Apera Instruments PH60F-Z User manual

- 1 -
60-Z Series Smart pH Tester
(pH/Temp./ORP)
Instruction Manual
PH60-Z pH Tester
PH60S-Z Spear pH Tester
PH60F-Z Flat pH Tester
www.aperainst.de
V1.0

- 2 -
Contents
1Introduction ............................................................................................................. - 3 -
2Battery Installation ................................................................................................... - 4 -
3Keypad Functions ..................................................................................................... - 4 -
4Complete Kit............................................................................................................. - 5 -
5Things to Know Before Use ....................................................................................... - 5 -
6pH Calibration........................................................................................................... - 6 -
7pH Measurement...................................................................................................... - 8 -
8ORP Measurement.................................................................................................... - 9 -
9Parameter Setting..................................................................................................... - 9 -
10 Technical Specifications ....................................................................................... - 10 -
11 Icons and Functions............................................................................................. - 10 -
12 Probe Replacement ............................................................................................. - 11 -
13 Warranty............................................................................................................. - 11 -
ATTENTION
1.
You may find a few drops of water in the probe cap. These water droplets are
added to maintain the sensitivity of the pH sensor before the product leaves
factory. It does NOT mean the product is used.
2.
The batteries are already preinstalled. Just pull off the paper slip before using
the tester. When you replace the batteries, make sure to follow the correct
directions: all four AAA batteries’ positive sides (+) FACE UP.

- 3 -
1 Introduction
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing Apera Instruments PH60F-Z Smart pH Tester. Please carefully read this
manual before using the product in order to have a reliable testing experience.
1.1 This product is designed with a two-way control on both the tester and ZenTest Mobile App.
Please refer to the functions available on each platform in the following table. This manual shows
you how to operate the tester without connecting to a smartphone.
Table 1: Funtions on 60-Z Tester and ZenTest® Mobile App
Functions
60-Z Tester
ZenTest Mobile App
Display
LCD display
1. Basic Mode: digital display+calibration
info
Swipe to
switch among
various modes
2. Dial Mode: digital display+dial display
3. Graph Mode: digital display+graph
display
4. Table Mode: digital display+real time
measurement and history display
Calibration
Press buttons to
operate
Operate on smartphone following graphic guides
Self-
Diagnosis
Er1 –Er6 icons
Detailed problem analysis and solutions
Parameter
Setup
Press buttons to
set up (except for
P7 and P11)
All parameters can be set up in Settings.
Alarm
The screen turns
red when alarm
triggered; cannot
be setup
Alarm display and alarm values can be setup for pH and
ORP
Datalogger
N/A
Manual or Auto. Datalogger; notes can be added to saved
data
Data Output
N/A
Share data via Email
1.2 Search ZenTest in Apple App Store or Google Play App Store to download the latest App for your
tester.
1.3 For video tutorials on how to connect the tester to your smartphone and perform more functions
in ZenTest Mobile App, please go to www.aperainst.de

- 4 -
2 Battery Installation
Please install batteries according to the following steps. *Please note direction of batteries: All
POSITIVE SIDES (“+”) FACING UP. (Wrong installation of batteries will cause
damage to the tester and potential hazards)
3 Keypad Functions
■ Short press------ < 2 seconds, Long press------- > 2 seconds
1. When turned off, short press to turn on the tester;
long press to enter parameter setting.
2. In calibration mode or parameter setting, short
press to return to measurement mode.
3. In measurement mode, long press to turn off the
tester, short press to turn on/off backlight.
1.In measurement mode, long press to turn on/off
Bluetooth® receiver. When turned on, will be
flashing; when connected to smartphone, will
stay on.
2. In parameter setting, short press to change
parameter (Uni-directional).
1. Long press to enter calibration mode.
2. In calibration mode, short press to confirm
calibration.
3. In measurement mode, when automatic lock is
turned off, short press to manually lock or unlock
readings.
① Pull the battery cap up ② Slide the battery cap along to the direction of arrow
③ Open the battery cap
④ Insert the batteries (ALL POSITIVE SIDES FACING UP) (see graph)
⑤ Close the battery cap ⑥ Slide and lock the battery cap along to the direction of arrow
⑦ Fit the tester’s cap while making sure to push all the way down. The tester’s waterproof
design may be compromised if the cap is not fitted correctly.
Battery Cap
Buttons
Probe Ring
Probe Cap
LCD Display
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
Probe

- 5 -
4 Complete Kit
5 Things to Know Before Use
1) Be careful about the glass tip of the probe. It can break if being contacted by external force. If
broken, the probe needs to be replaced.
2) Things needed in addition to what’s in the box:
a) Distilled or deionized water (8-16oz) for rinsing the probe after each test
b) Tissue paper for drying the probe
3) For PH60-Z and PH60F-Z testers:
a) A few drops of water are added to the probe cap to keep the pH electrode in an activated
state before the tester leaves factory. Generally, users can start using the tester directly. If
the measuring response is slow, users can soak the pH electrode for 30 minutes in the 3M
KCL storage solution (fill to the fill-line) before using it; if the electrode is dry for a long
time (> 1 month), the pH electrode responds slowly, You can soak the pH electrode for 8
hours in the storage solution before using.
b) When the tester is not in use, we recommend adding one to two drops of tap water to the
probe cap, and close the cap (be careful not to add too much water). This way, the pH
probe’s sensitivity can be maintained and users can start using the tester right away next
time.
c) Do not soak the pH electrode in purified (e.g. distilled/deionized) water for a long time, which
will make the electrode response slow. If this happens, soak the pH electrode in 3M KCl
solution for 3~5 hours, and then re-calibrate it before using.
d) The storage solution is 3M KCL (SKU: AI1107), and the tester kit comes with a bottle of
10mL storage solution (can be used repeatedly). If it is contaminated, replace it with a new
one. Please do not use other brands’ storage solutions as they may contain other chemicals
that can cause damage to the electrodes.
4) For PH60S-Z Spear pH Tester:
◼NEVER store the spear probe in a dry condition because permanent damage CAN be
caused. The spear probe should always be stored in the 3M KCL soaking solution.

- 6 -
6 pH Calibration
6.1 Calibration Steps
1) Short press to turn on the meter; rinse the probe in distilled water, shake the meter in the
air and use tissue paper to dap off excess water (never rub or wipe the sensor tip).
2) Pour certain amount of pH 7.00 and pH 4.00 buffer solution into the corresponding calibration
bottles (to about half volume of the bottle);
3) Long press to enter calibration mode; Short press to exit.
4) Place the probe in pH7.00 buffer solution, shake it for a few seconds, and allow it to stand still in
the buffer solution until a stable reading is reached. When stable icon stays on the LCD
screen, short press to complete 1st point calibration and the tester returns to measurement
mode. Indication Icon will appear at the bottom left of the LCD screen.
5) Rinse the probe in distilled water and dry it. Long press to enter calibration mode to perform
2nd point of calibration.
6) Place the probe in pH 4.00 buffer solution, shake it for a few seconds, and allow it to stand still
in the buffer solution. When stable icon stays on the LCD screen, short press to
complete 2-point calibration and the tester returns to measurement mode. Indication icon
will appear at the bottom left of the LCD screen.
7) If necessary, rinse the probe in distilled water and dry it, and place the probe in 10.01 buffer
solution (sold separately) to complete 3rd point of calibration according to the steps in 6),
will appear at the bottom left of the LCD.
6.2 Notes
1) Tester will automatically recognize pH buffer solution. Users can perform one-point, two-point,
or three-point calibration. For the 1st point calibration, only 7.00 pH/6.86 pH solution can be
used. Then use other buffer solutions to conduct 2nd or 3rd point calibration. Perform the 2nd
point calibration (4.00 pH) immediately after the 1st point. Do NOT turn off the meter before
you perform 2nd point calibration. If the meter is turned off after 1st point calibration, users will
need to restart the calibration process with the 7.00 pH or 6.86 pH first and the 2nd point
following after. Otherwise, Er1 will occur.
2) The tester will automatically recognize 5 kinds of pH buffer solutions in both USA and NIST
series of standards. Refer to the table below:
Calibration
USA Series
NIST Series
Calibration
Indication Icon
Recommended
Accuracy and
Range
1-point
1) 7.00 pH
1) 6.86 pH
Accuracy ≥ 0.1
pH
2-point
1) 7.00 pH
2) 4.00 or 1.68 pH
1) 6.86 pH,
2) 4.01 pH or 1.68
pH
Measurement
Range＜7.00 pH
1) 7.00 pH
2) 10.01 or 12.45
pH
1) 6.86 pH,
2) 9.18 pH or 12.45
pH
Measurement
Range＞7.00pH
3-point
1) 7.00 pH
2) 4.00 or 1.68 pH
3) 10.01 or 12.45
pH
1) 6.86pH
2) 4.01 or 1.68pH,
3) 9.18 pH or 12.45
pH
Wide
Measurement
Range

- 7 -
3) For pH Calibration buffer solutions, we recommend that users replace new buffer solution after
10 to 15 times of use to keep the standard buffer’s accuracy. Do NOT pour the used calibration
solutions back into the solution bottles in case of contamination.
4) When calibrating strong basic solutions (pH>10), use 7.00 pH and 12.45 pH to calibrate; When
measuring strong acidic solutions (pH<4), 7.00 pH and 1.68 pH should be calibrated.
5) For the self-diagnosis information, please refer to the table below:
Symbol
Self-Diagnosis information
Potential problems and how to fix
The pH calibration solution
cannot be recognized by
the meter.
1. Make sure the probe is fully immersed in the
calibration solution.
2. Check if calibration solution is expired or polluted.
3. 1st point of pH calibration must be pH 7.00 or 6.86.
See 6.2 (1).
4. Please check whether pH electrode is damaged or
broken. If so, please replace with a new one.
5. The glass bulb or junction is severely
contaminated. Please use a soft brush with soap
water to clean it thoroughly. Then soak it in 3M
KCL 3-5 hours before performing calibration again.
6. If none of the above, please contact us at
[e-mail]
Is pressed before
measurement is fully stable
Wait for to come up and stay on screen
before pressing
During calibration, readings
being unstable for over 3
minutes
1. Please check whether pH electrode is damaged or
broken. If so, please replace with a new one.
2. The glass bulb or junction is severely
contaminated. Please use a soft brush with soap
water to clean it thoroughly. Then soak it in 3M
KCL overnight before performing calibration again.
3. The electrode is aged (used for over a year and
has a much slower response). A replacement is
needed.
4. If none of the above, please contact us at
[e-mail]
pH electrode zero electric
potential out of range (<-
60mV or >60mV)
1. Check whether pH buffer solutions comply with the
USA or NIST standard.
2. Check whether pH buffers are expired or
contaminated.
3. Please check whether pH electrode is damaged or
broken. If so, please replace with a new one.
4. The electrode is aged (used for over a year and
has a much slower response). A replacement is
needed.
5. The electrode is invalidated (Er4/Er5 repetitively
appears, and problems 1, 2, 3 are excluded). A
replacement is needed.
6. If none of the above, please contact us at
[e-mail]
pH electrode slope out of
range
(<85% or >110%)
The calibration reminder is
triggered. It’s time to perform
a new pH calibration
Perform pH calibration or cancel calibration reminder in
ZenTest settings.

- 8 -
7 pH Measurement
Short press to turn on the tester. Rinse the probe in distilled water and dry it. Dip the probe in
sample solution, stir gently, and allow it to stand still in the solution. Get readings after comes
up and stays on screen.
Notes
For solutions with low ionic strength (e.g. distilled or deionized water), the pH measurements will
be fluctuating and difficult to get a stable reading. A specialized pure water pH electrode is
required. For more information, please contact us at [e-mail]. Likewise, when testing
clean water such as drinking water, RO water or tap water, the test time could be longer, usually 2-
4 minutes.
7.1 Applications of different models
Model/Probe
Application
PH60-Z – glass bulb
sensor
General water solutions’ pH measurement such as hydroponics,
aquaculture, pools and spas, water treatment, beverage, etc.
PH60S-Z – Spear tip
sensor
Solid samples such as cheese, meat, fruit, vegetables, sushi rice,
bread, and soil; also works well for general water solution.
PH60F-Z – Flat glass
membrane
Flat surface measurement such as skin, paper, fabric, leather and
so on; micro sample testing; also works well for general water
solution.
1) PH60S-Z Spear pH testers are widely used for solids containing water or semi-solid medium.
When performing such tests, pay attention to insert probe evenly, and be careful to prevent
probe from damage. If the medium is too hard (such as meat or fruits), please bore a small
hole with a knife before inserting the probe.
◼For food pH measurement (e.g. sushi, cheese, meat, fruit, etc.), it should always be a sampling
test. That means test samples should no longer be edible.
2) For soil direct pH test with PH60S-Z
a) If soil is dry, add small amount of distilled or RO water to moisten the soil (do NOT add tap water
since it will affect the pH value significantly). Ideally wait 24 hours before you take a
measurement.
b) Rinse the probe with distilled water/RO water before inserting it to the soil.
c) If measuring outside of solution, rockwool or small pots, remove the top 5cm/2inch soil from the
surface of the sample area. Insert the spear probe approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15cm) into
the soil samples from various locations (3 to 4), wait for the stable readings before recording
(smiley face icon stays on the screen).
d) Users can save all the data in ZenTest App. Then take the average of the saved data as the
representative pH level of the soil.
e) Do NOT use extra force to insert probe. If you feel like the probe can’t be inserted any deeper,
stop inserting. The spear tip could break.
f) Rinse off the soil residue between tests using distilled water or RO water for the best results.
Use the probe cleaning brush if needed.

- 9 -
3) PH60F-Z Flat probe testers are mostly for flat surface sample test.
a) For skin test: skin should be without sweat or dirt, nor be overly cleaned (do not use facewash
products before testing) to avoid affecting measurement results, dampen skin with some distilled
water, slightly force flat probe onto the skin, get readings after value stabilized.
b) For paper, fabric and leather test: add a few drops of distilled/deionized water on surface before
performing tests.
c) For micro sample testing, use a container with an inner diameter<=19mm and a flat bottom. The
tester can test volume >=0.5ml.
8 ORP Measurement
ORP stands for Oxidation-Reduction Potential, measured in mV. It’s also called redox. ORP is a
measure of the cleanliness of water & its ability to break down contaminants. A separate ORP
probe (ORP60-DA) needs to be installed to be able to measure ORP.
Power on the PH60-Z tester, unscrew the original probe, and install the ORP60-DA probe, then the
tester will automatically switch to ORP measurement mode (Refer to Section 14 for how to replace
a probe).
Rinse the probe in distilled water and dry it. Dip the probe in sample solution, shake for a few
seconds, and allow it to stand still. Get the ORP readings after appears and stays on screen.
9 Parameter Setting
9.1 Table of Settings
9.2 Parameter Setting
1) When the meter is turned off, long press to enter parameter setting →short press to
switch P01-P02… →P14. Short Press , parameter flashes → short press to adjust
parameter → short press to confirm →Short press to exit parameter setting and go
back to measurement mode.
Symbol
Parameter Setting Contents
Content
Factory Default
P1
Temperature Unit
˚C – ˚F
˚F
P2
Select automatic lock
5-20 seconds –Off
Off
P3
Automatic Backlight Off
1-8 minutes –Off
1
P4
Automatic Power Off
10-20 minutes –Off
10
P5
pH Buffer Series Selection
USA –NIST
USA
P6
pH Resolution
0.1 –0.01
0.01
P7
pH Calibration Reminder
H-hours D-Days (set up in
ZenTest App)
/
P8
pH back to factory default
No –Yes
No

- 10 -
2) Auto. Lock (P02) –Users can set the auto lock time from 5 to 20 seconds. For example, if 10
seconds is set, when the measured value is stable for more than 10 seconds, the measured
value will be automatically locked, and the HOLD icon will be displayed. Short press to
release the lock. When the setting is "Off" , the Auto. lock function is turned off, that is, the
measured value can only be manually locked. Short press to lock or unlock the measured
value. The HOLD icon will be displayed when reading is locked.
3) Auto. Backlight (P03) ─Users can set the automatic backlight time for 1 to 8 minutes. For
example, if 3 minutes is set, the backlight will turn off automatically after 3 minutes; when the
“Off”is set, the auto. backlight function will be turned off, and short press to manually
turn the backlight on or off.
4) Auto. Power off (P04) ─The auto. power off time can be set to 10 to 20 minutes. For
example, if 15 minutes is set, the meter will automatically shut down after 15 minutes if no
operation; when “Off” is set, the auto. power off function will be turned off. Long press to
manually shut down the meter.
5) pH Calibration Reminder (P07) –set X hours (H) Or X days (D) in ZenTest mobile app –
settings –Parameter –pH –Calibration Reminder. On the meter, you can only check the
values that’s been set up on ZenTest App. For example, if 3 days is set up, the Er6 icon (see
Figure-4) will appear in the lower right corner of the LCD screen in 3 days to remind you to
perform calibration, also in the ZenTest App there will be a pop-up reminder. After calibration
is finished or the reminder setting is cancelled in the ZenTest App, the Er6 icon will disappear.
6) pH Back to Factory Default (P08) –Select “Yes” to recover instrument calibration to
theoretical value. This function can be used when instrument does not work well in calibration
or measurement. Calibrate and measure again after setting the instrument back to factory
default.
10 Technical Specifications
pH
Range
-2.00 to 16.00 pH
Resolution
0.01 pH
Accuracy
±0.01 pH ±1 digit
Calibration Points
1 to 3 points
Auto. Temperature Compensation
0 –50˚C (32 – 122˚F)
ORP (mV)
Range
-1000 mV to 1000 mV
Accuracy
±0.2% F.S
Temperature
Range
0 to 50˚C (32-122˚F)
Accuracy
±0.5˚C
Graph-3
LCD Display
Graph-4
pH calibration reminder
Graph-5
pH alarm triggered

- 11 -
11 Icons and Functions
12 Probe Replacement
To replace a probe:
1) take off the probe cap; screw off the probe ring; unplug the probe
2) plug in the new replacement probe (pay attention to the probe’s position)
3) screw on the probe ring tightly.
The replacement probes that are compatible with PH60F-Z are:
•PH60-DE (Regular pH glass bulb probe),
•PH60S-DE (Spear pH probe for solids/semi-solids pH testing),
•PH60F-DE (Flat pH probe for surface pH testing)
•ORP60-DA (ORP Probe).
13 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 (Europe) GmbH, any malfunctioned
or damaged product attributable to responsibility of APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH for a
period of TWO YEARS (SIX MONTHS for the probe) from the delivery. This limited warranty does
NOT cover any damages due to: accidental damage, 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
Wilhelm-Muthmann-Straße 18, 42329 Wuppertal, Germany
Contact: [e-mail] | www.aperainst.de | Tel. [phone]
Calibrated points
Self-Diagnosis
Symbol
Er1, Er2, Er3, Er4,Er5, Er6
Stable reading
indicator
Waterproof
Rating
IP67, floats on water
Reading Lock
HOLD
Power
DC3V, AAA batteries*4
Bluetooth Signal
Battery Life
＞200 Hours
Low power
reminder
Backlight
White: Measurement；Green:
Calibration；Red: Alarm
Auto. Power Off
Automatically power off if no operation for 10 minutes
Dimension/Weight
Instrument：40×40×178mm/133g; case：255×210×50mm/680g;