Sper Scientific 300050 Pocket Digital Refractometers Instruction Manual

SPER SCIENTIFIC 300050 Pocket Digital Refractometers

INTRODUCTION

Our Pocket Digital Refractometers measure Brix, salinity or other parameters with laboratory accuracy. The digital readout eliminates uncertainties, while the water resistant design facilitates clean ups and protects the electronics from moisture.

Features:

• Automatic Temperature Compensation
• Zero Calibration
• Automatic shut off
• Instantaneous reading

PANEL DESCRIPTION

1. Stainless Steel Sample Plate
2. Cover
3. Prism
4. Keypad
5. Battery Compartment
   
6. Display
7. Active Scale Indicator
8. SCALES button
9. READ button
10. ZERO button
    
    Keypad for Single-Scale Models
    

NOTES AND PRECAUTIONS

• The refractometer will automatically shut off after about 3 minutes of inactivity.
• After each use, clean the SAMPLE PLATE (1) and PRISM (3) with distilled water on a soft cloth, and wipe dry.
• If a film develops on the PRISM (3) it will repel test samples and affect readings. If this occurs, clean with a mild detergent.
• The prism is easily scratched, never use abrasive cleaning materials.
• Never submerge.
• Avoid spills around the unit.
• Avoid prolonged use or storage in extreme temperatures.
• Do not use in corrosive environments.
• Do not drop or shake the unit.
• Use the protective carrying case to prevent physical damage.

CALIBRATION

Calibration should be performed daily before sample testing begins or when you suspect that the reading may be inaccurate. For best results, perform the calibration in a controlled environment of 68°F (20°C).

• Allow the refractometer and the distilled water to acclimate to the ambient environment.
• Clean the PRISM (3) before and after every use. There should be no spots or film on the prism.
• Drop at least 1.0 ml of distilled water (0.0) onto the PRISM (3).
• Close the COVER (2).
• Press the READ (9) button to turn on the refractometer.
• Press the ZERO (10) button for 3 seconds to enter calibration mode.
• “CAL” will appear on the display.
• The calibration is complete after “End” is displayed.

MEASUREMENT

• Clean the SAMPLE PLATE (1) and PRISM (3) before and after every use. There should be no film or spots on the prism. If residue remains from a previous test, it will affect the accuracy of the unit.
• When the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the refractometer is greater than 9°F (5°C), place the refractometer in the lab and allow it to adjust to the ambient temperature. Allow apx. 30 minutes for every 9°F (5°C) difference in temperature.
• Press the READ (9) button to turn the unit on and display the temperature. This unit features Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) within the range of 41 to 104°F (5 to 40°C), eliminating the need for manual temperature correction.
• Perform a calibration (pg 6) before the day’s first use or after extended daily use.
• Fill the PRISM (3) with about 1.0ml of the sample solution.
• Close the COVER (2).
• Press the READ (9) button immediately to obtain a reading. Delays may cause the sample to evaporate.
• Within 1 second, the value is displayed.
• When the reading is under-range, the low indicator (LLL) is displayed. The high indicator (HHH) is displayed when the reading is over-range.

Models with Multiple Scales

• Follow the measurement instructions (page 6), then press the SCALES (8) button and hold the button for 1 second to cycle through the options.
•  “- – -” is displayed and the ACTIVE SCALE (7) indicator “▼” points to the selected scale.
• With the desired scale selected, press the READ (9) button to obtain the results.

Erratic Readings
If the readings are significantly above or below the expected results, consider the following:

• Sample contains more than one dissolved solid. For example, if the sample contains both salt and sugar, a Brix refractometer will not display the true sugar content
  because the salt content will skew the brix measurement.
• When diluting samples, be sure to use a pure solution such as distilled water.
• Sample contains suspended solids. Filter and thoroughly mix the sample before testing.
• Perform a calibration.
• Replace the battery.
• Outside light can cause erratic readings, make sure to close the COVER on the PRISM during measurement.
• After about 3000 tests, turn the unit off for 5 to 10 minutes to rest the battery.

ZERO CHECKING

Use this function to check the nD value of zero calibration of the distilled water.

• Fill the PRISM (3) with a standard solution of distilled water (0.0).
• Close the COVER (2).
• Press the READ (4) button to turn the refractometer on and obtain a temperature reading.
• Quickly press the ZERO (5) button once.
• The nD value of the solution is displayed.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

When the low-battery symbol is displayed, push the tab to open the BATTERY COMPARTMENT (5) and replace the 1.5V AAA battery with a fresh alkaline battery.

SPECIFICATIONS

WARRANTY

Sper Scientific warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, and agrees to repair or replace any defective unit without charge. If your model has since been discontinued, an equivalent Sper Scientific product will be substituted if available. This warranty does not cover probes, batteries, battery leakage, or damage resulting from accident, tampering, misuse, or abuse of the product. Opening the meter to expose its electronics will break the waterproof seal and void the warranty. To obtain warranty service, ship the unit postage prepaid to:
SPER SCIENTIFIC LTD.
8281 E. Evans Rd., Suite #103
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 948-4448
The defective unit must be accompanied by a description of the problem and your return address. Register your product online at www.sperwarranty.com within 10 days of purchase.