PyroScience FireSting-PRO Optical Multi-Analyte Meter
OVERVIEW
The compact USB-powered fiber-optic meter FireSting®-PRO with 1, 2, or 4 channels for multiple analytes and sensor heads features:
- freely configurable channels for O2, pH and temperature
- broad optical sensor portfolio (multiple fiber-based and contactless sensor heads for several ranges)
- with (ultra-)high speed sampling
- zero-noise and zero-latency temperature compensation
- improved ambient light suppression and
- smart measuring modes for prolonged sensor lifetime
- pH, oxygen and temperature determination simultaneously in one sample
This single-device solution for multi-analyte measurements has integrated atmospheric pressure and humidity sensors for precise and easy oxygen sensor calibration, but also for automatic pressure compensation of the oxygen measurements. Furthermore, the FireSting®-PRO offers 4 analog outputs and a broadcast-mode. The new innovative and user-friendly Pyro Workbench allows operation of several FireSting®-PRO meters in parallel as a scalable multi-channel system.
INTRODUCTION
The FireSting®-PRO comes with 1, 2, or 4 channels (optical sensor ST-connectors 1 to 4) for up to 4 fiber-optic sensors and one connector (T) for an external Pt100 temperature probe. The optical channel connectors are color coded, indicating the analyte (oxygen, pH or temperature), which is currently measured and can be changed for each channel. The air inlet equilibrates the internal temperature, pressure and humidity sensors with the surrounding. Avoid covering these holes to ensure free air circulation towards the internal sensors.
The micro-USB connector on the left side panel provides energy supply and data exchange with the PC. Right-hand side of it, a connector X1 for power and digital interface (7-pins) and a connector X2 for analog output (5 pins) is located. 
QUICKSTART
- Step 1: Download the correct software and manual from the downloads tab of your purchased device on www.pyroscience.com
- Step 2: Connect the FireSting®-PRO meter with the micro-USB cable to the Windows PC/laptop (Windows 7, 8, 10).
- Step 3: Connect appropriate PyroScience sensor(s) to the optical sensor connectors 1 to 4 at the device (see 4).
- Step 4: Connect an external temperature sensor (item no. TDIP15 or TSUB21) to the Pt100 connector or, alternatively, an optical temperature sensor (see 5) to one of the optical sensor connectors 1 to 4 for automatic temperature compensation.
- Step 5: Prepare appropriate calibration standards, as described in the respective sensor manuals (see 8).
- Step 6: Start the logger software by clicking on the short-cut “Pyro Workbench” on your desktop.
- Step 7: Open the Settings Wizard by clicking on the FireSting®-PRO picture. Select the respective analyte and enter all sensor settings for each sensor, including an appropriate mode of temperature compensation.
- Step 8: Open the Calibration Wizard and follow the calibration instructions for each sensor. Measurements with the respective sensors will start automatically after all required sensor calibrations have been performed.
- Step 9: Configure the Graphs according to your preferences.
- Step 10: Activate Data Logging.
CONNECTING SENSORS
The fiber-optic oxygen, pH and temperature sensors, as well as optical fibers needed for read-out of contactless sensors are connected to the ST-connectors of the FireSting®-PRO (1 to 4) with a male fiber plug.
- Remove the black caps from the plug of the sensor / fiber.
- Remove the red caps from the sensor ports at the FireSting®-PRO (the red caps should be put on again if it is not in use anymore to protect the optics).
- Insert the male fiber plug of the sensor cable into the ST-port (female fiber connector) of the FireSting®-PRO and turn the bayonet coupling gently clockwise until the plug is locked firmly.
OPTICAL SENSORS
The FireSting®-PRO is compatible with a broad range of optical oxygen, pH and temperature sensors from PyroScience. For an overview of available optical sensor types, please see the PyroScience website.
Fiber-optic Sensors
| Sensor | Item | Analyte | Application |
| Miniprobes | OXROB… | O2 | stirred water, gas |
| +PHROB … | pH | water & media | |
| Retractable Tip Minisensors | *OXR… | O2 | water, gas & semi-solid samples |
| TPR… | Temp. | ||
|
Fixed Tip Minisensors | *OXF… | O2 | water, gas & semi-solid samples (esp. seawater) |
| TPF… | Temp. | ||
| OXF…-PT | O2 | gas (puncturing septa/packaging) | |
| Bare Fiber Minisensors | OXB… | O2 | water, gas & custom |
| TPB… | Temp. | ||
|
Solvent-Resistant Probes | OXSOLV | O2 | approved polar and non-polar solvents |
| OXSOLV-PTS | O2 | approved solvent vapors |
*also as Microsensor; + different pH ranges; water=water, seawater, aqueous solutions
Contactless Sensors
| Sensor | Item | Analyte | Application |
| Nanoprobes | OXNANO | O2 | aqueous solutions & microfluidics |
|
Sensor Spots | OXSP5 | O2 | water & gas |
| TPSP5 | Temp. | ||
| *PHSP5… | pH | water & media | |
| Sensor Vials | OXVIAL… | O2 | water & gas |
| TOVIAL… | Temp. & O2 | ||
| +PHVIAL… | pH |
water & media | |
| +PHTVIAL… | Temp. & pH | ||
| +PHTOVIAL… | Temp. & pH & O2 | ||
|
Flow-Through Cells | OXFTC… | O2 |
water & gas |
| OXFTCR | |||
| TPFTC2 | Temp. | ||
| TOFTC2 | Temp. & O2 | ||
| +PHFTCR… | pH | water & media |
different pH ranges; water=water, seawater, aqueous solutions
Principle of contactless read-out of sensor spots and sensor vials
Examples of available sensor tips
- retractable microsensor
- fixed mini sensor with protected tip and with
- protruding sensor tip
- robust probe
EXTENSION PORT
The extension port of the FireSting®-PRO consists of the two connectors X1 and X2 (fitting connector plugs can be obtained from Phoenix Contact item no. 1778887 and 1778861). 
Connector X1 (Power, Digital Interface, Analog In)
The pin configuration of the connector X1 is given in the table below. Pins 1-2 (GND and VCC) can be used for providing an external power supply (3.5…5.0 VDC), if the FireSting®-PRO should not be powered via the USB port. The transmit and receive pins of the UART-interface are given at pins 4 (TXD) and 5 (RXD) (communication protocol on request). When using the UART-interface it is recommended to connect pin 3 (/USB_DISABLE) to pin 1 (GND), which disables the USB interface.Pin 6 (/PAUSE_BROADCAST) and Pin 7 (/TRIGIN) are related to the so called “broadcast mode” which can be configured in the PC control software (e.g., Pyro Workbench or Pyro Developer Tool). During broadcast mode, the device triggers itself periodic measurements which can be read out from the analog outputs or from a text message transmitted via the USB/UART interface. For more details refer to the manual of the respective control software are to the communication protocol (available on request). Pin 7 (/TRIGIN) acts as a trigger input for the broadcast mode. Note, the option “Enable Trigin” must be enabled in the broadcast settings in the control software. Every time this pin is connected to pin 1 (GND) then an additional broadcast measurement is triggered. Pin 6 (/PAUSE_BROADCAST) acts as a master switch of the broadcast mode. As long this pin is tied to pin 1 (GND), then the broadcast mode is paused. Neither periodic broadcast measurements, nor triggered broadcast measurements are performed.
| Pin | Name | Function | Description |
| 1 | GND | Power | Ground |
| 2 | VCC | Power | Power supply, 3.5V to 5.0V DC max. 70 mA (typ. 40 mA) |
| 3 | /USB_DISABLE | Digital Input | Connect to GND for disabling the USB interface |
| 4 | TXD | Digital Output (UART TX) | UART interface with 3.3V levels (5V tolerant), baud rate 115200, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no handshake |
| 5 | RXD | Digital Input (UART RX) | UART interface with 3.3V levels (5V tolerant), baud rate 115200, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no handshake |
| 6 | /PAUSE_ BROADCAST | Digital Input (0V or 3.3V, internally pulled-up to 3.3V) | Connect to GND for pausing any broadcast-mode operation. |
| 7 | /TRIGIN | Digital Input (0V or 3.3V, internally pulled-up to 3.3V) | Triggers a broadcast measurement every time, when this pin is tied to GND. |
Connector X2 (Analog Output)
The connector X2 provides 4 analog outputs with a range of 0-2.5V DC at a resolution of 14 bits (see table below). Refer to the Pyro Workbench manual how to configure the analog outputs.
| Pin | Name | Function | Description |
| 1 | GND | Ground | |
| 2 | AO_A | Analog Output (0 – 2.5 V DC) (14-bit resolution) | Analog Output Port A (alternatively digital alarm output) |
| 3 | AO_B | Analog Output (0 – 2.5 V DC) (14-bit resolution) | Analog Output Port B (alternatively digital alarm output) |
| 4 | AO_C | Analog Output (0 – 2.5 V DC) (14-bit resolution) | Analog Output Port C (alternatively digital alarm output) |
| 5 | AO_D | Analog Output (0 – 2.5 V DC) (14-bit resolution) | Analog Output Port D (alternatively digital alarm output) |
SPECIFICATIONS
| Feature | Specification |
| Dimensions | 68 x 120 x 22 mm (housing) 78 x 120 x 24 (total) |
| Weight | ca. 290 g |
| Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Power supply | USB-powered (max 50mA at 5V) |
| Supported operating systems | Windows 7, 8, 10 |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 50°C |
| Max. relative humidity | non-condensing conditions |
| Optical sensor port | 1, 2, or 4 (dependent on model) |
| Optical sensors | complete PyroScience sensor portfolio for O2, pH & T |
| Optical sensor connector | fiber-optic ST-plug |
| Max. sample rate | ca. 10 samples per second (depending on Settings) |
| External temperature port Range, Resolution, Accuracy* | 1 channel for 4-wire Pt100 -30°C to 150°C, 0.02°C, ±0.5°C |
| Internal temperature sensor Range, Resolution, Accuracy* | -40 to 125°C, 0.01°C, ±0.3°C |
| Internal pressure sensor Range, Resolution, Accuracy | 300 to 1100 mbar, 0.1 mbar, typ. ±3 mbar |
| Internal humidity sensor Range, Resolution, Accuracy | 0 to 100% rel. humidity (RH), 0.04% RH, typ. ±0.2% RH |
| Digital interface at extension port X1 (7 pins) | UART with 3.3V levels (5V tolerant), 115 200 baud, 8 data bit, 1 stop bit, no parity, no handshake |
| Connector plug port X1 | Phoenix Contact, item no. 1778887 |
| Analog output (4 channels) at extension port X2 (5 pins) | 0 to 2.5 VDC 14-bit resolution |
| Connector plug port X2 | Phoenix Contact, item no. 1778861 |
Detailed instructions for using the Pyro Workbench and application of optical oxygen, pH and temperature sensors:
- manual for logger software “Pyro Workbench” (Windows)
- manuals for optical sensors from PyroScience (oxygen, pH, temperature)
WARNINGS & SAFETY GUIDELINES
Before using the FireSting®-PRO and its sensors, read carefully the instructions and user manuals.
In case of problems or damage, disconnect the instrument and mark it to prevent any further use! Consult PyroScience for advice! There are no serviceable parts inside the device. Please note that opening the housing will void the warranty! The FireSting®-PRO is not watertight, is sensitive to corrosive conditions and to changes in temperature causing condensation. Avoid any condition (e.g. direct sun light) causing a heating of the device above 50°C (122°F) or below 0°C (32°F). Avoid any elevated humidity causing condensing conditions.
Handle the sensors with care especially after removal of the protective cap! Prevent mechanical stress to the fragile sensing tip! Prevent injuries with needle-type sensors!
Calibration and application of the sensors is on the user’s authority, as well as data acquisition, treatment & publication!
The optical sensors and meter FireSting®-PRO are not intended for medical, diagnostic, therapeutic, or military purposes or any other safety-critical applications. The sensors must not be used for applications in humans and must not be brought in direct contact with foods intended for consumption by humans.
The FireSting®-PRO and optical sensors should be used in the laboratory by qualified personnel only, following the user instructions and the safety guidelines of the manual, as well as the appropriate laws and guidelines for safety in the laboratory! Keep the sensors and the fiber-optic meter FireSting®-PRO out of reach of children!
CONTACT
PyroScience GmbH Hubertusstraße 35 52064 Aachen Deutschland
Tel.: +49 (0)241 5183 2210 Fax: +49 (0)241 5183 2299 [email protected] www.pyroscience.com
Sensor technology - PyroScience GmbH
