aichose 0-80% Brix Refractometer User Manual

1. Introduction

The aichose 0-80% Brix Refractometer is a precision optical instrument designed for accurately measuring the sugar content (Brix) in various liquids. This device is ideal for use with fruits, honey, maple syrup, and other sugary beverages. Its robust construction and automatic temperature compensation (ATC) feature ensure reliable readings across a range of temperatures, making it a valuable tool for home cooks, artisans, and professionals alike.

aichose 0-80% Brix Refractometer and its blue protective case — Figure 1.1: The aichose 0-80% Brix Refractometer with its protective carrying case.

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your refractometer to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

2. Product Components

Your aichose refractometer kit includes the following items:

0-80% Brix Refractometer
Firm Plastic Carrying Case
Cleaning Cloth
Screwdriver (for calibration)
Pipettes (for sample application)
User Manual (this document)

Contents of the refractometer kit including the refractometer, case, cleaning cloth, screwdriver, and pipettes. — Figure 2.1: All items included in the aichose refractometer kit.

Familiarize yourself with the main parts of the refractometer:

Diagram showing the parts of the refractometer: Daylight Plate, Main Prism Assembly, Calibration Screw, Rubber Grip, Eyepiece, Focus Adjustment. — Figure 2.2: Labeled diagram of the refractometer's components.

Daylight Plate: Covers the prism and spreads the sample.
Main Prism Assembly: Where the liquid sample is placed for measurement.
Calibration Screw: Used to adjust the zero point for accurate readings.
Rubber Grip: Provides a secure and comfortable hold.
Eyepiece: Where you look to read the scale.
Focus Adjustment: Rotates to bring the scale into clear focus.

3. Setup and Calibration

Before first use, or if you suspect inaccurate readings, the refractometer should be calibrated. Calibration ensures the device provides precise measurements.

Calibration Steps:

Clean the Prism: Using the provided cleaning cloth, gently wipe the main prism assembly and the inner surface of the daylight plate. Ensure they are completely dry and free of dust or residue.
Apply Distilled Water: Open the daylight plate. Using a pipette, place 2-3 drops of distilled water onto the main prism assembly. Close the daylight plate gently, ensuring the water spreads evenly without air bubbles.
Observe the Scale: Point the refractometer towards a bright light source (e.g., daylight, but not direct sunlight). Look through the eyepiece. You will see a circular field with a blue and white boundary.
Adjust to Zero: If the boundary is not exactly at the "0" mark on the Brix scale, use the small screwdriver to turn the calibration screw until the blue/white boundary aligns precisely with the "0" line.
Clean After Calibration: After calibration, wipe the prism and daylight plate clean with the cloth.

Three-step diagram showing how to calibrate and use the refractometer: 1. Calibrate with distilled water to 0. 2. Place liquid sample on prism. 3. Look into eyepiece to read the result. — Figure 3.1: Visual guide for calibration and sample measurement.

Note: The refractometer features Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC), which means it automatically adjusts for temperature changes between 50°F to 86°F (10°C to 30°C). This ensures accurate readings without needing to wait for samples to reach a specific temperature.

4. Operating Instructions

Once calibrated, your refractometer is ready for use.

Measurement Steps:

Prepare Sample: Ensure the liquid to be tested is well-mixed and free of large particles.
Apply Sample: Open the daylight plate. Using a clean pipette, place 2-3 drops of the liquid sample onto the main prism assembly. Close the daylight plate gently, ensuring the liquid spreads evenly across the prism surface without air bubbles.
Read the Scale: Point the refractometer towards a bright light source. Look through the eyepiece. Rotate the focus adjustment ring until the scale is clear. The reading is taken at the point where the blue and white boundary crosses the Brix % scale.
Record Reading: Note down the value indicated by the boundary line. This is your Brix percentage.
Clean After Use: Immediately after each measurement, clean the prism and daylight plate thoroughly with the cleaning cloth and a small amount of distilled water if necessary. Dry completely.

Close-up view of the refractometer's internal Brix scale, showing a blue and white boundary indicating a reading. — Figure 4.1: Example of the Brix scale as seen through the eyepiece.

Applications: This refractometer is suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

Measuring sugar content in fruits and vegetables.
Checking the ripeness of fruit before harvest.
Monitoring sugar levels in honey and maple syrup production.
Testing sugar concentration in various beverages and jams.

Collage of images showing various food and drink items like beer, juice, fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, and pancakes, illustrating the refractometer's applications. — Figure 4.2: Diverse applications of the refractometer in food and beverage.

5. Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of your refractometer and ensure continued accuracy.

Cleaning: Always clean the prism and daylight plate immediately after each use. Use the provided soft cleaning cloth. For sticky or sugary residues, a small amount of distilled water can be used, followed by thorough drying. Do not use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
Storage: Store the refractometer in its protective plastic case when not in use. Keep it in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Handling: Handle the instrument with care. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to strong impacts, as this can damage the precision optics.
Avoid Immersion: Do not immerse the refractometer in water or any other liquid. It is not waterproof.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your refractometer, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Inaccurate Readings	Not calibrated; dirty prism/daylight plate; incorrect sample application.	Recalibrate to "0" with distilled water. Clean prism and daylight plate thoroughly. Ensure sample spreads evenly without air bubbles.
Blurry Scale	Eyepiece out of focus; insufficient light; dirty eyepiece lens.	Rotate the focus adjustment ring. Ensure adequate light source. Gently clean the eyepiece lens with a soft cloth.
Blue/White Boundary Not Clear	Insufficient sample; air bubbles in sample; prism not clean.	Apply 2-3 drops of sample. Reapply sample, ensuring no air bubbles. Clean prism thoroughly.

If problems persist, please contact customer support.

7. Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brix Range	0-80%
Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)	10°C - 30°C (50°F - 86°F)
Model Number	SR0028BE
Item Weight	8.8 Ounces
Package Dimensions	8.1 x 3.4 x 2.2 inches
Manufacturer	XDC Co,.Ltd.
Country of Origin	China

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the contact details provided on the product packaging or the official aichose website. Please have your model number (SR0028BE) and purchase date ready when contacting support.

Note on Videos: No official product videos from the seller were available for embedding in this manual. Videos from third-party influencers are not included to maintain the informational tone and focus on seller-provided content.

aichose SR0028BE