Apera Instruments YD300 User manual

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YD300
Portable Water Hardness Meter
User Manual
Apera Instruments, LLC
aperainst.com

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Table of Contents
1. Brief Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................3
2. Technical Specifications..................................................................................................................................................4
3. Meter Instructions............................................................................................................................................................6
4. Operation .........................................................................................................................................................................7
4.1. Preparation................................................................................................................................................................7
4.2. Notes During Measurement Preparations.................................................................................................................8
4.3. Meter’s Calibration: (take B2/B3 calibration method and mmol/L unit as an example)............................................8
4.4 Notes in Meter’s Calibration.....................................................................................................................................9
4.5 Take Measurement..................................................................................................................................................10
4.6 Notes during Measurement Taking.........................................................................................................................10
4.7. Electrode Storage....................................................................................................................................................11
5. Meter’s Parameter Settings............................................................................................................................................11
5.1. Parameter Setting Table..........................................................................................................................................11
5.2. Calibration Method Setting (P1).............................................................................................................................11
5.3. Measurement Resolution Setting (P2)....................................................................................................................11
5.4. Temperature Units Setting (P3)...............................................................................................................................12
5.5. ON/OFF Setting of Activation Compensation (P4) ...................................................................................................12
5.6. ON/OFF Setting of Background Light (P5)...............................................................................................................12
5.7. ON/OFF Setting of Meter Automatic Shutoff (P6)....................................................................................................12
5.8. ON/OFF Setting of Restore to Default Setting (P7)...................................................................................................13
6. Data Storage/Recall/Deletion..........................................................................................................................................13
6.1 Store Measurement Data.........................................................................................................................................13
6.2 Recall Measurement Data.......................................................................................................................................14
6.3 Clear Stored MeasurementData .............................................................................................................................14
7. What’s in the Kit............................................................................................................................................................14
8. Warranty........................................................................................................................................................................15
9. Appendix ：Error Message and Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................16
Scan to watch the video tutorial

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1. Brief Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Apera Instruments YD300 Portable Water Hardness Meter. 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] or [phone].
Waterhardnessisthe total concentration of calcium ion (Ca2+) and magnesium ion (Mg2+) in water.
The meter adopts an electrode method to measure water hardness, which has been proven to have
the same accuracy as the EDTA volumetric method. This product helps solving problems existing
in EDTAmethod such as the complexity of operation and difficulty in reading withthe user-friendly
electrochemical method. This meter is used for high accuracy water hardness measurements and is
ideal for field tests.
Features
•Adopts 601-S 3-in-1 water hardness combination electrode which consists of: measuring
electrode, reference electrode and temperature probe. At the same time, its new structure,
stable electrode potential, quick response and use easily features are more welcomed by
customers.
•The meter adopts an intelligent chip design, which has automatic calibration, temperature
compensation (ATC),data storage; auto-lock and automatic power off, a low potential
displaying function, etc.
•Eight water hardness units can be chosen upon user’s preference: mmol/L, mg/L (CaCO3),
mg/L (CaO), mmol/L (Boiler), mg/L (Ca), ◦fH (France Degree), ◦dH (German Degree) and
◦eH (England Degree).
•Adopts digital filtering technology to intelligently improve meter’s response speed and
result accuracy. A smiling face icon will appear when reading isstable.
•Equipped with B1, B2 and B3 Water Hardness calibration solutions.
•Backlit LCD display.
•IP57 waterproof design.
•Comes in a rugged carrying case equipped with all accessories.

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2. Technical Specifications
2.1 Units of Water Hardness and their Conversions
mmol/L —basic unit for water hardness
mg/L (CaCO3) —water hardness based on quality concentration of CaCO3, also known as ppm and
U.S. Degree.
mg/L (CaO) —water hardness based on quality concentration of CaO
mmol/L (Boiler) —special unit for industrial boiler water hardness measurement
mg/L (Ca) —water hardness based on quality concentration of Ca
ºfH—France Degree
ºdH—German Degree
ºeH—England Degree
Units Conversion of Water Hardness
mmoL/L
mg/L
(CaCO3)
mg/L
(CaO)
mmol/L
(Boiler)
mg/L
(Ca)
ºfH
（France
Degree）
ºdH
（German
Degree）
ºeH
（England
Degree）
mmol/L
1
100
56.1
2
40.1
10
5.6
7.0
mg/L(CaCO3)
1.00×10-2
1
0.56
2.00×10-2
4.01×10-1
0.10
5.60×10-2
7.00×10-2
mg/L
(CaO)
1.78×10-2
1.78
1
3.57×10-2
7.15×10-1
1.78×10-1
9.98×10-2
1.25×10-1
mmol/L
(Boiler)
5.00×10-1
50
28.05
1
20.05
5.00
2.8
3.50
mg/L
(Ca)
2.49×10-2
2.49
1.40
4.99×10-2
1
2.49×10-1
1.40×10-1
1.75×10-1
ºfH
(France
Degree)
1.00×10-1
10
5.61
2.00×10-1
4.01
1
5.59×10-1
6.99×10-1
ºdH
(German
Degree)
1.79×10-1
17.9
10.02
3.57×10-1
7.16
1.79
1
1.25
ºeH
(England
Degree)
1.43×10-1
14.3
8.01
2.86×10-1
5.73
1.43
8.00×10-1
1

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2.2 Technical Parameters
Water Hardness
Measurement range
(0 to 10) mmol/L; (0 to 401)mg/L(Ca);
(0 to 1000) mg/L(CaCO3); (0 to 100) ºfH (France Degree);
(0 to 561) mg/L(CaO); (0 to 56)ºdH (German Degree);
(0 to 20) mmol/L(Boiler); (0 to 70) ºeH (England Degree)
Resolution
0.01 and 0.1 water hardness units
Accuracy
±5% FS
Temp. compensation range
（5 to 50℃）automatic
Calibration Solution
B1 Calibration Solution —2.00×10-2 mmol/L B2 Calibration Solution —
2.00×10-1 mmol/L B3 Calibration Solution —2.00 mmol/L
Calibration Mode
(a) B1/B2 Calibration—using B1 and B2 Calibration Solution, suitable for <
2.00×10-2 mmol/L low concentration water quality, for example boiler
water.
(b) B2/B3 Calibration—using B2 and B3 Calibration Solution, suitable for general
water quality.
Temperature
Measurement Range
0-60℃ (32 -140ºF)
Resolution
0.1℃
Accuracy
±0.5℃
Other Technical Parameters
Data Storage
99 sets
Stored Content
serial number, measurement, units, temperature and calibration points
Power
Two AA Batteries（1.5V×2）
Dimension and Weight
Meter：(65×120×31)mm/180g; Carry Case：(255×210×50)mm/790g
Quality and Safety
Certificate
ISO9001:2015, CE, RoHS

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Working conditions
Working Temperature
5-35℃ (41-95ºF)
Working Humidity
≤85%
Waterproof Rating
IP57 Waterproof and Dustproof
3. Meter Instructions
3.1. LCD Display
① —Water hardness reading; adopts a modular form to express e.g. means 2.00×10-1.
② —Measurement units; appears by following order: mmol/L, mg/L(CaCO3), mg/L(CaO),
mmol/L(Boiler), ºfH , ºdH , ºeH and mg/L(Ca).
③ —Measurement stable reading icon; When icon is flashing—measurement is not stable; When
icon is not flashing—measurement is stable.
④ —Calibration solution indication icon, for example flashing means should calibrate with
B1 solution.
⑤ —Low voltage icon, remind user to change batteries.
⑥ —Temperature value and its units.
⑦ —M+—icon for storing measurements, RM—icon for recalling measurements; The digit
on the left side of icon indicates the storage serialnumber.
⑧ —Calibration icon, Cal 1 means first point calibration, Cal 2 means second point calibration.

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3.2. Keypad
This meter has a total of five operating keys.
Power button
Button to control backlight; short press this button to turn on backlight, Long
Press this button (press time > 2 seconds) to enter parameter setting mode
Calibration button, press this button to enter meter’s calibration mode.
Button for unit switch and confirmation, when in measurement mode, press the
button to change measurement unit; When in parameter setting, press the button
to confirm change in settings.
Button for storing and recalling measurement data. Short press this button to
store measurement data, Long press this button to recall stored measurement
data. In parameter setting, the button can change digit or ON/OFF status.
4. Operation
4.1. Preparation
4.1.1. Electrode’s Activation
(a)For first-time use —see picture (4-1), shake electrode with
force to let the inner solution of electrode fall into the
measuring head compartment; there should NOT be any
bubbles within the measuring head. Pour a small amount of
soaking solution into the soaking solution vial, and soakthe
electrode for 30 minutes.
(b) Regular Usage —The activation time only takes 10 to 15
minutes for a frequently used electrode. As long as the
reading is stable, users can start to perform calibration and
measurements (please note that the readings without
electrode being immersed in solutions are random).
4.1.2 Pour B2 and B3 calibration solution into the corresponding vials of “B2” and “B3”.
4.1.3 Choose meter’s calibrating methods, resolution, water hardness units and other measurement
parameters.

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4.2. Notes During Measurement Preparations
4.2.1 When using, shake the electrode with force to make the inner solution of electrode fall into the
compartment of the measuring head. There shouldn’t be any airbubbles in the measuring head.
4.2.2 When soaking or calibrating electrode, the calibration vial should be placed in the black metal
pedestal toavoid spills.
4.3. Meter’s Calibration: (take B2/B3 calibration method and mmol/L unit as an example)
4.3.1 Power on the meter. Press , and icons
appear and are flashing at the same time, indicating the
meter enters 1st point calibration; the calibration solution
is B2, see picture (4-2).
4.3.2 Rinse the electrode in distilled/deionized water and shake off
excess water; insert theelectrode into B2 calibration solution
and gently stir the electrode for a few seconds and let it stand still;
Wait for the reading to fully stabilize (about 2 minutes).
4.3.3 Then press to confirm calibration, “2.00×10-1mmol/L” icon starts flashing (see picture (4-3),
indicating 1st point calibration will be finished after approximately 20 seconds. During the icon
flashing, do NOT press any key.
NOTE: The reading may be temporarily stable in about 30 seconds, but we recommend waiting about 2
minutes for the reading to get fully stabilized before pressing to confirm calibration. This practice
will significantly improve the accuracy of calibration.
4.3.4 Then and icons will appear and start flashing, indicating the meter enters 2nd point
calibration mode; the calibration solution isB3.

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4.3.5 Rinse the electrode in distilled/deionized water and shake off
excess water; insert it into B3 calibration solution; stir the
electrode for a few seconds and let it stand still. Wait for the
reading to fully stabilize (about 2 minutes).
4.3.6 Press button to confirm the 2nd point calibration,
“2.00 and mmol/L”icon starts flashing (see picture (4-4)); calibration will be finished after
approximately 20 seconds. During the icon flashing, do NOT press any key. The meter then returns to
measurement mode.
4.3.7 To verify the calibration quality: Rinse the electrode in distilled/deionized water and shake off
excess water; then put it into the B2 solution, stir for a few seconds and let it stand still; take the
reading after appears and stays; The reading should be close to 2.00 ±0.25×10-1 mmol/L.
Otherwise, please repeat the calibration process (4.3.1 to 4.3.3).
4.4 Notes in Meter’s Calibration
4.4.1 For first time use, the new electrode is recommended to be calibrated two times.Wheninserting
the probe into calibration solutions for the first time, sometimes there will be a large deviation
in the reading, even showing an unchanging “1.00×103mmol/L” (indicating an overflow
display);this is normal and can be corrected in the second time ofcalibration.
4.4.2 The two-point calibration method is recommended for the best water hardness accuracy; a
calibration curve will be established after two-point calibration is performed. Therefore, the
correct values will be displayed only after calibration.
4.4.3 Because the meter does not have automatic recognition for the calibration solutions, user must
place electrode into the right calibration solution according to / / icons flashing on
the LCD. If the wrong calibration solution is used, the meter would generate significant
inaccuracy while testing samples. You will need to repeat calibration if this happens.
4.4.4 Because B1, B2 and B3 calibration solutions are no buffers. They are easy to be contaminated.
This is especially the case for the low concentration B1 solution. These solutions generally can
be used 4 to 5 times before replacement. Users need to pay attention to ensure the solutions do
not get contaminated.

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4.5 Take Measurement
Pour your sample solution into the #1 or #2 sample vial (bottle). Rinse
electrode with distilled/deionized water and shake off excess water; insert
the probe into sample solution, stir gently and let it stand still; when
icon appears and stays, take the reading. Press to save the
measurement data. As shown in picture (4-5), calibrating method is B2 and
B3, temperature of solution is 25.0℃, water hardness measurement is 2.88×10-1, unit is mmol/L,
press to switch to other units.
4.6 Notes during Measurement Taking
4.6.1 Electrode must be rinsed thoroughly with distilled/deionized water before measuring. The
container for diluted and concentrated solutions should be separated. When testing, try to test
diluted solution first and then test concentrated solution.
4.6.2 Generally, calibration is necessary before every test, but if interval between tests is short, then
calibration isnot necessary; To test ifthe meter is due for calibration, simplyinsert the electrode
in one of the calibration solutions and wait for a stable reading. If the reading is within the
stated error range, then it is unnecessary to recalibrate.
4.6.3 When testing boiler water, users should choose B1/B2 calibration method, and add Ionic
Strength Buffer (TISAB) into B1, B2 calibration solution and soaking solution. Otherwise, it
will cause a significant measurement error; the proportion is add 50.4mg ACS grade Sodium
Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) per 100mL solution.
4.6.4 According to the 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. For general testing, the temperature discrepancy
between calibration solution and sample solution should be less than 15°C; for high accuracy
testing, the temperatures of calibration solution and sample solution should be consistent.
4.6.5 The sensor membrane of the electrode might become turbid after usage, which is a normal
phenomenon.
4.6.6 During usage, if you findthe PVC sensor membrane in the electrode measuring head is seriously
concave, please first screw it loose, then screw it tight, and then shake it forcefully for several
times to eliminate the air bubble, which should solve the problem.
4.6.7 When the concentration of sample solution is greater than 1.00×10mmol/L, icon will
display on the left-bottom corner, reminding users to dilute the sample solution 10 times before
testing; then multiple the readings by 10 to get the realreadings.

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4.7. Electrode Storage
When measurement is finished, electrode should be stored in the protection cap after rinsing in
distilled/deionized water. No solution is needed in the protection cap.
5. Meter’s Parameter Settings
5.1. Parameter Setting Table
Prompt
Parameter setting items
Parameter
P1
Calibration Method Setting
----
P2
Resolution Setting
0.01-0.1
P3
Temperature Unit Setting
℃-℉
P4
Activity Compensation Setting
OFF-On
P5
Automatic Backlight Setting
OFF-On
P6
Automatic Power Off
OFF-On
P7
Default Setting
OFF-On
5.2. Calibration Method Setting (P1)
Press button (> 2 seconds), meter enters calibration
method setting state P1, LCD display as picture (5-1), press
button to switch from and calibration
methods, press to confirm and return to measurement
mode. Default setting is .
5.3. Measurement Resolution Setting (P2)
Press button under the P1 setting, meter enters measuring
resolution setting P2. LCD display as picture (5-2), press
button to change resolution between 0.01 and 0.1; press button to confirm and
return to measurement mode. Default setting is0.01.

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5.4. Temperature Unit Setting (P3)
Press button under the P2 setting, meter enters
temperature unit setting state P3. LCD display as in picture (5-
3), press button to change temperature units between °C
and °F, button to confirm and return to measurement
mode; default setting is °C
5.5. ON/OFF Setting of Activation Compensation (P4)
Press button under the P3 state, meter enters ON/OFF
setting of activation compensation state P4. Picture (5-4) shows
default setting state is ON. Press button to change
activation compensation button between OFF and ON, press
button to confirm and return to measurement mode. When
choosing ON, this means display value has activation compensation within measurement range
of high concentration 4.00 to 10.0mmol/L; and display value does not have activation
compensation when choosing OFF. Default setting is ON.
5.6. ON/OFF Setting of Background Light (P5)
Press button under the P4 setting, the meter enters
ON/OFF setting of backlight automatic power off setting P5.
LCD display as in picture (5-5). Press button to choose
ON or OFF, press button to confirm and return to
measurement mode. The default setting is ON. When choosing ON, the backlight automatically
turns off after 8 minutes. When choosing OFF,the backlight automatic power off function is canceled.
5.7. ON/OFF Setting of Meter Automatic Shutoff (P6)
Press button under the P5 setting, meter enters setting of
automatic power off state P6. LCD display
as in picture (5-6). Press button to choose ON or OFF,

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press button to confirm and return to measurementmode.
The default setting is ON. When choosing ON, the automatic power off function is activated; the
meter will power off automatically after 10 minutes if no operation; when choosing OFF,
automatic power off function is cancelled.
5.8. ON/OFF Setting of Restore to Default Setting (P7)
Short press button under the P6 setting, meter enters
ON/OFF setting of restoring to default setting P7. Thedefault
setting is OFF, LCD display as in picture (5-7), press
button to switch ON and to choose to go back to default settings;
then after 2 seconds, it enters the measurement mode. P1 to P6 now are all restored to default
setting and the calibration data is erased.
6. Data Storage/Recall/Deletion
6.1 Store Measurement Data
6.1.1 In measurement mode, short press button after readingis
stabilized, a serial number and M+ icon appear on the LCD,
indicating this measurement has been stored under this
number, measurement information including serial number,
measurement, units,temperature and calibration method, as in
picture (6-1) showing the measurement with serial number
28.
6.1.2 LCD will display the serial number and M+ icon of the last
measurement; as in picture (6-2), indicates that meter has
already stored 16 groups of measurements. The meter can store
up to 99 groups of measurements.
.

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6.1.3 When memory storage isfull, press button again, icon will appear on the LCD, as
the picture (6-3) showing, at that time press button and
meter will clear the original 99 groups information, and new
measurement can be stored. If pressing button,
meter will keep the original 99 sets of data and return to
measurement mode.
6.2 Recall Measurement Data
In measurement mode, Long press button (> 2 seconds),
meter will recall last stored values, short press button
consecutively, meter will display measurement with serial
number sequentially.
6.3 Clear Stored Measurement Data
In measurement mode, press and button together, meter displays flashing
; at this time, short press button, meter will clear all stored measurement data and
return the meter to measurement mode; if short press button, meter will keep original
measurement data and return to measurement mode.
7. What’s in the Kit
Item
Quantity
YD300 water hardness meter
1
601-S water hardness/temp. electrode
1
AA alkaline batteries (1.5V)(installed)
2
100mL hardness calibration solution (B1, B2 and
B3)
1 for each
20ml empty vials
6

15
10ml protecting bottle
1
Metal pedestal
1
Water hardness soaking solution (50ml)
1
Carrying case
1
User manual
1
8. 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 APERAINSTRUMENTS, LLC, any malfunctioned or damaged
product attributable to responsibility ofAPERAINSTRUMENTS, LLC for a period ofTWO YEARS
(SIX MONTHS for the water hardness electrode) 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.

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9. Appendix ：Error Message and Troubleshooting
Error
Possible Reasons
Troubleshooting
Operation
Measured value unstable,
flashing
Electrode is not activated
Activate the electrode for 30 minutes
See 4.1.1.
Bubble in the measuring
head
Shake the electrode forcefully to the
remove the bubble
See 4.1.1.
Very few or contaminated
reference solution
Replace the electrode
Sensor membrane
invalidated
Replace the electrode
1. Display incorrect
values in calibration
solution after
calibration.
2. The sample
measurement error is
significant.
3. Abnormal reading
Calibration solution
invalidated
Replace the calibration solution
See 4.4.4.
Incorrect calibration steps
Return to the factory default setting
and calibrate again
See 5.8.
Sensor membrane
invalidated
Replace the electrode
Display
Solution concentration
≥10mmoL/L
Dilute the solution 10 times before
measuring
See 4.6.7.
Electrode is not fully
inserted into solution
Let the electrode fully immersed into
sample solution
Display freezes at
1.00×103
Electrode is not properly
connected with meter
Make sure the connection of
electrode and meter is correct
Membrane becomes
turbid and white
Wear and tear
Normal
See 4.6.5.
Membrane becomes
concave
Negative pressure within
the electrode
Loosen the measuring head and
tighten it again.
See 4.6.6.
APERA INSTRUMENTS, LLC
Address: 6656 Busch Blvd, Columbus Ohio 43229
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: aperainst.com