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!)
Diagram Description (Battery Installation): The diagram illustrates 7 steps for installing 4 AAA batteries. Each step shows the tester being opened and batteries inserted, with the positive (+) terminal clearly oriented upwards in each battery slot.
Note: Batteries are pre-installed in some units.
2. Keypad Functions
Key Press Definitions:
- Short press: Less than 2 seconds [< 2 seconds]
- Long press: Greater than 2 seconds [> 2 seconds]
MEAS Button Functions:
- Short press to turn on the tester.
- Long press to turn off the tester.
- When turned off, long press to enter setup mode.
- In mode setting, short press to change parameters.
CAL Button Functions:
- When turned on, long press to enter calibration mode.
- In calibration mode, short press to confirm calibration.
- In mode setting, short press to confirm parameter selection.
Diagram Description (Device Components): The diagram shows the EC1 tester with its components labeled: Battery Cap, LCD Screen, Keypad, BPB Probe, and Probe Cap. The "FILL" indicator is also visible near the probe.
3. Complete Kit
Diagram Description (Complete Kit): The diagram displays the contents of the EC1 Pocket Conductivity Tester kit. It includes the EC Tester, two bottles of Calibration Solution, a lanyard, and AAA batteries, all organized within a carrying case.
4. Calibration
Calibration Procedure:
- Rinse the probe in distilled water and dry it with a clean tissue. Short press the [MEAS] button to turn on the tester.
- Long press the [CAL] button to enter calibration mode. Short press [MEAS] to exit calibration mode.
- Dip the probe into 1413 µS/cm calibration solution. Stir gently and let it stand. The LCD displays calibration information. Short press [CAL] to complete the 1-point calibration. The tester returns to measuring mode, and the calibration icon [M] appears at the bottom left of the LCD.
- Rinse the probe in distilled water and dry it. Follow steps 4.2-4.3 to complete a 2nd point calibration using 12.88 mS/cm calibration solution. The tester returns to measurement mode, and calibration icons [M] and [H] display on the bottom left of the LCD.
Diagram Description (Calibration Display): The diagram shows the LCD screen during calibration, displaying readings such as "1433" and "1413", indicating the calibration progress.
5. Conductivity Measurement
Measurement Procedure:
- Short press the [MEAS] button to turn on the tester. Rinse the probe in distilled water and dry it with a clean tissue to remove excess water.
- Stir the probe gently in the sample solution and let it stand. Obtain readings after the [Smile icon] appears and remains stable.
- Rinse the tester thoroughly in distilled water after each test.
6. Notes
- First Use/Long Inactivity: For first-time use or if the tester has not been used for a long time, it is recommended to soak the probe in 12.88 mS/cm solution for 15-30 minutes to restore sensitivity and response time.
- Calibration Solutions: The tester uses 1413 µS and 12.88 mS standard calibration solutions. Users can perform 1 or 2-point calibrations as needed. For most applications, a 1-point calibration with 1413 µS is sufficient.
- Unit Information: 1 mS/cm = 1000 µS/cm. Readings greater than 2000 µS/cm will automatically display in mS/cm.
- Self-Diagnosis Functions:
- Er1: Indicates wrong calibration solution, exceeding the meter's recognizable range. How to fix: 1. Check if the calibration solution is correct. 2. Check if the probe is damaged.
- Er2: Indicates a button was pressed before the measurement reading was stable (before the [Smile icon] appears and stays). How to fix: Wait for the [Smile icon] to stay, then short press the [CAL] button.
- Factory Calibration: The tester is calibrated after manufacture. Users can typically use it immediately or test its accuracy with calibration solutions. If a significant error is detected, recalibrate before use.
7. Parameter Setting
7.1 Parameter Setting Reference Chart
| Symbol | Parameter Setting Content | Code | Factory Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | Select conductivity ranges | Aut-µS-mS | Aut |
| P2 | Select Temperature Unit | °C - °F | °C |
| P3 | Restore to factory default | No - Yes | No |
7.2 How to Setup Parameters:
When the tester is turned off, long press the [MEAS] button to enter setup mode.
- Short press [MEAS] to switch between parameters P1, P2, P3.
- For the selected parameter, short press [CAL] to make it flicker.
- Short press [MEAS] to choose the desired setting (e.g., °C or °F).
- Short press [CAL] to confirm the parameter selection.
- Long press [MEAS] to exit setup and return to measurement mode.
7.3 Parameter Setting Notes:
- a) Select conductivity ranges (P1):
- Aut: Automatic selection of ranges: 0~199.9 µS/cm, 20~1999 µS/cm, 2.0~20.0mS/cm.
- Factory default is Aut.
- b) P2 - Select temperature unit (°C-°F):
- In P1 mode, press [CAL] to enter P2.
- Press [CAL] again, and the °C or °F unit will flicker.
- Press [MEAS] to choose between °C and °F.
- Press [CAL] to confirm the parameter selection.
- Long press [MEAS] to return to measurement mode.
- c) Restore to factory default:
- Select 'Yes' to restore calibration to theoretical values and parameter settings to original values.
- This function can be used when the meter's calibration or measurement performs abnormally, allowing it to revert to factory default settings for subsequent calibration or measurement.
8. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Range | Resolution | Accuracy | Calibration Points | Automatic Temp. Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conductivity | 0~199.9 µS/cm, 20~1999 µS/cm, 2.0~20.00 mS/cm | 0.1/1 µS/cm, 0.01 mS/cm | ±1% F.S ±1 digit | 1-2 points auto calibration | 0-50 °C |
| Temp. | 0-50 °C | 0.1 °C | ±0.5 °C |
9. Other Functions & Parameters
| Indication of calibration points | [M] [H] icons | Auto Power-off | Power-off in 8 minutes if no operation |
| Indication of stable measurements | [Smile icon] | Waterproof level | IP67, floats on water |
| Self-Diagnosis information | Er1, Er2 | Power Supply | AAA batteries*4 |
| Low battery reminder | Flashes to remind to replace batteries | Battery Life | Up to 1000 hours of continuous operation |
| Dimensions/Weight | Instrument: 40*31*178mm/107g; Carrying case: 190*165*140mm/438g |
10. Warranty
APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH warrants this instrument to be free from defects in material and workmanship. The company agrees to repair or replace, free of charge, any malfunctioned or damaged product attributable to APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH for a period of two years from the delivery date. A six-month limited warranty applies to electrodes.
This limited warranty does not cover damages due to:
- i. Transportation
- ii. Storage
- iii. Improper use
- iv. Failure to follow product instructions or perform preventive maintenance
- v. Modifications
- vi. Combination or use with products, materials, processes, systems, or other matter not provided or authorized in writing by APERA INSTRUMENTS
- vii. Unauthorized repair
- viii. Normal wear and tear
- ix. External causes such as accidents, abuse, or other events beyond reasonable control
Contact Information:
APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH
Wilhelm-Muthmann-Straße 18
42329 Wuppertal, Germany
Contact: info@aperainst.de
Website: www.aperainst.de
Tel: +49 202 51988998
mailto:info@aperainst.de
Apera Instruments
