Apera Instruments ZenTest PC60-Z User manual

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ZenTest™ PC60-Z Smart 7-in-1 Tester
(pH/Cond./TDS/Salinity/Resistivity/ORP/Temp.)
User Manual
APERA INSTRUMENTS, LLC
aperainst.com
V1.7

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Contents
Introduction - 3 -
What’s in the Kit - 4 -
Keypad Functions - 4 -
Battery Replacement - 5 -
Preparation before Use - 5 -
pH Calibration - 6 -
6.3 Long press to enter calibration mode (screen turns green); - 6 -
pH Measurement - 8 -
Conductivity Calibration - 8 -
Conductivity Measurement - 10 -
ORP Measurement - 11 -
Probe Cleaning - 11 -
Probe Storage - 11 -
Parameter Settings - 12 -
Technical Specifications - 13 -
Icons and Functions - 14 -
Probe Replacement - 14 -
Troubleshooting Guide - 15 -
Warranty - 16 -
ATTENTION
•Water droplets are added during production to maintain the moisture of the probe. This is
normal practice and should not be attributed to used product.
•Never use the product when it’s freezing cold. Letit warm to room temperature before using.
•The latest PC60-Z Tester comes with an upgraded probe structure equipped with a sensor
shield that prevents glass bulb breakage from accidental collisions (see picture below).
Users can remove the shield when cleaning the sensor and put it back on after cleaning.

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Introdu ction
Thank you for choosing Apera Instruments PC60-Z Smart Multi-Parameter Tester. Please carefully read this
manual before using the product.
1.1 Search “zentest smart” in Apple App Store or Google Play App Store to download the latest App for your
tester. Turn on the Bluetooth of your phone, go to ZenTest™ App, tap on the upper right corner, then
select your tester to connect.
1.3 For video tutorials on how to get the most out of ZenTest™, please go to support.aperainst.com
1.4 This product is designed with a two-way control on both the tester and ZenTest™ 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
LED 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 preset for each parameter
Data Management
N/A
Manual or Auto. Datalogger; notes can be added to saved data
Data Output
N/A
Share data via Email

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What’s in th e Kit
Keyp ad Funct ions
■ 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, short press to switch parameter
pH→Cond→TDS→Sal→Res
2.In measurement mode, long press to turn on/off Bluetooth®
receiver. When turned on, will be flashing; when connected to
smartphone, will stay on.
3.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.
Battery Cap
Buttons
Probe
PC60-DE Probe
Probe Cap
LCD
pH Sensor
Conductivity Sensor
Conductivity Calibration Vials
pH Calibration Vials
PC60-Z Tester

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Batt ery Repl acem ent
Please install batteries according to the following steps. *Please note the correct direction of battery installation:
The Positive Side (“+”) OF EVERY SINGLE Battery MUST FACE UP.
(WRONG INSTALLATION OF BATTERIES WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TESTER AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS!)
Prepa ration before Use
Pull out the battery insulation slip, and take off the probe cap.
Rinse off the probe in pure water (preferably distilled or deionized water. RO water or tap
water is the alternative) , then shake off excess water.
Perform calibration. For pH calibration tutorial, refer to Section 6; for conductivity
calibration, refer to Section 8.
If the tester hasn’t been used for a long time (over 1 month) , please soak the probe in the
3M KCL soaking solution for 15 minutes, then calibrate it before test.

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pH Ca libratio n
6.1 Short press to turn on the meter; rinse the probe in pure water. Shake off excess water.
6.2 Pour pH 7.00 and pH 4.00 buffer solution in the corresponding calibration vials (to about half volume of
the vials).
6.3 Long press to enter calibration mode (screen turns green);
6.4 Insert the probe into pH 7.00 buffer solution, make a quick stir, and hold
still. When the reading is stabilized ( stays on screen), short press
to start 1st point calibration. After calibration is completed, the tester will
return to measurement mode. Icon will appear at the bottom left of the
LCD screen, indicating a successful 1st point pH calibration.
6.5 To calibrate 2nd point, use 4.00 pH buffer and repeat Step 6.3 to 6.4
(Do NOT turn off the tester after you finish pH 7 calibration). will display next to , indicating a
successful 2-point pH calibration (low and middle points).
6.6If necessary (target pH>8.00), calibrate 3rd point using 10.01 standard pH buffer and repeat Step 6.3 to
6.4, will show up next to and , indicating a successful 3-point calibration (high, low, and middle
points).
6.7Notes about Calibration
1) The 1st point calibration must be 7.00 pH. Perform the 2nd and 3rd point calibrations (4.00, 10.01,
1.68, or 12.45) immediately after the 1st point calibration is finished. Do NOT turn off the meter
before you calibrate 2nd or 3rd point. Otherwise, you will need to restart the calibration process with
7.00 pH first.
2) The pH 4.00 and 7.00 buffer solutions poured into the calibration vials can be used for up to 10 times
as long as they are not contaminated and the bottles are capped when not in use. pH 10.01 can only
be used for up to 5 times as it will lose its accuracy much faster. After that, replace the buffer
solutions in the calibration vials with new ones to keep the accuracy. Keeping the freshness and
cleanliness of calibration buffers is essential for accurate pH measurement.
3) The tester can perform 1 to 3 points of automatic calibration and can recognize 5 types of pH
standard solutions. For details, please refer to the following table:
Calibration
USA Series
NIST Series
Indication icon
Recommended
1-pt
7.00 pH
6.86 pH
Accuracy
requirement ≥ 0.1 pH
2-pt
Option A
1st pt: 7.00 pH
2nd pt: 4.00 pH or
1.68 pH
Option A
1st pt: 6.86 pH
2nd pt: 4.01 pH or
1.68 pH
Range < 7.00 pH
Option B
1st pt: 7.00 pH
2nd pt: 10.01 pH or
12.45 pH
Option B
1st pt: 6.86 pH
2nd pt: 9.18 pH or
12.45 pH
Range >7.00 pH

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3-pt
1st pt: 7.00 pH
2nd pt: 4.00 or 1.68 pH
3rd pt: 10.01 or 12.45 pH
1st pt: 6.86 pH
2nd pt: 4.01 or 1.68 pH
3rd pt: 9.18 pH or 12.45 pH
Range: 0 to 14.00 pH
6.8For 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 6.6.
4. Please check whether pH probe 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.
is pressed before measurement
is fully stabilized.
Wait for to stay on screen before pressing
During calibration, readings being unstable
for over 3 minutes.
1. Please check whether pH probe 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 probe is aged (used for over a year and has a
much slower response). A replacement is needed.
pH probe 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 probe is damaged or
broken. If so, please replace with a new one.
4. The probe is aged (used for over a year and has a
much slower response). A replacement is needed.
5. The probe is invalidated (Er4/Er5 repetitively appears,
and problems 1, 2, 3 are excluded). Probe
replacement is needed.
pH probe 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
App settings.

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pH M easurem ent
7.1 How to take pH measurements
Short press to power on the tester. Rinse the probe in pure water,
shake off excess water. Insert the probe in your sample solution, make a
quick stir and hold still. Record the reading when it is stabilized
( appears and stays on screen).
7.2 Pure Water pH Measurement
When testing pure water like tap water, drinking water, RO water and distilled water, it will take longer for the
readings to get fully stabilized (typically 1-5 minutes). Please be patient. If still not working, add Apera 3M KCL
(AI1107) to your pure water at the ratio of 1:1000 (e.g. 1 ml KCL to 1000 ml water) to accelerate stabilization
while minimizing pH change. If the accuracy is not meeting your requirement, please contact us at
[email protected] to find the specialized meter designed for pure water pH test.
Condu ctivit y Calibr ation
How to calibrate
8.1.1 Power on the tester. Press to switch to conductivity (Cond) measurement mode. Rinse the probe
in pure water and shake off excess water.
8.1.2 Pour 1413 μS and 12.88 mS conductivity calibration solution into the corresponding calibration vials to
about half volume.
8.1.3Long press to enter calibration mode (screen turns green).
8.1.4 Dip the probe into 1413 μS/cm conductivity calibration solution, stir gently and hold still. When the
reading is fully stabilized ( stays on screen), short press to start one-point calibration, the tester
returns to measurement mode and will appear at the bottom left of the screen, indicating a successful 1st
point conductivity calibration.
8.1.5 If needed (your target conductivity level is greater than 2 mS or 2000 μS), insert the probe into the
12.88 mS conductivity calibration solution. Follow the steps in 8.1.3 to 8.1.4 to complete the 2nd point of
calibration using the 12.88 mS standard solution. will appear next to , indicating a successful 2-point
conductivity calibration.

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Conductivity Calibration Notes
The tester can calibrate 84μS, 1413 μS/cm and 12.88 mS/cm conductivity calibration solution. User can
conduct 1 to 3 points calibration. Refer to the table below. Usually calibrating the tester with 1413 μS/cm
conductivity buffer solution alone shall meet the testing requirement.
Calibration Indication Icon
Calibration Standards
Measuring Range
84 μS/cm
0 - 200 μS/cm
1413 μS/cm
200 - 2000 μS/cm
12.88 mS/cm
2 - 20 mS/cm
For conductivity calibration solutions, we recommend that users replace new solutions after 5 times of use to
keep the standard solution’s accuracy. Do NOT pour the used calibration solutions back into the solution
bottles in case of contamination.
For the self-diagnosis information, please refer to the table belo w:
Symbol
Self-Diagnosis information
How to fix
The meter cannot recognize the conductivity
standard solutions.
1. Make sure the probe is fully submerged in
the solution.
2. Check if the standard solution is expired or
contaminated.
3. Check if the conductivity probe (two black
rods) is damaged.
4. Check if the conductivity probe is
contaminated. If so, please use a soft brush
with warm water to clean up.
is pressed before measurement is
fully stabilized.
Wait for to come up and stays on screen
before pressing
During calibration, readings being unstable for over
3 minutes
1. Shake the probe to remove the air bubbles
on the surface of the black rods
2. Check if the conductivity probe is
contaminated. If so, please use a soft brush
with warm water to clean up.
3. Soak the probe in 12.88mS/cm solution for
10 minutes, then rinse with distilled water.
The calibration reminder is triggered. It’s time to
perform anew conductivity calibration.
Perform conductivity calibration or cancel calibration
reminder in ZenTest settings.

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Condu ctivit y Measu rement
How to Measure Conductivity, TDS, Salinity, and Resistivity
Short press to turn on the tester. Rinse the probe in distilled water and dry it. Dip the probe
into your sample solution, make a quick stir, and hold still. Record the reading after it is fully
stabilized ( comes up and stays). Press to switch from conductivity to TDS, salinity, and
resistivity.
Unit Conversion
a) 1000 µS/cm = 1 mS/cm = 1 EC (In conductivity mode, the unit will automatically turn from µS
to mS if the reading is greater than 1999 µS, meaning you will only see 2.XX mS instead of
2XXX µS)
b) 1000 ppm = 1 ppt (In TDS mode, the unit will automatically turn from ppm to ppt if the
reading is greater than 999 ppm, meaning you will only see 1.XX ppt instead of 1XXX ppm)
c) The TDS and Salinity values are converted from the conductivity values via a certain
conversion factor. TDS and conductivity is linear related, and its conversion factor is 0.40 to
1.00. Adjust the factor in parameter setting P5 based on the requirements in different
industries. The factory default setting is 0.71.
d) Salinity and conductivity is linear related, and its conversion factor is 0.5.
e) The tester only needs to be calibrated in Conductivity mode.
f) Conversion Example: if conductivity measurement is 1000µS/cm, then the default TDS
measurement will be 710 ppm (under the default 0.71 conversion factor), and the salinity be
0.5 ppt. If TDS conversion rate is changed to 0.5, then the TDS measurement will be 500 ppm.
Temperature compensation factor
The default setting of the temp. compensation factor is 2.0%/˚C. User can adjust the factor
based on test solution and experimental data in parameter setting P10. The following table
is some common examples for setting up the temp. compensation factor.
Solution
Temperature
compensation factor
Solution
Temperature
compensation factor
NaCl
2.12%/˚C
10% Hydrochloric acid
1.32%/˚C
5% NaOH
1.72%/˚C
5% Sulfuric acid
0.96%/˚C
Dilute ammonia
1.88%/˚C

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ORP Meas uremen t
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 PC60-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 16 for how to replace a probe).
Rinse the probe in pure water and shake off excess water. Dip the probe in sample solution, shake for a few
seconds, and allow it to stand still. Record the ORP reading after stays on screen.
Probe Cleani ng
1) The tester is only as accurate as the probe is clean. Always thoroughly rinse off the probe before and after
each measurement with pure water in a container or with a wash bottle.
2) For tough contaminants, detach the sensor shield, soak the probe in Apera probe cleaning solution (AI1166)
or detergent water for 30 minutes. Then use a soft brush to remove the contaminants. Afterwards, soak
the probe in 3M KCL soaking solution for at least 1 hour. Rinse it off, then re-calibrate the tester before
using again.
Prob e Stora ge
1) Under regular usage (daily or weekly use), make sure the probe cap is wet, and tightly close the cap with
the O-ring.
2) For long-term storage (you are not going to use the product for a while), add 3M KCL soaking solution to
the Fill line in the probe cap and store the probe in it. Close on the probe cap tightly with the O-ring.
3) If you find white crystals inside or outside the probe cap, it is perfectly normal. It is the 3M KCL soaking
solution that crystalizes over time by its nature. Just rinse them off and add in new soaking solution. This
chemical is not poisonous nor dangerous, and the probe’s performance will not be affected at all.
4) NEVER store the probe in pure water like tap, RO, distilled, or deionized water as they could damage the
pH probe. If this happens, immediately soak the pH probe Apera 3M KCL soaking solution overnight, then
re-calibrate it before using. Pure water is only for rinsing the probe.

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Param eter S etting s
Table of Settings
Parameter Settings
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.
2) Auto. Lock (P02) –You 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) ─You 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.
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
P9
Conductivity Reference Temperature
15˚C to 30˚C
25˚C
P10
Temp. Compensation Coefficient
0 to 9.99
2.00
P11
Conductivity Calibration Reminder
H-hours D-Days (set up in ZenTest App)
/
P12
Conductivity Back to Factory Default
No –Yes
No
P13
TDS Factor
0.40 to 1.00
0.71
P14
Salinity Unit
ppt –g/L
ppt

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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) and Conductivity Calibration Reminder (P11) –set XX hours (H) Or
XX 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) and Conductivity Back to Factory Default (P12) –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.
Techni cal Sp ecific ations
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)
Conductivity
Range
0 to 199.9 μS, 200 to 1999 μS, 2 to 20.00 mS/cm
Resolution
0.1/1 μS, 0.01 mS/cm
Accuracy
±1% F.S
Calibration Points
1 to 3 points
TDS
Range
0.1 ppm to 10.00 ppt
TDS Factor
0.40 to 1.00
Salinity
Range
0 to 10.00 ppt
Resistivity
Range
50Ω to 20MΩ
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

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Icons and F unctio n s
Probe Repla cement
To replace a probe: 1) Take off the probe cap; 2) Screw off the probe ring 3)
Unplug the probe; 4) Plug in the new replacement probe (pay attention to
the probe’s position); 5) Screw on the probe ring tightly. Soak the probe in
3M KCL for 5-15 minutes. Then perform calibration before testing.
The replacement probes that are compatible with PC60-Z are:
•PC60-DE (Default pH/conductivity probe), PH60-DE (Regular pH probe for water solutions), PH60S-
DE (spear pH probe for food testing), PH60F-DE (flat pH probe for surface testing)
•EC60-DE (conductivity probe)
•ORP60-DA (ORP probe).
*Probes don’t last forever. Every probe will eventually age and fail even if you don't use it that often. The
typical service life of Apera probes is 12-24 months depending on the frequency of usage and how well you
keep it clean and properly stored. We recommend replacing your probe every 1 to 2 years to ensure the best
performance.
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;
Graph-3
LCD Display
Graph-4
pH calibration reminder
Graph-5
pH alarm triggered

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Tro ublesho oting Gui de

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Warr anty
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 probe) from the delivery.
This limited warranty does NOT cover any damages due to:
Accidental damage, transportation, storage, improper use, failure to follow the product instructions or to
perform any preventive maintenance, unauthorized repair or modifications, normal wear and tear, or other
external causes or actions beyond our reasonable control.
To get the fastest warranty fulfillment, go to support.aperainst.com and click “New Support Ticket” on the
upper right corner. Type your email in the requester field, “Warranty” in the Subject field, and then input
the following information in the description field:
•Your full name
•Product model that needs warranty fulfillment
•Serial number of the product (can be found on the back sticker of the tester body)
•What problem or issue you had experienced with the product
•Attach a photo of your proof of purchase
•Attach a photo of the problematic product
Then click Submit. One of our customer care specialists will help you fulfill the warranty within one
business day.
APERA INSTRUMENTS, LLC
Address: 6656 Busch Blvd, Columbus Ohio 43229
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: aperainst.com