Thank you for purchasing the Apera Instruments PH20 Pocket pH Tester Kit. Please read this manual carefully before use in order to properly use and maintain the product. For video tutorials, please visit support.aperainst.com.
Latest Upgrade
The latest PH20 Tester comes with an upgraded probe structure, which is equipped with a sensor shield that prevents the glass sensor breakage from accidental collisions. Users can remove the shield when rinsing and cleaning the sensor and put it back on afterwards.
Diagram Description: The upgraded probe structure features a protective sensor shield designed to prevent damage to the glass sensor from accidental impacts. This shield can be removed for cleaning and reattached afterward.
1. Battery Installation
Please install batteries according to the following steps. Note the correct direction of battery installation: The Positive Side (+) OF EVERY SINGLE Battery MUST FACE UP. (WRONG INSTALLATION OF BATTERIES WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TESTER AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS!)
2. Keypad Functions
Press Duration: Short press (< 2 seconds), Long press (> 2 seconds)
- Power: Short press to turn on; Long press to turn off.
- Setup Mode: When turned off, long press to enter setup.
- Parameter Navigation (in Setup): Short press to change parameter.
- Calibration Mode: When turned on, long press to enter calibration mode.
- Confirm Calibration: In calibration mode, short press to finish calibration.
- Confirm Settings: In settings, short press to confirm changes.
Diagram 1 Description: This diagram illustrates the single button operation of the PH20 tester, detailing actions for short press (less than 2 seconds) and long press (greater than 2 seconds), including turning the device on/off, entering setup, changing parameters, and initiating calibration.
3. What's in the Kit?
The PH20 Value pH Tester Kit typically includes:
- PH20 Pocket pH Tester
- pH Electrode
- pH 7.00 Calibration Solution
- pH 4.00 Calibration Solution
- Protective Cap
- User Manual
Diagram 2 Description: This diagram visually lists the items included in the Apera Instruments PH20 Value pH Tester Kit, such as the pH tester unit, electrode, calibration solutions, protective cap, and user manual.
4. Preparation before Use
Additional items needed: A cup of distilled water (8-16oz) for rinsing the probe, and clean tissue paper for removing excess water.
Note on Probe Hydration: Before shipment, the factory adds water droplets to the tester's cap to maintain a hydrated atmosphere for the probe, ensuring its sensitivity. Users can begin using the tester immediately. This practice of adding several drops of water into the cap is highly recommended for frequent users when storing the tester. If the tester has not been used for a long time (e.g., over 1 month) and performance degrades, users can soak the probe in 3M KCL (SKU: AI1107) solution overnight to recover its sensitivity.
Important: DO NOT use any other brand's storage solutions, as different chemicals may cause potential damage to the probe.
5. Calibration
- Short press POWER to turn on. Rinse the probe in distilled water; use clean tissue to dap off excess water.
- Long press POWER to enter calibration mode (short press POWER to go back to measurement mode if you want to cancel the calibration).
- Insert the probe in the 7.00 pH calibration solution to start 1st point calibration. Stir gently; leave it to stand. Wait for the stable reading indicator (a smiley face symbol ) to appear and stay on the screen. Short press POWER to finish 1st point calibration. The tester returns to measurement mode, and a calibration icon () displays on the bottom left side of the screen.
- Rinse probe in distilled water. Long press POWER to enter calibration mode; insert the probe in the pH 4.00 calibration solution to start the 2nd point calibration. Stir gently; leave it to stand. Wait for the stable reading indicator () to appear and stay on the screen; then short press POWER to finish 2nd point calibration. The tester returns to measuring mode, and calibration icons () display on the bottom left.
- Repeat step 4, using pH 10.01 standard buffer (sold separately) to perform 3rd point calibration. The calibration icon () will show up on the bottom left.
Diagram 3 Description: This diagram illustrates the pH calibration process, showing the probe immersed in a buffer solution (e.g., pH 7.00). It indicates the stable reading symbol (a smiley face) appearing on the LCD screen, signifying successful calibration point recognition.
Notes on Calibration:
- Automatic Recognition: The tester automatically recognizes pH buffer solutions. Users can choose 1, 2, or 3 calibration points. The 1st point calibration must be with 7.00 pH solution, followed by the 2nd or 3rd point.
- Calibration Points and Accuracy:
Calibration Type Calibration Solution Required Accuracy Target pH Level 1-point Calibration 7.00 pH 0.3 pH < 8.5 pH 2-point Calibration 7.00 pH and 4.00 pH 0.3 pH Target pH level > 8.5 pH 2-point Calibration 7.00 pH and 10.01 pH 0.3 pH Wide measuring range 3-point Calibration 7.00 pH, 4.00 pH and 10.01 pH 0.1 pH Wide measuring range - Self-Diagnostic Information: In calibration mode, if the measured value hasn't stabilized ( is not staying on LCD), pressing POWER will display "Er2". Refer to Section 8 for details.
- pH 10.01 Buffer: Only pH 4.00 and pH 7.00 buffer solutions are included in the kit. pH 10.01 must be purchased separately if needed for target pH levels above 8.5.
- Buffer Condition: Keeping standard calibration buffers in good condition is crucial for accurate measurements. Bottled buffers (2 oz.) can be used about 10 times if not contaminated. Ensure they are tightly closed when not in use. Replace with fresh buffers periodically to maintain accuracy.
6. Measurement
- Short press POWER to turn on the tester. Rinse the probe in distilled water. Then shake off excess water and dap with tissue paper.
- Stir the probe in your sample solution to accelerate stabilization and leave it to stand. Record the readings after the stable reading indicator () appears and stays on the screen.
Notes on Measurement:
- Post-Test Rinsing: After each test, rinse the pH probe thoroughly with distilled water or purified water and remove excess water before the next test. Warm soapy water and a soft brush can be used to remove tough contaminants on the glass sensor.
- Purified Water Stabilization: When testing purified water like RO water or distilled water, readings may take longer to stabilize (typically 2-5 minutes).
- Probe Storage: DO NOT store the probe in purified water, as this can cause permanent damage to the pH electrode. Purified water is only recommended for rinsing the probe.
7. Parameter Setting
7.1 Settings Table
| Prompt Mark | Parameter Setting Content | Options | Factory Default Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | Select pH buffer series | USA NIST | USA |
| P2 | Select temperature unit | F C | F |
| P3 | Back to factory default setting (erase calibration record) | No Yes | No |
7.2 Parameter Setting Procedure
When the tester is turned off, long press POWER to enter setup. Short press POWER to switch between P1, P2, P3. Short press POWER again when the parameter flashes to select it. Short press POWER to choose the desired option, then short press POWER to confirm the parameter change. Long press POWER to go back to measurement mode.
7.3 Parameter Setting Instruction: Select Standard pH Buffer Solution (P1)
There are two options for standard buffer solutions: USA series and NIST series.
| pH Standard Buffer Series | USA Series | NIST Series |
|---|---|---|
| 4.00 pH | 4.01 pH | 4.01 pH |
| 7.00 pH | 6.86 pH | 6.86 pH |
| 10.01 pH | 10.01 pH | 9.18 pH |
8. Common Problems
The tester has a self-diagnosis function to help fix common problems:
| Symbol / Self-Diagnosis Information | Description / How to Fix |
|---|---|
| Wrong pH calibration solution, which exceeds the recognizable range of the meter. | 1. Check if the correct buffer is used (1st point calibration must be 7.00 pH). 2. Check if buffer is expired or contaminated. 3. Check if the probe is damaged. 4. Check if there is any air bubble in the glass bulb sensor. |
| Is pressed before measurement is stable ( appears and stays) | Wait for the smiley face symbol () to appear and stay, then press POWER. |
Air Bubbles: If any air bubbles are found inside the sensor shield, shake the probe in the sample solution with force to remove them. The existence of air bubbles will cause unstable measurements.
For more FAQs, go to support.aperainst.com.
9. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 0 – 14.0 pH | 0.1 pH | 0.1 pH |
| Temperature Compensation | Automatic | ||
| Temperature Measurement | 0 – 50°C (32 – 122°F) | 0.1 °C | 0.5 °C |
10. Icons and Functions
- 8.1 Calibration Points Indication: Displays the current calibration point (e.g., for 1st point, for 2nd point).
- 8.2 Stable Measurement: The smiley face symbol () appears and stays on the screen when the reading is stable.
- 8.3 Self-Diagnostic Information: Displays error codes such as Er1 or Er2 for troubleshooting.
- 8.4 Low-Voltage Warning: The battery icon () flashes, reminding the user to replace the batteries.
- 8.5 Auto Power-Off: The tester automatically powers off after 8 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery.
11. Warranty
Apera Instruments warrants this instrument to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Apera Instruments, LLC agrees to repair or replace, at its option, any malfunctioning or damaged product attributable to Apera Instruments, LLC's responsibility for a period of TWO YEARS (SIX MONTHS for the probe) from the date of delivery.
This limited warranty does not cover damages due to:
- Transportation, storage, or improper use.
- Failure to follow product instructions or perform preventive maintenance.
- Modifications, combination, or use with unauthorized products, materials, processes, or systems.
- Unauthorized repairs.
- Normal wear and tear.
- External causes such as accidents, abuse, or other events beyond Apera Instruments' reasonable control.
Apera Instruments® Meters and Sensors for pH, Conductivity, TDS, Salinity, ORP, DO, Turbidity, ISE
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Apera Instruments® Meters and Sensors for pH, Conductivity, TDS, Salinity, ORP, DO, Turbidity, ISE
