Introduction
The Milwaukee MA887 Digital Salinity Refractometer is a precision instrument designed for accurate measurement of salinity in various industrial applications. It features Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) and provides readings in Practical Salinity Units (PSU), parts per thousand (ppt), or Specific Gravity (S.G. (20/20)). This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your MA887 refractometer to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Product Overview
Figure 1: Front view of the Milwaukee MA887 Digital Salinity Refractometer, highlighting the display, READ, ZERO, and RANGE buttons, and the sample well.
Figure 2: Side view of the Milwaukee MA887, showing its compact design.
The MA887 is equipped with a Yellow LED display for clear readings and user-friendly buttons for operation and calibration. Its robust design ensures durability for laboratory and field use.
Setup
- Unboxing and Initial Inspection: Carefully remove the refractometer and any accessories from the packaging. Inspect the device for any signs of damage.
- Battery Installation: The MA887 requires one 9V battery (included). Locate the battery compartment on the underside of the device. Open the cover, insert the 9V battery, ensuring correct polarity, and close the cover securely.
- Initial Calibration: Before first use and periodically thereafter, the refractometer must be calibrated with distilled or deionized water.
- Ensure the prism and sample well are clean and dry.
- Place a few drops of distilled or deionized water onto the prism.
- Close the prism cover.
- Press the ZERO button. The display will show "CAL" then "END" when calibration is complete.
Figure 3: Example of distilled water and calibration solution, essential for accurate refractometer setup and use.
Operating Instructions
- Powering On: Press the ON/OFF button to turn on the device.
- Selecting Measurement Unit: Press the RANGE button to cycle through the available measurement units: PSU (Practical Salinity Units), ppt (parts per thousand), and S.G. (20/20) (Specific Gravity). The selected unit will be indicated on the display.
- Taking a Measurement:
- Ensure the prism and sample well are clean and dry.
- Place a few drops of the sample liquid onto the prism.
- Close the prism cover gently.
- Press the READ button. The measurement will be displayed within seconds.
- Record the reading as needed.
- Powering Off: Press the ON/OFF button again to turn off the device. The device will automatically shut off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery life.
Figure 4: Detailed view of the MA887's display and control buttons (READ, ZERO, RANGE, ON/OFF).
Maintenance
- Cleaning the Sample Well and Prism: After each measurement, clean the prism and sample well thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth or tissue. Use distilled water to rinse if necessary, then dry completely. Do not use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
- Storage: Store the refractometer in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep the prism cover closed to protect the prism from dust and scratches.
- Battery Replacement: When the battery indicator appears on the display, replace the 9V battery as described in the "Setup" section.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No display when powered on | Dead or incorrectly installed battery | Check battery polarity or replace the 9V battery. |
| Inaccurate readings | Dirty prism/sample well, improper calibration, or sample temperature not stabilized | Clean the prism and sample well. Perform calibration with distilled water. Allow sample to reach ambient temperature. |
| "Err" message on display | Measurement outside range or sensor issue | Ensure sample is within the specified measurement range. If problem persists, contact support. |
Specifications
- Model Number: MA887
- Measurement Range: 0 to 50 PSU
- Accuracy: ±2 PSU
- Resolution: 1 PSU
- Measurement Units: Practical Salinity Units (PSU), parts per thousand (ppt), Specific Gravity (S.G. (20/20))
- Temperature Compensation: Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)
- Display: Yellow LED
- Batteries: 1 x 9V battery (included)
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 3 inches (20.3 x 12.7 x 7.6 cm)
- Product Weight: 1.5 Pounds (0.68 kg)
Figure 5: Dimensions of the Milwaukee MA887 Digital Salinity Refractometer.
Warranty Information
Milwaukee Instruments products are manufactured to the highest quality standards and are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. Specific warranty terms and duration may vary by region and product. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Milwaukee Instruments website for detailed warranty information.
Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or service inquiries, please contact Milwaukee Instruments customer support. You can find contact information on their official website or through the retailer where you purchased the product.
Visit the Milwaukee Store on Amazon for more information and products.