Apera Instruments YD300 User manual

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

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Table of Contents
1. Brief Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................2
Features.......................................................................................................................................................................2
2. Technical Specifications.............................................................................................................................................3
2.1. Units of Water Hardness and their Conversions ................................................................................................3
2.2. Technical Parameters ..........................................................................................................................................4
3. Meter Instructions ......................................................................................................................................................5
3.1. LCD Display .......................................................................................................................................................5
3.2. Keypad.................................................................................................................................................................6
4. Operation Procedure...................................................................................................................................................6
4.1. Measurement Preparations..................................................................................................................................6
4.2. Considerations During Measurement Preparations............................................................................................7
4.3. Meter’s Calibration: (take B2/B3 calibration method and mmol/L unit as an example)..................................7
4.4. Notes in Meter’s Calibration ..............................................................................................................................8
4.5. Sample Testing ....................................................................................................................................................8
4.6. Notes during Sample Test ...................................................................................................................................9
4.7. Electrode Storage ................................................................................................................................................9
5. Meter’s Parameter Settings ......................................................................................................................................10
5.1. Parameter Setting Table ....................................................................................................................................10
5.2. Calibration Method Setting (P1).......................................................................................................................10
5.3. Measurement Resolution Setting (P2)..............................................................................................................10
5.4. Temperature Units Setting (P3) ........................................................................................................................11
5.7. ON/OFF Setting of Meter Automatic Shutoff (P6)..........................................................................................11
5.8. ON/OFF Setting of Restore to Default Setting (P7) ........................................................................................12
6. Storage/ Recall and Eliminate of Measuring Information ......................................................................................12
6.1. Store Measuring Data .......................................................................................................................................12
6.2. Recall Measuring Data......................................................................................................................................13
6.3. Clear Stored Measuring Data............................................................................................................................13
7. Meter’s Complete Kit...............................................................................................................................................13
8. Additional Accessories.............................................................................................................................................14
9. Warranty ...................................................................................................................................................................14

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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 [e-mail] or [phone].
Apera Instruments reserves the right to update the content of this manual without giving prior
notices.
We call the total concentration of calcium ion (Ca2+) and magnesium ion (Mg2+) in water sample
to be the hardness of water. This is an important index for water quality. This meter adopts an
electrode method to test water hardness, which has been proven to have the same accuracy as the
EDTA volumetric. This product helps solving problems in EDTA method such as the complexity
of operation and difficulty in reading with the user friendly electrochemical method. This meter is
used for high accuracy water hardness measurements and is ideal for field tests.
1.1 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 is stable.
•Equipped with B1, B2 and B3 Water Hardness calibration solutions.
•Backlit LCD display.
•Meter’s circuit board adopts SMT film-covering technology to improve the meter’s
production reliability.
•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 measuring
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
2.2.1. Water Hardness
Measuring range
（0 ~ 10）mmol/L； （0 ~ 401）mg/L(Ca)；
（0 ~ 1000）mg/L(CaCO3)； （0 ~ 100）ºfH(France Degree)；
（0 ~ 561）mg/L(CaO)； （0 ~ 56）ºdH(German Degree)；
（0 ~ 20）mmol/L(Boiler)； （0 ~ 70）ºeH (England Degree)。
Resolution
0.01 and 0.1 water hardness units
Accuracy
±5% FS
Temp. compensation range
（5 - 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.
2.2.2 Temperature
Measuring Range
0-60℃ (32 – 140ºF)
Resolution
0.1℃
Accuracy
±0.5℃
2.2.3. Other Technical Parameters
Data Storage
99 groups
Content Storage
serial number of measuring value, measuring value, units, temperature and
calibration way
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
ISO9001:2000 and CE

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2.2.4. Working conditions
Ambient Temperature
5-35℃ (41-95ºF)
Ambient Humidity
≤85%
IP Grade
IP57 Waterproof and Dustproof
3. Meter Instructions
3.1. LCD Display
① — Measuring Water Hardness reading; adopts a modular form to express, such as
means 2.00×10-1.
② — Measuring units; appears by following order: mmol/L, mg/L(CaCO3), mg/L(CaO),
mmol/L(Boiler), ºfH , ºdH , ºeH and mg/L(Ca).
③ — Measuring stable reading icon; When icon is flashing—measuring value is not stable; When
icon is not flashing—measuring value is stable.
④ — Calibration solution indication icon, for example when 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 serial number.
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 measuring 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 measuring data. Short press this button to store
measuring data, Long press this button to recall stored measuring data.
In parameter setting, the button can change digit or
ON/OFF status.
4. Operation Procedure
4.1. Measurement Preparations
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
activation solution into the soaking solution cup, and soak the
electrode for at least 2 hours.
(b) Normal Usage — The activation time only takes half an hour
for a frequently used electrode. As long as the reading is
stable (please note that the readings at the moment are
random), users can start to perform calibration and
measurements.
4.1.2. Pour small amounts of B2 and B3 calibration solution into the corresponding test cups of “B2”
and “B3” .
4.1.3. Choose meter’s calibrating methods, resolution, water hardness units and other measuring
parameters.

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4.2. Considerations During Measurement Preparations
4.2.1. When using, shake the electrode with force to make the inner solution of electrode into the
compartment of measuring head. There shouldn’t be any bubbles present in the measuring head.
4.2.2. When soaking or calibrating electrode, the test cup should be placed in the black base to avoid
spills.
4.3. Meter’s Calibration: (take B2/B3 calibration method and mmol/L unit as an example)
4.3.1. Press , , and icons appear and are flashing
at the same time, indicating the meter enters first
point calibration; the calibration solution is B2, see
picture (4-2).
4.3.2. Rinse the electrode in distilled/deionized water and
shake it to remove excess water; insert the electrode into B2
Calibration solution and gently stir the electrode for a few
seconds and let it stand still; when appears and stays,
press , the “2.00×10-1 mmol/L” icon starts flashing (see
picture (4-3), indicating 1st point calibration will be finished
after approximately 20 seconds;
and icons appear and start flashing, indicating the meter enters 2nd point calibration
mode; the calibration solution is B3.
4.3.3. Rinse the electrode in distilled/deionized water and
shake it to remove excess water; insert it into B3
calibration solution; stir the electrode for a few
seconds and let it stand still; when appears and
stays, press button, the “2.00 and mmol/L”
icon starts flashing (see picture (4-4)); calibration will be finished after approximately 20
seconds; the meter then go back to measuring mode.
4.3.4. Rinse the electrode in distilled/deionized water and shake it to remove excess water; then put

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it into the B2 solution, stir for a few seconds and let it stand still; take reading after appears
and stays; The reading should be equal or less than 2.00 ±0.25×10-1 mmol/L. Otherwise, please
repeat the calibration process (section 4.3.1 to 4.3.3).
4.4. Notes in Meter’s Calibration
4.4.1. For first time use, the new electrode needs to be calibrated two times. When inserting 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 of calibration.
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 the , , icons
flashing on the LCD. If the wrong calibration solution is used, the meter would generate
significant inaccuracy while testing samples. User will need to repeat calibration if this
happens.
4.4.4. Because B1, B2 and B3 calibration solutions have no buffer, 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.
4.5. Sample Testing
Rinse electrode with distilled/deionized water and shake it to
remove excess water; insert the probe into sample solution, stir
gently and let it stand still; when the icon appears and
stays, take the reading. As shown in picture (4-5), calibrating
method is B2 and B3, temperature of solution is 25.0℃,
measuring value is 2.88×10-1, unit is mmol/L, press
to switch to other units.

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4.6. Notes during Sample Test
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 is not necessary; To test if the meter is due for calibration, simply insert 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 also 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 find the 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, an icon will
display in the left-bottom corner, reminding users to dilute the sample solution 10 times before
testing; then multiple the readings by 10 to get the real readings.
4.7. Electrode Storage
When measurement is finished, electrode should be stored within the protection cap after
rinsed in distilled/deionized water.

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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 measuring 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 measuring mode. Default setting is 0.01.

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5.4. Temperature Units 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, press button to confirm and return to measuring
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 measuring mode. When
choosing ON, this means display value has activation compensation within measuring 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
measuring 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 into
ON/OFF setting of automatic power off state P6. LCD display
as in picture (5-6). Press button to choose ON or OFF,
press button to confirm and return to measuring mode;

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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, means
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. The default
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 2s, it enters the measuring mode. P1 to P6 now are all restored to default setting and
calibration point restored to the theoretical state.
6. Storage/ Recall and Eliminate of Measuring Information
6.1. Store Measuring Data
6.1.1. In measuring mode, short press button after reading is
stabilized, a serial number and M+ icon appear on the LCD,
indicating this measruing value has been stored under this
number, measuring information including serial number,
measuring value, units, temperature and
calibration method, as in picture (6-1) showing the
measruing value 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 is full, 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
measuring value can be stored. If pressing button,
meter will keep the original 99 groups measurements, and
restore to measuring mode.
6.2. Recall Measuring Data
In measuring mdoe, Long press button (> 2 seconds),
meter will recall last stored values, short press button
consecutively, meter will display measruing value with serial
number sequentially.
6.3. Clear Stored Measuring Data
In measuring mode, press and button together, meter displays flashing
; at this time, short press button, meter will clear all stored measuring data and
return the meter to measuring mode; if short press button, meter will keep original
measuring data and return to measuring mode.
7. Meter’s Complete Kit
7.1. Model YD300 water hardness meter
7.2. Model 601-S water hardness electrode
7.3. AA cell (1.5V ) (installed)
7.4. 100mL hardness calibration solution ( B1, B2 and B3 )
7.5. 20ml test cup
7.6. 10ml protecting bottle
7.7. Test cup pedestal
7.8. Water hardness activation solution(50ml)
7.9. Carring case
7.10. Operation manual
1set
1pc
2pcs
1btl/each
6pcs
1pc
1pc
1btl
1pc

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V1.1
8. Additional Accessories
8.1. Model 601-S water hardness electrode
8.2. Water hardness calibration solution ( B1, B2 and B3 ); Specs: 250 mL/btl and 100mL/btl
8.3. Water hardness activation solution
8.4. 20 ml test cup
8.5. Test cup pedestal
9. 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, LLC, any malfunctioned or damaged
product attributable to responsibility of APERA INSTRUMENTS, LLC for a period of TWO 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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Appendix ：Error Message and Troubleshooting
Error
Possible Reasons
Troubleshooting
Operation
Measured value unstable,
flashing
Electrode is not activated
Activate the electrode for 1 hour
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 several times of
calibration.
2.The sample
measurement error is
significant.
3.Abnormal display.
Calibration solution
invalidated
Replace the calibration solution
See 4.4.6.
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
Long time usage
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: www.aperainst.com