Product Overview
The VTSYIQI VTS-160A Water Activity Meter is a portable device designed to measure the amount of free water in food products. This measurement is crucial for understanding food stability, the potential for microbial reproduction, and chemical, enzymatic, and physical changes that can affect food quality. It is commonly used to assess the dryness enduring ability of microorganisms. By accurately measuring water activity, users can make informed decisions regarding packaging, storage, and the reduction of preservatives, thereby extending the shelf life of various foods, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Weighing only 100 grams, the VTS-160A is lighter than a mobile phone, making it highly portable. It offers a precision of 0.02 aw, allowing for easy and accurate water activity measurements anytime and anywhere.
Figure 1: VTSYIQI Water Activity Meter VTS-160A and included accessories.
Setup
Before first use, ensure all components are present and undamaged. The standard accessories include the main unit, sample plate, carrying case, and operation manual.
- Unpack the water activity meter and its accessories from the carrying case.
- Verify that the sample plate is clean and free of debris.
- The device requires 2x1.5V AAA (Um-4) batteries. Open the battery cover on the back of the unit and insert the batteries, ensuring correct polarity.
Figure 2: Rear view of the VTS-160A, showing the battery compartment.
Operating Instructions
Follow these steps to measure water activity:
- Power On: Press the Power Key to switch on the device. The gauge will enter auto mode, ready to test water activity.
- Prepare Sample: Place the food sample into the provided sample plate.
- Measure: Cover the sample plate with the sensor of the water activity analyzer.
- Wait for Reading: Allow approximately 5 minutes for the reading to stabilize. The water activity value will be displayed on the LCD screen. For samples with water activity less than 0.25 or greater than 0.85, the minimum test time may extend to 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Power Off: After testing, press and hold the Power Key for about 3 seconds to turn off the gauge.
- Clean Up: Clean the sample plate thoroughly for next use.
Figure 3: The VTS-160A can be used to measure water activity in a wide range of food products, including fruits, vegetables, juices, and dough.
Video 1: Official operation video demonstrating the use of the VTSYIQI Water Activity Meter.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and accuracy of your water activity meter.
- Always clean the sample plate immediately after each use to prevent residue buildup.
- Store the device in its carrying case when not in use to protect it from dust and physical damage.
- Replace batteries when the low voltage alarm indicates.
Troubleshooting and Reading Correction
If you need to correct the reading value, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Power Key for approximately 7 seconds.
- Release the key when the signal 'Cor' appears on the display. A decimal number with two places will be shown, indicating the current correction value.
- To adjust the correction value, open the battery cover on the back. Locate the two small holes below the battery slot.
- Use a small, hard, non-conductive bar (such as a screwdriver) to gently touch the key inside the holes. This will increase or decrease the correction value. Refer to the operation manual for specific adjustment increments.
Figure 4: The VTS-160A features an auto reading correction function, detailed in the included manual.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 6-bit backlight LCD digital display (3-bit humidity aw, 3-bit temperature) |
| Range | 0~1.0aw |
| Resolution | ±0.01aw |
| Accuracy | ±0.02aw (Non-conductive humidity) |
| Sampling Time | 5 Minutes (typical) |
| Operating Condition (Temperature) | 0~50°C (32~122°F) |
| Operating Condition (Humidity) | <95%RH |
| Power Supply | 2x1.5V AAA (Um-4) Battery |
| Dimensions | 135x70x44mm |
| Weight | 100g (Not including batteries) |
| Model Number | VTSYIQI20250605856352VTSYIQI |
| Color | Grey |
| Material | SEE DESCRIPTION |
| Included Components | Detector |
Figure 5: The technical measuring display provides clear readings of water activity and temperature.
Figure 6: The VTS-160A offers optional Bluetooth and USB data output for PC connectivity.
Warranty Information
Specific warranty details are not provided in the available product information. Please refer to the product packaging or contact the manufacturer/seller directly for warranty terms and conditions.
Support and Additional Resources
For further assistance or additional information, please refer to the following resources:
- User Manual (PDF): Download User Manual
- Instructions for Use (IFU) (PDF): Download IFU
- User Guide (PDF): Download User Guide
- Installation Manual (PDF): Download Installation Manual
- Contact Seller: For direct support, you can visit the VTSYIQI Store on Amazon or contact VETUS INDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD.
