a Hach DR900 standard kit is approximately USD $2,400.00+. In Bangladesh (BD), import duties, shipping, and tax typically bring the local procurement price between BDT 2,80,000 and BDT 3,50,000+ depending on included reagent pillow packages, carrying cases, or COD digestion accessories. For local availability, stock status, official government tenders, and institutional sales in Bangladesh, contact authorized laboratory distributors such as Federal Scientific Mart (fsm.com.bd).

Q3: What is the standard manufacturer warranty period and service coverage for the DR900?

Answer: The Hach DR900 comes standard with a 6-month factory warranty (T&C apply) covering defects in materials and manufacturing workmanship. Local authorized distributors provide extended service contracts, optical calibration validation, spare parts replacement (such as cell compartment seals and USB dust caps), and technical field assistance.

Q4: What is the primary difference between the Hach DR900 Colorimeter and the Hach DR1900 Spectrophotometer?

Answer:

• Optical System: The DR900 is an LED colorimeter operating at 4 discrete fixed wavelengths (420, 520, 560, 610 nm). The DR1900 is a full-spectrum portable spectrophotometer covering a continuous wavelength range from 340 to 800 nm using a Xenon flash lamp.

• Method Compatibility: The DR900 supports over 90 pre-programmed standard water testing parameters. The DR1900 supports over 220 pre-programmed methods, including UV-spectrum testing (e.g., Nitrate at 275 nm) and custom multi-wavelength user calibrations.

• Application Scope: The DR900 is engineered for rugged daily field routine testing, whereas the DR1900 is designed for complex field analytical chemistry and lab-grade custom methods.

Q5: How many pre-programmed water testing methods are included on the DR900?

Answer: The DR900 comes pre-installed with over 90 of the most common water quality testing methods. Key parameters include Free and Total Chlorine, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammonia, Iron, Manganese, Nitrate, Nitrite, Fluoride, Phosphate, Sulfate, pH (colorimetric), and absorptometric Turbidity. It also supports up to 10 custom user-defined programs.

Q6: How does the "Favorites" shortcut feature save time in field operations?

Answer: The DR900 allows operators to store their most frequently used testing procedures in a dedicated Favorites menu. This enables users to recall standard testing routines in fewer than 4 button clicks, bypassing manual navigation through the main method catalog.

Q7: Which sample cells and vials are compatible with the DR900 cell compartment?

Answer: The DR900 sample compartment natively holds 1-inch (25 mm) round glass cells (with 10, 20, and 25 mL graduation marks) and 1 cm / 10 mL plastic cells. By inserting the included 16-mm adapter, the instrument also accepts 16-mm round glass vials, such as Hach TNT (Test 'N Tube) vials for COD and heavy metal analysis.

Q8: How do you operate and execute a sample reading on the DR900 step-by-step?

Answer:

1. Press the Power button and select the target method (e.g., 80 Chlorine, F&T PP) from PROGRAMS or FAVORITES.

2. Fill a clean 1-inch sample cell with sample water (the blank), wipe the glass exterior, and insert it into the sample holder aligning the orientation mark.

3. Press ZERO; the display shows 0.00 mg/L.

4. Add the designated reagent pillow to the sample, react for the required time, wipe the cell, and insert it into the cell holder.

5. Press READ; the instrument displays the final concentration value directly on the backlit LCD screen.

Q9: How do you transfer logged test results from the DR900 to a computer?

Answer:

1. Connect the provided USB Mini-to-USB Cable to the IP67 mini-USB port on the DR900 and plug it into a Windows PC.

2. Power on the instrument; it mounts as a mass storage drive or communicates via Hach Data Transfer software.

3. Export stored logs (up to 500 tests) directly into CSV, TXT, or XML formats for insertion into LIMS or spreadsheet software.

Q10: What is included in the standard box when purchasing a Hach DR900?

Answer: The standard factory package includes:

• DR900 Portable Colorimeter.

• 2 x 1-inch (25 mm) glass sample cells marked at 10, 20, and 25 mL.

• 2 x 1 cm / 10 mL plastic sample cells.

• 1 x 16-mm COD / Test 'N Tube adapter.

• 4 x AA alkaline batteries.

• USB Mini to USB Cable.

• Printed multilingual instrument manual.

Q11: What routine maintenance ensures long-term accuracy and waterproofing?

Answer:

• Gasket & Seal Care: Inspect the battery compartment cover O-ring periodically and ensure the cover is properly screwed down to maintain the IP67 waterproof seal.

• Cell Compartment Cleaning: Keep the optical compartment clean and dry. Clean liquid spills immediately using a soft cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.

• Optical Verification: Periodically check photometric accuracy using Hach SpecCheck Secondary Gel Standards (e.g., Chlorine or Fluoride sets).

Q12: Why purchase Hach laboratory and field equipment from Federal Scientific Mart (fsm.com.bd)?

Answer: Purchasing through Federal Scientific Mart guarantees:

• Genuine Original Products: Authentic Hach instruments, certified reagent pillows, and official replacement cell accessories.

• Local Technical Support: On-site operator training, calibration checks, and local warranty handling in Bangladesh.

• Nationwide Shipping: Fast and safe delivery across Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barisal, Rangpur, and all industrial zones in BD.