Trilogy Laboratory Fluorometer FAQ

How do I know what module to select on the Trilogy GUI?

Fortunately this is easy and straightforward to answer. Each Trilogy module has information on the label that needs to be input into the Trilogy GUI (Graphical User Interface) telling the Trilogy what module is being used. The Trilogy then accesses programming to define the LED power requirements and adjusts the LED current drive appropriately. Even the development kit and most custom modules will list the GUI Selection on the label. If not, you can contact support@turnerdesigns.com for assistance. For the Development Kit you should select the option that is determined by the specific LED you are using. Whether you are setting up the Trilogy for the first time or changing modules and applications, this information is required.

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I was reading a sample and now my Trilogy has a blank screen and is non responsive. What can I do?

The sample may have oversaturated the detector. Power off the Trilogy, then wait for 5 seconds and reapply the power.

The Trilogy does not seem to be communicating with the computer. What can I do?

There are several things you can check to troubleshoot communication problems.
• Make sure no other programs are using the serial port that the Trilogy is connected to.
• Using a terminal program such as HyperTerminal open a new file and configure the settings for 9600, 8, none and 1. The flow control should be set to none. Save this file.

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After you have completed this make a measurement and the data should be displayed in the terminal program window.
• Also check that you are using the appropriate cable and that both ends are connected. If you are using a newer computer that only has a USB port make sure that your USB to serial adapter has the proper drivers installed and operating. You can refer to the Trilogy Cable Guide for recommendations of a serial adaptor.

What cuvette or sample vial do I need to use for my application?

Please refer to the Trilogy Optical Specification Guide for a listing of suggestions by application.

What method does the Trilogy use for Chlorophyll Acidification and Non-Acidification calculations?

When in direct concentration mode the following calculations will be used to calculate corrected chlorophyll and pheophytin a values for the acidification method and the corrected chlorophyll values for the non-acidification method.

Acidification Method

I. Variables stored during calibration phase of fluorometer

Cstand[1]    = Concentration of standard 1
Fblank        = Fluorescence of Blank value
Fstand[1],B = Fluorescence of standard 1 before acidification
Fstand[1],A = Fluorescence of standard 1 after acidification
Fm            = Acidification Ratio = (Fstand[1],B – Fblank) / (Fstand[1],A – Fblank)

(Note: If using more than one standard for calibration take only pre-acidification readings
for standards 2-5)

II. Variables required from the sample analysis phase

Fsamp,B    = Fluorescence of sample before acidification
Fsamp,A      = Fluorescence of sample after acidification
Vsolvent      = Volume of solvent used to extract sample
Vwater      = Volume of water filtered

III. Interpolation equation used in end calculation of chlorophyll and pheophytin a concentrations

Interp,B        = Cstand[1] * (Fsamp,B - Fblank) / (Fstand[1],B - Fblank)
Interp,A       = Cstand[1] * (Fsamp,A - Fblank) / (Fstand[1],B - Fblank)

IV. End calculation for corrected chlorophyll and pheophytin a

Chlorophyll a concentration = [Fm/(Fm-1)] * (Interp,B - Interp,A) * (Vsolvent/ Vwater)
Pheophytin a concentration = [Fm/(Fm-1)] * [(Fm * Interp,A) - Interp,B] * (Vsolvent/ Vwater)

V. End calculation for corrected chlorophyll a (Non-Acidification Method)

Chlorophyll a concentration = (Interp,B - Interp,A) * (Vsolvent/ Vwater)

(Note: Calibration values from the Acidification Method calibration curve can be used for calculating chlorophyll a concentrations from samples processed using Non-Acidification Method)

What are the optical specifications for the application modules available for the Trilogy?

Please refer to the Trilogy Optical Specification Guide for information regarding filters, LED’s, linear range and MDL by application.

Can you provide me some information on how the Trilogy absorbance modules work?

Please refer to the following document for an overview of absorbance.
http://www.turnerdesigns.com/t2/doc/appnotes/S-0141.pdf

What is the Minimum Detection Limit for the Trilogy phosphorus module?

0.033 µM or 0.033 micromoles/Liter, which is equivalent to 1 µg/L.

What is the Turner Designs Development Kit and how does it work?

The Turner Designs Development Kit P/N 7200-080 allows user the flexibility to design their own modules. Please refer to the manual for further information.

What turbidity standards should I use to calibrate the Trilogy?

GFS Chemicals has developed and certified new turbidity standards that are specifically engineered for optimal performance of Turner Designs instruments. The Trilogy has specific primary turbidity standards that should be used when calibrating.

10 NTU - GFS Part Number 8502
100 NTU - GFS Part Number 8503

GFS Chemicals Inc.
3041 Home Road, Powell, OH 43065
Via Phone:
Tel 877-534-0795
Amco Clear Water Analysis Division GFS Chemicals Inc.

I received the following error, “N700 voltage too low” on my Trilogy. What does it mean?

One of the possible causes for this error is dirty or noisy AC power. In some cases, this error can be eliminated by using a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or other power line conditioner that can help to correct poor power line conditions.