Apera Pc400 Portable Ph Or Conductivity Meter Instruction Manual

Apera Pc400 Portable Ph Or Conductivity Meter Instruction Manual

APERA logoPC400 Portable pH/Conductivity Meter
PH400 Portable pH Meter
EC400 Portable Conductivity Meter
PC400 Portable pH/Conductivity Meter
Instruction ManualAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter -APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - iconAPERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH
www.aperainst.de

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing Apera Instruments PC400 Portable pH/Conductivity Meters. Before using the product, please read this manual carefully to help you properly use and maintain the product. For technical support, please contact us at [email protected]
Apera Instruments reserves the right to update the content of this manual without giving prior notices.

1.1 Measuring Parameters

Measuring ParametersPH400EC400PC400
pH/mV
Conductivity/TDS
Temperature

1.2 Features and Functions

  • The built-in microprocessor chip enables advanced functions such as auto calibration, auto temperature compensation, auto electrode recognition, parameter setting, self-diagnosis, calibration reminder, calibration time check, auto power-off, low-battery reminder, etc.
  • The meter adopts advanced digital processing technology, intelligently improves the response time and accuracy of the measurements. Stable reading and auto lock display mode are available for choice.
  • Comes with a carrying case, which includes the meter, the electrode(s), calibration solutions, and other accessories, convenient for in-field use.
  • Meets IP57 Waterproof and dustproof rating, ideal for use under harsh environment.

1.3 Features in pH Measurement (for PH400 and PC400)

  • 1 to 3 points auto calibration with calibration guide and self-diagnosis function.
  • Automatic recognition of calibration solutions. Two series of standard solutions for choice: USA and NIST

1.4 Features in Conductivity Measurement (for EC400 and PC400)

  • 1 to 4 points auto calibration with calibration guide and auto-check function.
  • Single-tap switch between conductivity and TDS.
  • Automatic recognition of conductivity calibration solutions.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 Parameter Specifications

Technical ParametersApplicable Models
pHMeasuring
Range
(0 to 14.00) pHPH400
PC400
Resolution0.01 pH
Accuracy±0.01 pH ±1 digit
Temperature
Compensation
Range
(0 to 100) °C, Automatic or Manual
mVMeasuring
Range
-1000 mV to 0 to 1000 mV
Resolution1 mV
Accuracy±0.2% ES ±1 digit
ConductivityMeasuring RangeConductivity: 0 to 200 mS/cm, including 5 ranges: (0.00 to 19.99) pS/cm, (20.0 to 199.9) pS/cm, (200 to 1999) pS/cm, (2.00 to 19.99) mS/cm, (20.0 to 199.9) mS/cm
TDS: (0 to 100) g/L, including 5 ranges:
(0.00 to 9.99) mg/L, (10.0 to 99.9) mg/L,
(100 to 999) mg/L, (1.00 to 9.99) g/L,
(10.0 to 100.0) g/L
EC400
PC400
Resolution0.01/0.1/1 pS/cm, 0.01/0.1 mS/cm
Accuracy±1.0% ES ±1 digit
Temperature
Compensation
Range
(0 to 50)°C, Automatic or Manual
Electrode
Constant
0.1 / 1 / 10 cm-‘
TemperatureMeasuring
Range
0 to 100 °CPH400
Resolution0.1 °CEC400
PC400
Accuracy±0.5 °C±1 digit

2.2 Other Specifications

Power SupplyAA Batteries *4 (1.5V*4)
IP RatingIP57 Waterproof and Dustproof
Dimensions and WeightMeter: 86×196×33 mm/ 0.335 kg
With case: 360×275×80 mm/ 1.6 kg

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

3.1 LCD Display

APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - LCD Display

  1. Measuring parameters
  2. Measuring value
  3. Reminder icons
  4. Measurement unit
  5. Temperature unit
  6. Measuring unit in calibration
  7. Calibration value, numberings of data storage, and reminder icons
  8. Temperature and reminder icons
  9. ATC—Auto Temperature Compensation; MTC— Manual Temperature Compensation
  10.  Stable reading icon
  11. Completed calibration icons
  12.  Auto-Lock reading mode
  13. Low battery reminder. Please replace batteries when this icon is displayed.

3.2 Keypad

APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Keypad

3.2.1 Short Press — <1.5 s ;Long Press — >1.5 s 。
3.2.2 Power On: Short press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon1to power on: LCD displays the measuring mode used last time (Backlight turned on for 1 minute).
3.2.3 Power Off: The meter can only be turned off in measuring mode by short pressing APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon1
Special Notes: Pressing APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon1in calibration mode or parameter setting mode will NOT turn the meter off.
Users need to press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon2 first to go back to measuring mode, and then press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon1 to power off.

Table- 1 Keypad Operation and Functions

KeypadOperation Functions 
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon1Short Press• Power on/off
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon6Short PressChoose measuring mode:
• PH400 pH Meter:  →
• EC400 Conductivity Meter: →
• PC400 pH/Cond. Meter: → → →
Long Press• Enter parameter setting
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon2Short Press• Cancel any operation and enter measurement mode
Long Press• Enter calibration mode
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7Short Press• In measurement mode: press to turn on/off the backlight
• In calibration mode: press to calibrate
• In parameter setting mode: press to confirm choice
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon8Short Pressor Long Press• In manual temperature compensation (MTC) mode: Short press to adjust temperature, long press to adjust swiftly.
• In parameter setting mode: press to change the numbering of parameters in main menu and sub-menu.
• In sub-menu, press to change parameters and settings.

3.3 Connectors
The meter adopts 8-pin connector, into which pH, ORP, and conductivity electrode can be connected. When connected, the meter will automatically switch to the correspondent measurement mode.
3.4 Display Mode
3.4.1 Stable Reading Display Mode
When the measuring value is stable, the screen displays APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Keypad1 as shown in Figure-2. If APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Keypad1 does not appear or is flashing, that means the measuring value has not been stable. Users should wait for the smiley face and not record the readings or conduct calibrations at that moment.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-23.4.2 Auto-Lock Display Mode
In parameter setting P4.6, select “On” to turn on the auto-lock display mode, In which the reading will be automatically locked after the measuring value has been stable for more than 10 seconds, and the HOLD icon will come up as shown in Figure-3. Short press to cancel the hold.APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-3

pH MEASUREMENT

4.1 Information regarding the pH Electrode
The instrument is equipped with a 201T-S 3-in-1 Combination pH Electrode. Its built-in temperature sensor allows for auto. Temperature compensation. There is a vial stored with 3M KCl storage solution on top of the electrode. Before using, loosen the cap of the vial, take out the electrode and rinse it in distilled water and then do measurement. When not in use, place the electrode back to the vial and tighten the cap so that the pH sensor can be stored in the best condition. When the pH electrode is dipped into the test sample solution, stir it for a few seconds to remove potential air bubbles inside the probe to help the measurement get stabilized quickly.
When connecting the electrode into the instrument, please slowly rotate the connector, identify the location of the mount to insert it, and then screw it on. Please note that do not pull on the cables in case of poor contact.
Please keep the connector clean and dry. For detailed information of the electrode’s maintenance, please refer to section 4.5.
4.2 Information regarding pH Calibration
4.2.1 Standard Buffer Solutions
The instrument adopts two series of standard buffer solutions: USA and NIST as shown in Table-2. Users can select which one to use in P1.1 (refer to section 7.3).

Table-2

Calibration IconspH Standard Calibration Solution Series
USA SeriesNIST Series
3-point
calibration
L4.00 pH4.01 pH
M7.00 pH6.86 pH
H10.01pH9.18 pH

4.2.2 pH Calibration Modes
The instrument has 1 to 3 points auto calibration mode. The 1st point must be 7.00 pH (or 6.86 if using NIST). Then choose other calibration solutions to conduct 2nd and 3rd points (see Table-3 for details). In the process of calibration, the meter will display the electrode’s slope in acid and alkaline ranges.

Table-3 3-point Calibration Mode

USANISCalibration iconWhen to adopt
1-Point Calibration7.00 pH6.86 pHMaccuracy ±0.1 pH
2-Point Calibration7.00 pH and 4.00/1.68 pH6.86 pH and
4.01/1.68 pH
LMMeasuring range: 0 to 7.00 pH
7.00 pH and 10.01 pH6.86 pH and 9.18
pH
MHMeasuring range: >7.00 pH
3-Point Calibration7.00pH, 4.00/1.68 pH and 10.01
pH
6.86pH, 4.01/
1.68pH, 9.18 pH
LMHWide measuring range

4.2.3 How often to calibrate
The frequency that you need to calibrate your meter depends on the tested samples, performace of electrodes, and the requirement of the accuracy. For High-Accuracy measurements (≤ ±0.02pH), the meter should be calibrated before test every time; For ordinary-accuracy Measurements (≥±0.1pH), once calibrated, the meter can be used for about a week or longer. In the following cases, the meter must be re-calibrated:

  1. The electrode hasn’t been used for a long time or the electrode is brand new.
  2. After measuring strong acid (pH<2) or strong base (pH>12) solutions.
  3. After measuring fluoride-containing solution and strong organic solution
  4. There is a big difference between the temperature of the test sample and the temperature of the buffer solution that is used in the last calibration.

4.3 pH Calibration (Take 3-point calibration as an example)
4.3.1 Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon2 to enter calibration mode. CAL1 icon will flash in the upper right corner of the LCD. 7.00 pH will flash in the lower right corner of the LCD, reminding you to use pH 7.00 buffer to conduct 1st point of calibration.
4.3.2 Use distilled water to rinse off electrode and then dry it. Dip it into pH 7.00 buffer solution, stir gently and let it stand still and wait for the reading to become stable. In the lower right corner of LCD, the process of auto recognizing the buffer solution will be displayed. Pressing APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 before the buffer is recognized will generate Er2 (please refer to table 6).
4.3.3 When the meter locks 7.00 pH, APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Keypad1 displays on LCD. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 key to calibrate the meter. End icon appears after calibration is done. The 1st point calibration is finished. In the meanwhile, CAL2 will flash at the upper right corner, and 4.00 pH & 10.01 pH will flash alternately at the bottom right, indicating using pH 4.00 or pH 10.01 buffer solution to make the 2nd point calibration.
4.3.4 Take out pH electrode, rinse it in distilled water, dry it, and dip iinto pH 4.00 buffer solution. Stir the solution gently and let stand still in the buffer solution until a stable reading is reached. The meter’s displaywill show the recognition process of calibration buffer solution at the lower right of LCD. When the meter recognizes 4.00 pH, APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Keypad1
displays on LCD. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 key to calibrate the meter. End icon and electrode slope of acidity range display after calibration is done. In the meanwhile, CL3 will flash at the upper right corner of the LCD, and 10.01 pH will flash at the lower right, indicating using pH10.01 buffer solution to make the 3rd point calibration.
4.3.5 Take out pH electrode, rinse it in distilled water, dry it, and dip it into pH 10.01 buffer solution. Stir the solution gently and let it stand still in the buffer solution until a stable reading is reached. The meter’s display will show recognition process of calibration buffer solution at the bottom right of LCD. When the meter recognizes 10.01 pH, APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Keypad1 displays on LCD. Press key to calibrate the meter. End icon and electrode slope of alkalinity range display after calibration is done. The meterreturns to the measurement mode, displays stable measuring value andcalibration guide icons. Please APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 see Figure-4 for the above calibrationprocess.
During the calibration process, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon2 key to exit from the calibration mode. Correspondent calibration guide icons will appear on the LCD.

APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-4

4.4 Sample Measurement
4.4.1 Rinse the pH electrode in distilled water, dry it, and dip it into sample solution. Stir the solution gently and let it stand still in the sample solution until icon appears and stays on LCD, get the pH reading, which is pH value of sample solution, please refer to Figure-5 for calibration and measurement process of the pH meter.

Figure-5 Calibration and measurement process of pH meter

APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - measurement

4.4.2 Self-Diagnosis Information
Table – 4 Self-diagnosis information

IconsContentsHow to fix
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon9Wrong pH buffer solution or the buffer solution out of range.1.Check whether pH buffer solution is correct. 2.Check whether the meter connects the electrode properly.
3.Check whether the electrode is damaged.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon10Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 when APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Keypad1 measuring value is not stable during calibration.Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 key when icon appears and stays.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon11During calibration, the measuring value being unstable for over 3 minutes1.Check whether there are air bubbles in the glass bulb. To remove the air bubble, hold the electrode firmly and flick the electrode in a downward motion for several times.
2.Replace with a new pH electrode.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon12pH electrode zero electric potential out of range
<-60mV or >60mV )
1.Check whether there are air bubbles in the glass bulb. To remove the air bubble, hold the electrode firmly and flick the electrode in a downward motion for several times.
2.Check whether pH buffer solution is correct. 3.Replace with new pH electrode.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon13pH electrode slope out of range (  <85% or >110% )

4.4.3 pH isothermal measurement principle
According to the pH isothermal measurement principle, the closer the test sample’s temperature is to the calibration solution’s, the higher the accuracy of the measurement. So this principle is recommended to follow when conducting tests.
4.4.4 Restore to factory default
The instrument has a function to return to factory default setting, which can be set up in P1.2 (refer to section 7.3). Returning to factory default setting is to restore the meter to the theoretical value (zero potential pH is 7.00, slope is 100%), and set all the parameters to default settings (see appendix 1). When the meter’s calibration or measurement is performing abnormally, users can use this function to let the meter return to factory default mode, and conduct calibration and then test again. Please note that this function is irreversible once used.
4.5 Maintenance of the pH Electrode
4.5.1 Daily maintenance
The soaking solution contained in the supplied protective vial is used to maintain the sensitivity of the glass bulb and junction. Loosen the cap, remove the electrode and rinse in distilled water before taking a measurement. Insert the electrode and tighten the cap after measurements to prevent the reference solution from leaking. If the soaking solution is turbid or moldy, replace it with 3M KCL solution. (SKU:
AI1107). Soaking the probe in other brands’ storage solution could potentially cause damage to the probe.
The electrode should NOT be soaked in pure or distilled water, protein solution or acid fluoride solution.
In addition, do not soak the electrode in organic lipids.
4.5.2 Calibration buffer solution
For calibration accuracy, the pH of the standard buffer solution must be reliable. The buffer solution should be refreshed often, especially after heavy use. We recommend 10-15 times of use before replacing the pH buffers.
4.5.3 Protect glass bulb
The sensitive glass bulb at the front of the combination electrode should not come in contact with hard surfaces. Scratches or cracks on the electrode will cause inaccurate readings. Before and after each measurement, the electrode should be rinsed with distilled water. If a sample sticks to the electrode or it’s contaminated, the electrode should be thoroughly cleaned using a soft brush and then rinsed with distilled water. After that, soak it in the 3M KCL (SKU: AI1107) solution again for 6 hours.
4.5.4 Renew glass bulb
Electrodes that have been used over a long period will become aged. Soak the electrode in 0.1mol/L hydrochloric acid for 24 hours, then wash the electrode in distilled water, then soak it in 3M KCL (SKU: AI1107) storage solution for 24 hours.
The method to prepare 0.1mol/L hydrochloric acid: dilute 9mL hydrochloric acid in distilled water to 1000mL.

For serious passivation, dip the bulb in 4% HF (hydrofluoric acid) for 3-5 seconds, and wash it in distilled water, then soak it in the 3M KCL storage solution (SKU: AI1107) for 24 hours to renew it.
4.5.5 Clean contaminated glass bulb and junction (please refer to Table-5)

Table-5 Clean contaminated glass bulb and junction

ContaminationCleaning Solutions
Inorganic metal oxideDilute acid less than 1mol/L
Organic lipidDilute detergent (weak alkaline)
Resin macromoleculeDilute alcohol, acetone, ether
Proteinic haematocyte sedimentAcidic enzymatic solution (saccharated yeast tablets)
PaintsDilute bleacher, peroxide

Notes:
The instruments will NOT give accurate and stable pH readings when measuring distilled or deionized water. This because distilled and deionized water do not have enough ions present for the electrode to function properly. To measure distilled or deionized water’s pH, users need to use a specialized electrode.
Contact us for more details.
The electrode housing is polycarbonate. When using cleaning solutions, take cautions on carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylene, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, etc., which will dissolve the housing and invalidate the electrode.

mV MEASUREMENT

5.1 ORP measurement
Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon6 key, and switch the meter to mV measurement mode. Connect ORP electrode (the 301Pt-S combination ORP electrode is sold separately) and dip it in sample solution, stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the solution until APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Keypad1 icon appears and get the reading.
ORP means Oxidation Reduction Potential. The unit is mV.

5.2 Notes on ORP measurement
5.2.1 ORP measurement does not require calibration. When the user is not sure about ORP electrode quality or measuring value, use ORP standard solution to test mV value and see whether ORP electrode or meter works properly. Table-6 is the data of standard ORP solution for 222 mV.

Table-6

°C1015202530353840
mV242235227222215209205201

5.2.2 Clean and activate ORP electrode
After the electrode has been used over a long period of time, the platinum surface will get polluted which causes inaccurate measurement and slow response. Please refer to the following methods to clean and activate ORP electrode:
(a) For inorganic pollutant, soak the electrode in 0.1mol/L dilute hydrochloric acid for 30 minutes, then wash it in distilled water, then soak it in the 3M KCL storage solution for 6 hours.
(b) For organic or lipid pollutant, clean the platinum surface with detergent, then wash it in distilled water, then soak it in the 3M KCL storage solution for 6 hours.
(c) For heavily polluted platinum surface on which there is oxidation film, polish the platinum surface with toothpaste, then wash it in distilled water, then soak it in the 3M KCL storage solution for 6 hours.

CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT

6.1 Information regarding the Conductivity Electrode
6.1.1 Conductivity electrode
Model 2301T-S plastic conductivity electrode with constant K=1.0 and built-in temperature sensor, can realize automatic temperature compensation. The electrode housing is POM plastic which is corrosion resistant and impact resistant. When dipping the conductivity electrode in solution, stir the solution briefly to eliminate the air bubbles and improve response and stability.

6.1.2 Conductivity electrode constant
The meter matches conductivity electrodes of three constants: K=0.1, K=1.0 and K=10.0. Please refer to table-7 for measuring range. Set constant in parameter setting P2.1 and refer to section 7.4

Table– 7 Electrode constant and measuring range

Range<20 pS/cm0.5 pS/cm to 100 mS/cm>100mS/cm
Conductivity electrode constantK=0.1 cm-1K=1.0 cm-1K=10 cm-1
Standard solution84pS/cm84 pS/cm1413 pS/cm12.88 mS/cm111.8 mS/cm
Electrode’s modelDJS-0.1T-S2301T-S2310T-S

Note: When testing ultra-pure water with conductivity less than 1.0 μS/cm, a flow test should be conducted in a flow cell.
6.1.3 When connecting the electrode, please rotate slowly to identify the location of the mount before plugging in. The nut on the connector should be screwed on tightly. Once the conductivity electrode is connected, the meter will automatically switch to conductivity mode (no need to switch manually). Please do not pull the cable in case of poor contact. Make sure the connector is clean and dry. See more information regarding the conductivity electrode’s maintenance in section 6.6.
6.2 Information regarding Conductivity Calibration
6.2.1 Conductivity Standard Calibration Solutions
The meter uses conductivity standard solution of 84 μS/cm, 1413 μS/cm, 12.88 mS/cm and 111.8 mS/cm.
The meter can recognize the standard solution automatically, and can perform 1 to 4 points of calibration.
The calibration indication icons correspond to the four standard values as shown in Table-8.
Table-8 Conductivity Calibration Solutions

Calibration IconsCalibration Solutions
L84 μS/cm
M1413 μS/cm
H12.88 mS/cm
H+111.8 mS/cm

6.2.2 How often to calibrate
(a) The meter has been calibrated before leaving the factory and can generally be used right out of box.
(b) Normally perform calibration once per month.
(c) For high accuracy measurements or large temperature deviation from the reference temperature
(25°C), perform calibration once per week.
(d) Use conductivity standard solution to check whether there is error. Perform calibration if error is large.
(e) For new electrode or the meter has been set to factory default, perform 3-point or 4-point calibration. For general use, choose standard solutions that are closer to the sample solution to perform 1-point or 2-point calibration.

6.2.3 Reference Temperature
The factory default setting for reference temperature is 25℃. The reference temperature can be set from 15℃ to 30℃. Users can set it up in parameter setting P2.2 (see Section 7.4 for details).
6.2.4 Temperature compensation coefficient
The temperature compensation coefficient of the meter setting is 2.0%/°C. However, the conductivity temperature coefficient is different from solutions and concentration. Please refer to Table – 9 and the data collected during testing. Do the setting in P2.3. (see section 7.4 for more).
Note: When the coefficient for the temperature compensation is set to 0.00 (no compensation), the measurement value will be based on the current temperature.

Table – 9 Temperature compensation coefficient of special solutions

SolutionTemperature compensation coefficient
NaCl solution2.12%/°C
5% NaOH solution1.72%/°C
Dilute ammonia solution1.88%/°C
10% hydrochloric acid solution1.32%/°C
5% sulfuric acid solution0.96%/°C

6.2.5 Precaution for calibration solution’s contamination
Conductivity standard solution has no buffer. Please avoid being contaminated during usage. Before submerging the electrode in standard solution, please rinse the electrode in distilled water and dry it with clean cloth or tissue paper. Please do not use the same cup of conductivity standard solution repeatedly, especially for standard solution of low concentration (84μS/cm). The contaminated standard solution will affect the accuracy.

6.3 Conductivity Calibration
6.3.1. Rinse the electrode in distilled water, allow it to dry, wash with a little of standard solution and dip it in standard solution. Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the solution until a stable reading is reached.
6.3.2. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon2 key to enter the calibration mode.
The meter’s display will show blinking “CAL” at the top right, and scanning and locking process of calibration solution at the bottom right. When the meter locks1413 mS, stable icon APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon15 will display on LCD. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 key to complete calibration.
The meter will return to measuring mode and Mis displayed on bottom
left of the LCD screen. See Figure-11.
6.3.3. Notes:
(a) Pressing APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 key before stable icon APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon15 appeared on LCD screen, Error indication icon Er 2 will be shown. See Table -11.
(b) Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon2 key before confirmation to exit calibration mode (calibration will not be completed).
6.3.4. For multi-point calibrations, please repeat the steps in 6.3.1 to 6.3.2 until all calibrations are finished.
The meter can be calibrated in the same calibration solution repeatedly until the reading is stable and repeatable. APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon14

6.4 TDS & Conductivity
6.4.1. TDS and conductivity is linear related. The conversion factor is 0.40-1.00. Adjust the factor from parameter P2.6. The factory default setting is 0.71 and please refer to section 7.4. The meter only needs to be calibrated in Conductivity mode, then after calibration of conductivity, the meter can switch from conductivity to TDS.
6.4.2. Adjust TDS conversion factor in parameter setting P2.7 according to the data collected during testing and experience. Table – 10 lists some commonly used Conductivity and TDS conversion factors. This is for your reference only.

Table – 10 Conductivity and TDS conversion factors

Conductivity of solutionTDS conversion factor
0-100 μS/cm0.6
100-1,000 μS/cm0.71
1-10 mS/cm0.81
10-100 mS/cm0.94

6.5 Sample test
6.5.1. Rinse conductivity electrode in distilled water, dry it, and dip it in the sample solution. Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the sample solution until a stable reading is reached and APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon15 icon appears on LCD, then get the reading value, which is the conductivity value of the solution.
6.5.2. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon6key to switch to TDS.
6.5.3. During the process of calibration and measurement, the meter has self-diagnosis functions, indicating the relative information as below: Table – 11.

Table – 11 Self-diagnosis information of conductivity measurement mode

Display IconsContentsChecking
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon9Wrong conductivity calibration solution or the meter recognition of calibration solution out of range.1.Check whether conductivity calibration solution is correct.
2.Check whether the meter connects the electrode well.
3.Check whether the electrode is damaged.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon10Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 key when measuring value is not stable during calibration.Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 key after icon APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Keypad1 appears.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon11During calibration, the measuring value being unstable for over 3 minutes.1.Shake the electrode to eliminate bubbles in electrode head.
2.Replace with new conductivity electrode.

6.5.4. Factory default setting
For factory default setting, please refer to parameter setting P2.7 (Section 7.4). With this function, all calibration data is deleted and the meter restores to the theory value. Some functions restore to the original value (refer to appendix -1). When calibration or measurement fails, please restore the meter to factory default setting and then perform re-calibration or measurement. Please note once set the factory default, all the data deleted will be irretrievable.

6.6 Maintenance of the Conductivity Electrode
6.6.1. Always keep the conductivity electrode clean. Before taking a measurement, rinse the electrode in distilled water. It is recommended to rinse it again in the sample solution. When dipping the electrode in solution, stir the solution briefly to eliminate air bubbles and allow it to stay until a stable reading is reached. Conductivity electrodes are usually stored dry. For conductivity electrodes that haven’t been used for a long time, users can soak the electrode in 12.88 mS calibration solution for 5-10 minutes, or to soak it in tap water for 1 to 2 hours. Rinse the electrode in distilled water after measurement.
6.6.2. The sensing rod of Model 2301T-S conductivity electrode is coated with platinum black to minimize electrode polarization and expand measuring range. The platinum black coating adopted our special processing technology, which improves the electrode performance and the firmness of the coating. If the platinum black electrode is stained, gently clean the electrode with soft brush in warm water containing detergent or alcohol.

PARAMETER SETTING

7.1 Main Menu
In the measurement mode, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon6key to enter in P1.0, then press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 or APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon17 to switch main menu:
P1.0→P2.0→P4.0. Please refer to Figure – 7.
P1.0: pH parameter setting menu,
P2.0: Conductivity parameter setting menu,
P4.0: Basic parameter setting menu.
7.2 Sub-Menu
7.2.1 In P1.0, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to enter the submenu P1.1 for pH setting, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 and APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon17 to change submenu: P1.1→P1.2→ … →P1.5. See Figure-7 for details.
7.2.2 In P2.0, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to enter the submenu P2.1 for conductivity setting, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 and APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon17 to change submenu: P2.1→P2.2→ … →P2.7. See Figure-7 for details.
7.2.3 In P4.0, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to enter the submenu P4.1 for basic parameter setting, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 and APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon17 to change submenu: P4.1→P4.2→…→P4.8. See Figure-7 for details.

APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-7

7.3 pH Setting Sub-Menu

APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon18P1.1 — Select pH buffer series (USA—NIST)
1) In measurement mode, long press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon6to enter P1.0, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7to enter P1.1
2) Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7, “USA” flashes; Press to APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 choose USA→NIST; Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7to confirm. USA—USA NIS—NIST
3) Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16to enter P1.2, or press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7to return to measurement mode.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-19P1.2 — Return to factory default mode (No—Yes)
Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7, “No” flashes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16to choose No→Yes; Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7to confirm, the meter returns to measurement mode.
No— not return to factory default mode; Yes—return to factory default mode If not choosing Yes, Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to return to measurement mode.

7.4 Conductivity Setting Sub-Menu

APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-20P2.1 — Select electrode’s constant(1.0—10.0—0.1 )
1. In P2.0, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to enter P2.1
2. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7, “1.0” flashes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 to choose 1.0→10.0→0.1; press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to confirm
3. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 to enter P2.2, or press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to return to measurement mode.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-21P2.2—Select reference temperature (25.0℃—18.0℃—20.0℃)
1. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 , “25.0℃” flashes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 or APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon17  to adjust temp. from 15℃ to 30℃; press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to confirm.
2. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 to enter P2.3, or press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7to return to measurement mode.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-22P2.3—Adjust temp. compensation coefficient (0.00-9.99%)
1. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 , “2.00” flashes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 or APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon17 to adjust from 0.00-9.99; press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to confirm.
2. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 to enter P2.4, or press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to return to measurement mode.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-23P2.4—Adjust TDS Factor (0.40-1.00)
1. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 , “0.71” flashes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 or APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon17 to adjust from 0.40-1.00; press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to confirm.
2. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 to enter P2.5, or press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to return to measurement mode.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-24P2.5 — Return to factory default mode (No—Yes)
Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7, “No” flashes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16to choose No→Yes; Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to confirm, the meter returns to measurement mode.
No— not return to factory default mode; Yes—return to factory default mode If not choosing Yes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to return to measurement mode.

7.5 Basic Parameter Setting Sub-Menu

APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-25P4.1 —(°C—°F)
1. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 , “°C” flashes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16, “°F” flashes; when parameter flashes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to confirm.
2. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 to enter P4.2, or press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to return to measurement mode.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-26P4.2—Select lasting time for backlight (1—2—3—On)
1. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7, “1” flashes, press to choose from 1→2→3→On; press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7to confirm Select On to have the backlight always turned on; time unit is minute.
2. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 to enter P4.3, or press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to return to measurement mode.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-27P4.3 — Select auto power-off time (10—20—30—On)
1. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7, “20” flashes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16to choose from 20→30→On→10, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7to confirm. Select On to shut off the auto power-off function; time unit is minute.
2. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 to enter P4.4, or press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to return to measurement mode.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - Figure-28P4.4 — Set up Auto-Lock reading mode (Off—On)
1. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7, “Off” flashes, press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon16 to choose Off→On; press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to confirm.
2. Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 to return to measurement mode.

COMPLETE KIT

ContentQuantityPH400EC400PC400
1PH400 Portable pH Meter1
2EC400 Portable Conductivity Meter1
3PC400 Portable pH/Conductivity Meter1
4201T-S Plastic 3-in-1 Combination pH Electrode1
52301T-S Plastic Combination Conductivity Electrode1
6pH Standard Buffer (4.00 pH,7.00 pH,10.01pH/50m1)1 for each
7Conductivity Standard Solutions (84pS,1413pS,12.88mS/50m1)1 for each
8Carrying Case1
9Instruction Manual1

APPENDIX 1: TABLE OF PARAMETER SETTING AND FACTORY DEFAULT SETTING

ModeSymboParameterAbbreviationContentFactory Default
P1.0
pH
P1.1Select Buffer SeriesAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon22USA—NIST
P1.2Restore to factory default settingsAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon23No—YesNo
P2.0
Conductivity
P2.1Select electrode’s constantAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon241.0-10.0-0.11.0
P2.2Select reference temperatureAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon2515°C — 30°C25°C
P2.3Adjust temperature compensation coefficientAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon260.00 9.992.00
P2.4Adjust TDS factorAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon270.40 – 1.000.71
P2.5Restore to factory default settingAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon28No—YesNo
P4.1Select temperature unit/°C – °F
P4.2Select lasting time for backlightAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon291-2-3—On
P4.3Select time for auto power-offAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon3010-20-30—On
P4.4Set up auto-lock reading mode/Off—On

APPENDIX 2: TABLE OF SELF-DIAGNOSIS

SymbolSelf-Diagnosis InformationpHConductivity
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon9Wrong conductivity calibration solution or the meter recognition of calibration solution out of range.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon10Press APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon7 key when measuring value is not stable duringcalibration.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon11During calibration, the measuring value is not stable for ?.. 3 min.
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon12pH electrode zero electric potential out of range (<-60mV or >60mV)
APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon13pH electrode slope out of range (<85% or >110%)

APPENDIX 3: ICONS AND ABBREVIATION

ModeSymbolAbbreviationContent
P1.0
pH
P1.1APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon22Standard buffers
P1.2/Factory default setting
P2.0
Conductivity
P2.1APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon24Electrode constant
P2.2APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon25Reference temperature
P2 3APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon26Temperature compensation coefficient
P2.4APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon27TDS Factor
P2.5APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon23Factory default setting
P4.0
Basic Parameters
P4.1/
P4.2APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon29backlight
P4.3APERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon30Auto power-off
P4.4/
OthersAPERA PC400 Portable pH or Conductivity Meter - icon31USA Series
NIST Series
Off
On
No
Yes

WARRANTY

We warrant this instrument to be free from defects in material and workmanship and agree to repair or replace free of charge, at option of APERA INSTRUMENTS, any malfunctioned or damaged product attributable to responsibility of APERA INSTRUMENTS for a period of TWO YEARS (SIX MONTHS for the probe) from the delivery.
This limited warranty does not cover any damages due to: Transportation, storage, improper use, failure to follow the product instructions or to perform any preventive maintenance, modifications, combination or use with any products, materials, processes, systems or other matter not provided or authorized in writing by us, unauthorized repair, normal wear and tear, or external causes such as accidents, abuse, or other actions or events beyond our reasonable control.

APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH
Address: Wilhelm-Muthmann-Str.18, 42329 Wuppertal, Germany
Email: [email protected] | www.aperainst.de |Tel.: +49 202 51988998

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