VIVOSUN Digital pH Meter and TDS EC Meter Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the VIVOSUN Digital pH Meter and TDS EC Meter. This combo kit provides accurate and reliable measurements for pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), and temperature in various water applications. This manual will guide you through the proper setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new meters to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

These meters are ideal for testing water quality in hydroponics systems, aquariums, swimming pools, spas, RO systems, and for monitoring drinking water safety.

Image: VIVOSUN Digital pH Meter and TDS EC Meter Combo Kit. The image shows both the black pH meter and the white TDS & EC meter side-by-side, highlighting their compact design.

Product Components

Your VIVOSUN Digital pH Meter and TDS EC Meter kit includes the following:

• 1 x Digital pH Meter (Model PH5)
• 1 x Digital TDS EC Meter (Model A5)
• pH Buffer Powder Packs (for calibration)
• User Manual
• Additional Batteries (CR2032 Button Cell)

Key Features:

• High Accuracy pH Tester: Measures pH from 0.00 to 14.00 with 0.01 pH resolution and ±0.1 pH accuracy. Features one-touch automatic calibration.
• 3-in-1 TDS Tester: Accurately measures TDS (0-9999 ppm), EC (0-9999 µS/cm), and temperature (0.1-80°C / 32-176°F).
• Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC): Adjusts readings for water temperature variations to ensure accuracy.
• User-Friendly Features: Large backlit LCD screens, hold function, memory function, 60s backlight auto-off, 5min auto-shutdown.
• Compact & Portable: Pen-style design for easy handling and storage.

Setup

1. Battery Installation

The meters typically come with batteries pre-installed. If replacement is needed, gently slide open the battery compartment cover and insert two CR2032 button cell batteries, observing polarity. Close the compartment securely.

2. pH Meter Calibration

For accurate pH readings, calibration is essential. The pH meter supports one-point, two-point, or three-point calibration.

1. Prepare the buffer solutions: Dissolve the provided pH 4.00, pH 6.86, and pH 9.18 buffer powders in 250ml of distilled water each.
2. Turn on the pH meter by pressing the 'ON/OFF' button.
3. Immerse the electrode into the pH 6.86 buffer solution (at 25°C).
4. Press and hold the 'CAL' button for 5 seconds until the display flashes 'CAL' and then '6.86'. Release the button. The meter will automatically calibrate. Wait for the reading to stabilize and display 'END' before returning to measurement mode.
5. Rinse the electrode with distilled water.
6. For two-point calibration, immerse the electrode into pH 4.00 buffer solution. Press and hold 'CAL' until it flashes 'CAL' and then '4.00'. Wait for 'END'.
7. For three-point calibration, repeat the process with pH 9.18 buffer solution after calibrating with pH 4.00.

Image: VIVOSUN pH Meter. This image highlights the pH meter's display, buttons (ON/OFF, CAL, HOLD), and specifications like 0.01 pH resolution and ±0.1 pH accuracy.

3. TDS EC Meter Calibration

The TDS EC meter is factory calibrated for 1413 µS/cm. If recalibration is needed, you will require a 1413 µS/cm EC standard solution (not included in all kits). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific calibration solution.

Image: VIVOSUN TDS & EC Meter. This image displays the TDS & EC meter's screen showing different modes (ppm, µS/cm, temperature) and buttons (ON/OFF, MODE, HOLD/CAL).

Operating Instructions

General Operation for Both Meters

1. Remove the protective cap from the electrode.
2. Rinse the electrode with distilled water before and after each use.
3. Press the 'ON/OFF' button to turn on the meter.
4. Immerse the electrode into the solution to be tested. Ensure the liquid level is below the immersion line.
5. Gently stir the meter in the solution and wait for the reading to stabilize on the LCD screen.
6. Press the 'HOLD' button to lock the reading for easy recording. Press 'HOLD' again to release.
7. After use, turn off the meter, rinse the electrode, and replace the protective cap.

Specific Functions

• Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC): Both meters feature ATC, which automatically adjusts the readings based on the water temperature (range: 0.1-80°C / 32-176°F). This ensures accurate measurements regardless of temperature fluctuations.
• TDS EC Meter Mode Switching: On the TDS EC meter, press the 'MODE' button to cycle through TDS (ppm), EC (µS/cm), and Temperature (°C/°F) display modes.
• Backlight & Auto-Off: The LCD backlight automatically turns off after 60 seconds of inactivity. The meter will auto-shutdown after 5 minutes to conserve battery life.
• Memory Function: Settings are preserved after power interruptions, eliminating the need to reset after unexpected shutdowns.

Image: Precision Measurement with ATC. This graphic illustrates how Automatic Temperature Compensation works, showing the operating temperature range and how the meter adjusts for low and high temperatures.

Image: User-Friendly Features. This image details the Hold Function, Backlit LCD, Compact & Portable design, and Memory Function of the meters.

Instructional Videos

Maintenance

• Cleaning the Electrode: Always rinse the electrode with distilled or deionized water before and after each use to prevent contamination and ensure accurate readings. Do not use tap water for rinsing as it may contain minerals that affect the sensor.
• Electrode Storage: For optimal performance and longevity, store the pH meter electrode in a pH electrode storage solution or pH 4.00 buffer solution when not in use for extended periods. Do not store in distilled water as this can dry out the electrode and shorten its lifespan. The TDS EC meter can be stored dry after rinsing.
• Battery Replacement: When the display becomes dim or the meter does not turn on, replace the CR2032 button cell batteries. Ensure correct polarity during installation.
• Protective Cap: Always replace the protective cap after use to prevent damage to the electrode.

Troubleshooting

• Inaccurate or Unstable Readings:
  • pH Meter: Recalibrate the pH meter using fresh buffer solutions. Ensure the electrode is clean and properly stored. A damaged electrode may require replacement.
  • TDS EC Meter: Recalibrate if necessary with a standard EC solution. Ensure the electrode is clean.
  • Ensure the meter is fully immersed in the solution and allowed sufficient time to stabilize.
• Meter Does Not Turn On:
  • Check if the batteries are correctly installed and have sufficient charge. Replace batteries if needed.
• Display is Dim or Faint:
  • Replace the batteries.

Specifications

Image: VIVOSUN pH and TDS Meter Specifications. This graphic provides a visual summary of the technical specifications for both the pH and TDS meters.

Applications

The VIVOSUN Digital pH Meter and TDS EC Meter are versatile tools suitable for a wide range of water quality testing needs:

• Drinking Water: Ensure the safety and quality of your tap water, filtered water, or bottled water.
• Hydroponics: Monitor nutrient solution pH and EC levels for optimal plant growth.
• Aquariums: Maintain ideal water parameters for healthy aquatic life.
• Swimming Pools & Spas: Check pH and TDS levels to ensure proper chemical balance and water clarity.
• RO/DI Systems: Verify the efficiency of reverse osmosis and deionization filters.
• Brewing: Monitor water quality for consistent brewing results.

Image: Wide Applications. This image visually demonstrates various uses for the meters, including testing drinking water, aquariums, hydroponics, swimming pools, brewing, and tap water.

Warranty and Support

VIVOSUN products are designed for reliability and performance. For any questions, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please contact VIVOSUN customer support. Refer to the product packaging or the official VIVOSUN website for the most current contact information.

Please retain your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty purposes.