Apera Instruments PH 8500 User manual

Version2.0
PH8500 Portable pH Meter
User Manual

Version2.0
Contents
1Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Basic Features............................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 pH Measurement Features............................................................................................................3
2Specifications.........................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Main Specifications........................................................................................................................3
2.2 Other Specifications:...................................................................................................................... 4
3Instrument Description...........................................................................................................................4
3.1 LCD Display................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Keypad Functions..........................................................................................................................5
3.3 Meter Socket..................................................................................................................................7
3.4 Display Mode................................................................................................................................. 7
3.5 Store, Recall and Clear Data......................................................................................................... 8
3.6 Auto. Power-off ..............................................................................................................................8
3.7 Manual Temperature Compensation (MTC)..................................................................................8
4pH Measurement................................................................................................................................... 8
4.1 pH Electrode Information............................................................................................................... 8
4.2 pH Calibration Consideration.........................................................................................................9
4.3 pH Calibration (take three-point calibration as an example).......................................................10
4.4 Customer-defined calibration........................................................................................................11
4.5 Sample Test .................................................................................................................................12
4.6 pH Electrode Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 13
5mV Measurement................................................................................................................................14
5.1 ORP Measurement...................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 Notes:........................................................................................................................................... 14
6Parameter Setting................................................................................................................................15
7USB Communication........................................................................................................................... 18
7.1 Software Requirement.................................................................................................................18
7.2 Software Interface........................................................................................................................19
7.3 Install Software ............................................................................................................................ 19
7.4 Automatic Connection Port..........................................................................................................20
7.5 Operation Software...................................................................................................................... 20
8What’s in the Kit?.................................................................................................................................21
9Recommended pH Electrodes for different Applications.....................................................................21
10 Warranty ..............................................................................................................................................22
11 Appendix I: Parameter Setting and Factory Default Setting............................................................... 23
12 Appendix II: Abbreviation Glossary .....................................................................................................23

3
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing PH8500 portable pH meter.
This product is a great combination of advanced electronics technology, sensor technology, and
software design, made for general water solution applications such as water treatment, environmental
monitoring, pools and spas, hydroponics, aquaculture, education, beverage making, cooling tower, etc.,
especially ideal for field use. In order to use and maintain the instrument properly, please read the
manual thoroughly before use.
1.1 Basic Features
⚫The microprocessor-based portable meter features automatic calibration, automatic
temperature compensation, function set-up, self-diagnostics, due calibration reminding,
calibration date checking, automatic power-off and low voltage display.
⚫Meet GLP, clock display, manual storage and automatic timing storage, USB port.
⚫The meter’s digital filter improves measurement speed and accuracy. There is
reading stability display.
⚫The package includes portable case, meter, electrode, standard solutions, soaking solutions, and all
accessories, convenient to use in field.
⚫The meter is dust proof and waterproof, meeting the IP57 rating.
1.2 pH Measurement Features
⚫1-3 points automatic calibration, the meter provides calibration guide and automatic checking
function.
⚫The meter is able to recognize pH standard buffer solutions automatically. There are three options of
standard buffer solution: USAseries, NIST series and customer-defined solution.
⚫The meter provides three kinds of reading stability criteria.
2 Specifications
2.1 Main Specifications
Specifications
pH
Measuring Range
(-2.00 ~ 16.00) pH
Resolution
0.1/0.01 pH
Accuracy
±0.01pH ±1 digit
Temperature
compensation
(0 ~ 100) °C (manual or automatic)
mV
Measuring Range
±1,999mV
Resolution
±200 mV:0.1mV;others:1 mV
Accuracy
±0.1% F.S ±1 digit
Temperature
Measuring Range
-10~110°C

4
Resolution
0.1℃
Accuracy
±0.5℃±1 digit
2.2 Other specifications:
Data storage
500 groups
Storage content
Serial number, date, time, measuring value,
measuring unit and temperature value
Output
USB
Power
AA batteries ×3 (1.5V×3)
IP rating
IP57 waterproof and dust proof
Dimension & Weight
Meter: (86×196×33 ) mm / 335 g
Portable case: (330×270×82 ) mm /1.3 kg
3 Instrument Description
3.1 LCD Display：
(1) —Measuring mode icons
(2) —Measurement reading
(3) —Timing storage icon. When this icon appears, the meter is in the automatic storage mode
(4) —Date and time, or prompts of special display mode
(5) —Units of date and time
(6) —Units of measurement
Diagram-2
LCD
⑰
HOLD

5
(7) —Temperature units
(8) —Units of calibration value
(9) —Standard calibration value, the serial number for storage and recall, and prompts of special
display mode
(10) —Storage and recall icons,
M+ —Measurement to be stored icon, RM —Reading to be recalled icon
(11) —Temperature value, and prompts of special display mode
(12) —Temperature compensation icons; ATC —automatic temperature compensation,
MTC —manual temperature compensation
(13) —Calibration guide icon
(14) —USB icon，when this icon appears, the meter connects the computer
(15) —Stability icon of readings
(16) —Low battery icon, when this icon appears, please renew the battery
(17) —Auto. Hold icon of readings
3.2 Keypad Functions
3.2.1. Keypad operations
Short press <1.5 seconds , Long press >1.5 seconds.
Turn on the meter: press to turn on the meter.
Turn off the meter: In the measurement mode, press and hold for 2 seconds to turn off the meter.
Notes: In the calibration mode or the parameter set-up mode, pressing is invalid. Please press
key to return to the measurement mode, then press to turn off the meter.
Diagram-3
Keypad

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Chart –1 Keypad operations and descriptions
Keypad
Operations
Descriptions
Short press
⚫In the power-off mode, press this key to turn on the meter;
⚫In the measurement mode, press this key to turn on or turn off the
backlight display.
Long press
⚫In the measurement mode, press and hold this key for 2 seconds to turn
off the meter.
Short press
Select measurement parameter:
⚫→
Short press
⚫In the measurement mode, press this key to enter in the calibration
mode;
⚫In the auto. hold mode (HOLD), recall mode (RM) or other mode, press
this key to return to the measurement mode,
Short press
⚫In the measurement mode, press this key to enter in the parameter setup
main menu;
⚫In the calibration mode, press this key to make calibration;
⚫In the parameter set-up mode, press this key to select programs;
⚫In the recall mode (RM), press this key to return to the measurement
Mode.
Short/
long press
⚫In the measurement mode, long press to enter manual temperature
compensation mode, long press this key or short press to increase
temperature value;
⚫In the measurement mode, press this key to store the measuring value;
⚫In the recall mode (RM), short press this key to change the storage serial
number, press and hold this key to change the number quickly;
⚫In the parameter set-up mode, press this key to change the serial
number of the main menu and the sub-menu;
⚫In the sub-menu mode, press this key to change parameters and setup.
Short/
long press
⚫In the measurement mode, long press to enter manual temperature
compensation mode, long press this key or short press to decrease
temperature value;
⚫In the measurement mode, press this key to recall the last stored value;
⚫In the recall mode (RM), press momentarily this key to change the
storage serial number, press and hold this key to change the number
quickly;
⚫In the parameter set-up mode, press this key to change the serial
number of the main menu and the sub-menu;
⚫In the sub-menu mode, press this key to change parameters and setup.

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3.3 Meter Socket
Electrode socket displays as Chart –2. USB socket displays as Chart–3.
Chart –2 Sockets for meters
Models
Photos
Description
PH8500
pH meter
⚫BNC socket (right) —connect pH
electrode or ORP electrode,
⚫RCA socket (middle) —connect
temperature probe
Chart –3 USB socket
Functions
Connect to meter
Description
USB communication
⚫The meter has USB communication
function, connecting the meter to a
computer by USB cable with the
installation of PC-Link software
(Windows-based computer only,
included in a flash drive)
3.4 Display Mode
3.4.1 Reading stability display mode
When the measuring value is stable, smiley icon appears on LCD,
see Diagram –4. If the icon does not appear or flash, please do not
record the reading value or make calibration until the measuring value is
stable. Per parameter P1.3, there are 3 criteria for stability standard:
(Normal), (High) and (Low). The factory default is set “Normal”.
"High”is set for stability over a longer time, “Low”is set for stability over a
shorter time. User can select suitable stability criteria according to different
testing requirement.
3.4.2. Automatic lock-up display mode
Select On from parameter P3.6 to turn on automatic lock-up display function.
When the reading value stabilizes more than 10 seconds, the meter locks the
measuring value automatically and displays HOLD icon, see Diagram –5.
In the HOLD mode, press to release lock-up.
Diagram - 4
Diagram - 5

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3.5 Store, Recall and Clear Data
3.5.1. Manual storage
When the measurement is stable, short press key,
M+ icon and storage serial number appear on LCD, storing measuring
information, see Diagram –6.
3.5.2. Automatic timing storage
Set the storage timing (eg. 3 minutes) in parameter setting P3.3, icon
appears on LCD and the meter enters the timing storage mode. When
short press key, key flashes and the first measuring value is stored.
After 3 minutes, the 2nd measuring value is stored. See Diagram –7: the meter
stores automatically eight measuring values. When short press key,
icon stops flashing and the meter stops automatic storage. In automatic
storage mode, manual storage does not work. Set time 0 in parameter setting
P3.3 to exit from the automatic storage mode.
3.5.3. Recall stored data
In the measurement mode, press key to recall the last stored
measuring value. See Diagram –8: display RM icon and storage serial
number. Continue pressing key and key to recall successively the
stored measuring value. Press and hold key and key to recall the
stored measuring value quickly. Press to return to measuring mode.
3.5.4. Clear stored data
Select YES per parameter P3.6 to clear all stored value, refer to Section 7.5.
3.6 Auto. Power-off
The meter will be power-off after the meter stops operation for 20 minutes. To set automatic power off time
in parameter setting P3.7
3.7 Manual Temperature Compensation (MTC)
When the temperature probe is not connected to the meter, press and hold key or key,
temperature value flashes, then press (or press and hold) key or key to change the temperature
value, and press key to confirm.
4 pH Measurement
4.1 pH Electrode Information
The meter connects to 201T-F plastic three-in-one combination pH electrode with built-in temperature
sensor, with automatic temperature compensation function. Electrode housing is made of polycarbonate
engineering plastics, which is corrosion and impact resistant. The BNC socket of electrode connects pH
Diagram - 6
Diagram - 7
Diagram - 8

9
socket. RCA socket connects temperature socket. When dipping pH electrode in the solution, please stir
the solution briefly to eliminate any air bubbles and allow it to stay in the solution until the reading is stable.
Note: The 201T-F Combination Glass pH/temp. Electrode is only suitable for general water solutions’ pH
measurement. For special applications such as low ion concentration or complex solutions, please refer to
Section 9 to find the most suitable pH electrode model.
4.2 pH Calibration Consideration
4.2.1. Standard buffer solution
The meter uses two series of standard buffer solution: USA series and NIST series, each series consists
of 5 groups solution, icons see Chart - 4
Chart - 4 pH standard buffer solution series
Calibration guide icons
pH standard buffer solution series
USA series (USA)
NIST series (NIS)
Three-point
calibration
1.68 pH and 4.00 pH
1.68 pH and 4.01 pH
7.00 pH
6.86pH
10.01 pH and 12.45 pH
9.18 pH and 12.45 pH
4.2.2. Three-point calibration
The instrument can perform 1-3 points calibration. The first point calibration must be 7.00 pH (or 6.86 pH)
standard solution, then select other standard solution to perform the second and the third point calibration,
see Chart-5. Chart - 5 Three-point calibration mode
USA standard
NIST standard
Icons
Suited range
One-point
calibration
7.00 pH
6.86 pH
Accuracy
≤±0.1pH
Two-point
calibration
7.00 pH→4.00 or 1.68pH
6.86 pH→4.01 or 1.68pH
Range<7.00pH
7.00 pH→10.01 or 2.45pH
6.86 pH→9.18 or 12.45pH
Range>7.00pH
Three-point
calibration
7.00pH→4.00 or1.68pH
→10.01 or12.45pH
6.86pH→4.01or 1.68pH
→9.18 or 12.45pH
Wide Range
4.2.3. Calibration frequency
Calibration frequency depends on the sample, the electrode performance, and the required accuracy. For
high accuracy measurements (≤ ±0.03pH), the meter should be calibrated immediately before taking a
measurement. For general accuracy (≥ ±0.1pH), the meter can be calibrated and used for approximately
one week before the next calibration. The meter must be re-calibrated in the following situations:
(a) New probe, or probe that is unused for a long period of time
(b)After measuring acids (pH<2) or alkaline solutions (pH>12)

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(c)After measuring a solution that contains fluoride or a concentrated organic
solution
(d) If the solution’s temperature differs greatly from the calibration solution
temperature
4.2.4. Due calibration
Preset calibration interval (begin from the date of last calibration) to remind due
calibration in a preset period in parameter setting P1.4 (Section 7.3). During due calibration, Er5icon
appears on LCD (see Diagram –9). The meter can not continue operation and Er5icon disappears until
the calibration is done, or
when select “No”in parameter setting P1.4.
4.2.5. Check calibration date
Check the date and time of last calibration to decide whether new calibration is
needed. Please refer to parameter setting P1.5 (Section 7.3).
4.3 pH Calibration (take three-point calibration as an example)
4.3.1. The 1st point calibration
a) Press key to enter the calibration mode, CAL 1 flashes at the top right
of LCD and “7.00 pH” flashes at the bottom right of LCD, indicating using pH
7.00 buffer solution to make the 1st point calibration.
b)Rinse pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, and
submerge it in pH7.00 buffer solution. Stir the solution briefly and allow it to
stay in the buffer solution until a stable reading is reached. LCD displays
stable , press to finish 1st point calibration, meter goes to
measurement mode, the bottom left of LCD indicating , See Diagram –10.
4.3.2. The 2nd point calibration
Press key to enter the calibration mode, CAL2 flashes at the top right of LCD, indicating make the 2nd
point calibration. rinse pH electrode in distilled or deionized water, allow it to dry, submerge it in pH4.00
buffer solution, Stir the solution briefly and allow it to stay in the buffer solution until a stable reading is
reached. The meter’s display will show scanning and locking process of calibration buffer solution at the
bottom right of LCD. When the meter locks 4.00 pH, stable icon displays and stays on LCD. Press
the key to calibrate the meter. electrode slope of acidity range display after calibration is done, the
2nd point calibration finished, meter goes to measurement mode, the bottom left of LCD
indicating .
Diagram - 9
Diagram - 10