Atago PAL-22S Digital Hand-Held Pocket Honey Refractometer User Manual

1. Introduction

The Atago 4422 PAL-22S is a compact, portable digital refractometer designed specifically for measuring the moisture content in honey. This device provides quick and accurate readings, essential for quality control in honey production. It features automatic temperature compensation (ATC) for reliable measurements across varying ambient temperatures and an LED display with External Light Interference (ELI) technology to ensure accuracy even in bright conditions. Its robust, water-resistant design makes it suitable for field use.

Image: The Atago PAL-22S refractometer, showing its digital display, START and ZERO buttons, and the prism area at the top. The display shows "16.9%" honey moisture.

2. What's in the Box?

Upon opening the package, please verify that all the following items are included:

• Atago 4422 PAL-22S Refractometer
• Rigid plastic storage case
• AAA batteries (2)
• Instruction Manual (this document)

3. Setup

3.1. Battery Installation

The PAL-22S operates on two AAA batteries. To install or replace batteries:

1. Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the unit.
2. Slide or unclip the cover to open.
3. Insert two AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
4. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

3.2. Initial Calibration

The unit is factory-calibrated. However, it is recommended to perform a zero-point calibration before first use and periodically thereafter to ensure accuracy. Use distilled water for calibration.

1. Ensure the prism surface is clean and dry.
2. Apply approximately 0.3ml of distilled water to the prism surface. Ensure the water covers the entire prism.
3. Wait a few moments for the distilled water to equalize to the prism's temperature.
4. Press the ZERO button. The display will show "0.0%" or similar confirmation of successful calibration.
5. Wipe the distilled water off the prism with a soft, clean cloth.

Note: Calibration with tap water is possible, but distilled water provides the most accurate zero reference.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1. Taking a Measurement

Follow these steps to measure the moisture content of honey:

1. Ensure the prism surface and sample well are clean and dry.
2. Apply approximately 0.3ml of the honey sample onto the prism surface. Ensure the sample completely covers the prism and reaches the metal sides of the sample well for proper temperature equalization. Avoid air bubbles.
3. Wait 5-10 minutes for the honey sample to equalize to the prism's temperature. This is crucial for accurate readings, especially with viscous samples like honey.
4. Press the START button.
5. The measurement will be displayed within three seconds. The display will show the honey moisture percentage and temperature.
6. Observe the ELI (External Light Interference) alert. If the ELI indicator appears, it means there is too much ambient light (e.g., direct sunlight) interfering with the measurement. Move to a less brightly lit area or shield the prism from direct light and re-measure.
7. Record your reading if necessary.
8. Immediately after measurement, clean the prism and sample well thoroughly.

4.2. Understanding Readings

The PAL-22S displays honey moisture content in percentage (%). The measurement range is 12.0% to 30.0% honey moisture. The device also displays the sample temperature in degrees Celsius.

5. Maintenance

5.1. Cleaning

Proper cleaning is essential for maintaining the accuracy and longevity of your refractometer.

• After each measurement, gently wipe the prism surface and sample well with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth or tissue.
• For sticky residues like honey, a small amount of warm water can be used to dissolve the sample. Rinse the prism surface carefully with a minimal amount of water.
• The unit is IP-65 rated, meaning it is protected against dust and water jets. You can rinse the prism area, but do not submerge the entire unit in water.
• Ensure the prism and sample well are completely dry before storing the unit.

5.2. Storage

Store the refractometer in its rigid plastic storage case when not in use. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

5.3. Battery Replacement

Replace batteries when the low battery indicator appears on the display. Refer to Section 3.1 for battery installation instructions.

6. Troubleshooting

7. Specifications

• Measurement Scale Range: Honey moisture 12.0 to 30.0%
• Specimen Measurement Temperature Range: 10.0 to 40.0 degrees C
• Accuracy: Honey moisture ± 0.2%, Temperature ± 1 degrees C
• Resolution: Honey moisture 0.1%, Temperature 0.1 degrees C
• Ambient Temperature for Unit Operation: 10 to 40 degrees C
• Sample Volume: 0.3ml
• Measurement Time: Three seconds
• Body Type: ABS resin, IP-65 rated
• Power Supply: Two AAA batteries (included)
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 109 x 55 x 31mm
• Weight: 100g

8. Warranty Information

The Atago 4422 PAL-22S Digital Hand-Held Pocket Honey Refractometer comes with a limited two-year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage resulting from misuse, accident, unauthorized modification, or improper maintenance. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

9. Support and Contact

For technical support, service, or inquiries regarding your Atago PAL-22S refractometer, please contact Atago customer service. Refer to the official Atago website or the contact information provided with your product packaging for the most current support details.

Atago Co., Ltd. manufactures analytical instruments that comply with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) system standards, and many International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.