Instruction manual
33 
Chapter 4  PhD Ultra Advanced 
Functions 
4.1  PhD Ultra advanced features 
overview 
PhD Ultra microprocessor circuitry makes a number 
of advanced features and capabilities possible. The 
four buttons located on the instrument keypad may 
be used to change alarm set-points, to change the 
kind or concentration of calibration gas used during 
auto-span calibration procedures, to assign an 
instrument ID number, or to make use of other PhD 
Ultra optional setup choices. 
Use of keypad buttons to setup or reprogram 
the PhD Ultra is reserved for authorized 
personnel. 
These techniques frequently require several buttons 
to be pressed and held at the same time. 
Caution: Do not press any combination of 
buttons other than those listed below. Doing so 
may result in the loss of stored data in the PhD 
Ultra’s datalogger memory. 
4.2  Setting alarm levels 
PhD Ultra gas alarms are user adjustable and may 
be set anywhere within the range of the sensor 
channel. When an alarm set point is exceeded a 
loud audible alarm sounds, and an individual bright 
red LED alarm light for each affected sensor blinks. 
PhD Ultra alarms are normally self-resetting. 
Alarms cease as soon as readings drop below the 
alarm set point. It is possible, if desired, to set PhD 
Ultra alarms so that they "latch". When an alarm 
occurs with the alarms latched the visual and 
audible alarms will continue even after the 
atmospheric hazard has cleared. The instrument 
must be manually reset by pressing the mode 
button. Pressing the mode button silences the 
alarms and returns the instrument to normal 
operation. 
Procedures for latching PhD Ultra alarms are 
given in Section 4.3. 
4.2.1  Alarm adjustment sequence 
Note: Factory default settings can be restored at 
any time during normal operation by using the 
procedures discussed in Section 4.2.2. 
In many cases it is possible to comply with OSHA 
guidelines while using higher alarm points than 
those used by Biosystems. It is important to note 
that the default alarm point settings in the PhD Ultra 
are very conservative in order to maximize worker 
safety. 
PhD Ultra default alarm setting are listed in 
Section 5 of Appendix B. 
To enter the “Alarm Adjust” mode: 
(1) Make sure the instrument is turned off. 
(2) Slide the belt clip towards the rear of the 
instrument to expose the four buttons on the 
instrument keypad. 
(3) While holding down the "Alarm" button, press 
the mode button to turn the PhD Ultra back on. 
The software version screen will be shown 
briefly. The screen will then show a number of 
screens to indicate that the instrument is loading 
sensor and instrument data. 
  Do not release the “Alarm” button until the 
"Adjust Alarms" message appears on the 
display screen. 
  This will be followed by a screen showing the 
first alarm point to be adjusted, which is typically 
the oxygen sensor alarm. 
  Note: Pressing the mode button at any time 
cancels the “Alarm Adjust” mode. The 
instrument will display a screen indicating 
“Adjust Alarms, Unchanged”. This screen 
will be followed by another announcing 
“Begin Shut Down, Please Wait”. The 
instrument will then turn itself off. 
(5) Press the “CAL” button to advance the display 
to the next available alarm adjustment option. 
(6) When the desired alarm adjustment has been 
reached, use the "+" and "-" keys to raise or 
lower the alarm setting. 
(7) When all alarm adjustments have been 
completed, press and hold the "Cal" button down 
until the screen advises you to “Release Button”. 
An information screen will indicate when alarm 
adjustment is complete. This screen will be 
followed by another announcing “Begin Shut Down, 
Please Wait”. The instrument will then turn itself 
off. 










