Apera SX811-SS User manual

SX811-SS
Portable pH Meter for Food Testing
Instruction Manual
APERA INSTRUMENTS, LLC
www.aperainst.com
V2.1

1Brief Introduction ............................................................................................................- 1 -
1.1 Features............................................................................................................................... - 1 -
1.2 Features of the LabSen 753 Spear pH Electrode..................................................................... - 1 -
1.3 Proper use and maintenance of the LabSen 753 Electrode..................................................... - 1 -
2Technical Specifications....................................................................................................- 2 -
2.1 Instrument Technical Specs................................................................................................... - 2 -
2.2 Others ................................................................................................................................. - 2 -
2.3 Electrode Technical Specs ..................................................................................................... - 2 -
3Instrument Description ....................................................................................................- 3 -
3.1 LCD Display .......................................................................................................................... - 3 -
3.2 Keypad ................................................................................................................................ - 4 -
3.3 Display mode ....................................................................................................................... - 5 -
3.4 Data storage, recall, and delete............................................................................................. - 5 -
4pH Measurement.............................................................................................................- 6 -
4.1 Information regarding pH Calibration.................................................................................... - 6 -
4.2 pH Calibration (use 3-point, USA Standard as an example)..................................................... - 9 -
4.3 Customized Calibration....................................................................................................... - 10 -
4.4 Sample test........................................................................................................................ - 10 -
5mV measurement ..........................................................................................................- 12 -
5.1 ORP measurement ............................................................................................................. - 12 -
5.2 Notes of ORP measurement ............................................................................................... - 12 -
6Parameter Setup............................................................................................................- 13 -
6.1 Main menu ........................................................................................................................ - 13 -
6.2 Submenu ........................................................................................................................... - 13 -
6.3 Submenu of pH parameter setup (press or key to switch) ....................................... - 14 -
6.4 Submenu of basic parameter setup (press key or key to switch).............................. - 15 -
7USB Communication ......................................................................................................- 16 -
7.1 System Requirement .......................................................................................................... - 16 -
7.2Software Interface ............................................................................................................. - 16 -
7.3 Load software .................................................................................................................... - 17 -
7.4 Automatic connection port................................................................................................. - 17 -
7.5 Run software ..................................................................................................................... - 17 -
7.6 Storage during operation.................................................................................................... - 17 -
7.7 Data processing.................................................................................................................. - 18 -
8What’s in the box...........................................................................................................- 18 -
9Warranty .......................................................................................................................- 18 -
10 Appendix.................................................................................................................... - 19 -
10.1 Appendix I: Parameter setup and factory default setup.................................................... - 19 -
10.2 Appendix II: Abbreviation glossary ............................................................................... - 20 -
10.3 Appendix III: Self-diagnosis information ....................................................................... - 20 -
11 Recommended pH Electrodes for Specific Applications................................................- 21 -

- 1 -
1 Brief Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Apera Instruments SX811-SS portable food pH meter.
This device is an outstanding combination of advanced electrical, sensor technology and software design.
The meter is equipped with LabSen753 spear pH electrode, suitable for testing meat, bread, fruit, and
dairy products such as cheese, yogurt and other solid or semi-solid food sample’s pH value. It could also
be used for testing soil and regular aqueous solutions.
1.1 Features
•This microprocessor-based meter features automatic calibration, automatic temperature
compensation (ATC), menu set-up, calibration reminder, calibration date checking, automatic
powe-off and low-battery warning.
•GLP data management，clock display, manual storage and automatic timing storage, USB port
and power outage data protection, your data is safe even with a dead battery.
•Advanced digital processing technology improvs meter responding time and accuracy. There are
reading stability display mode and automatic lock-up display mode.
•IP57 waterproof, operable under extreme conditons. Powered by 3 AA batteries or USB
connection to other power source. Solid and durable case，accessories are included.
•1-3 points automatic calibration, calibration guide and self diagnose.
•Automatically recongnize pH standard buffer solutions.
1.2 Features of the LabSen 753 Spear pH Electrode
Swiss pH sensor technology
Food grade stainless steel housing, solid and durable
Using solid electrolyte as reference solution, it does not contanminate test samples, suitable for
samples that are rich in fat and proteins.
1.3 Proper use and maintenance of the LabSen 753 Electrode
a) After each test, the electrode must be rinsed thoroughly with distilled water to prevent
contamination. If the contaminents (such as grease or stains) cannot be rinsed off easily, users
can use a soft brush with soap water to clean them off.
b) This electrode needs to be stored in the Polymer solution when not in use. Do not store the
electrode in dry environment. The Polymer solution (50ml) is provided with the meter kit.
Replace the polymer solution in the probe cap if contaminated.
c) pH electrodes age and gradually lose accuracy over time. We recommend replacing the aged
electrode with a new one after 1-year of regular use to ensure the best accuracy.
d) To prevent damaging the electrode, please bore a hole (with a knife) in hard samples and then
insert the electrode into the hole for testing.
e) To prevent rusting, please do not scratch the stainless-steel casing of the electrode with sharp
object or sand paper.

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2 Technical Specifications
2.1 Instrument Technical Specs
Technical Specs
pH
Range
-2.00 to 19.99 pH
Resolution
0.01/0.1 pH
Accuracy
±0.01 pH ±1 digit
Temperature
Compensation
0 to 100 ˚C (Auto or Manual)
mV
Range
-1999 mV - 0 - 1999 mV
Resolution
- 200 mV - 0 - 200 mV: 0.1 mV; Remaining: 1 mV
Accuracy
±0.1% F.S ±1 digit
Temp.
Range
0 to 100˚C (32 to 212˚F)
Resolution
0.1˚C
Accuracy
±0.5˚C ±1 digit
2.2 Others
Data Storage
500 groups
Storage
Content
Numbering, date, time, measurement, unit, temperature
Output
USB
Power
AA Batteries * 3 / DC5V (USB port)
IP Ranking
IP57 dust-proof and waterproof
Dimensions&
Weight
Meter: (88×170×33 ) mm/ 313g With case：(360×270×76) mm/ 1.6kg
2.3 Electrode Technical Specs
Housing Material
Food grade stainless steel
Temperature sensor
Yes
Junction
Single Junction Ceramic
Reference Electrode
Long-Life Reference System
Electrolyte
Polymer
Shape of glass membrane
Spear
Range
0 to 14 pH
Temperature Range
0 to 80˚C (32 to 176˚F)
Connector
BNC and RCA

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3 Instrument Description
3.1 LCD Display
(1) — Measurement mode icons
(2) — Measurement value
(3) — Timing storage icon. When this icon appears, the meter is in the automatic storage mode
(4) — Date and time display value, and prompts of special display mode
(5) — Units of Date and time
(6) — Units of measurement
(7) — Temperature units (°C and °F)
(8) — Units of pH and conductivity calibration value
(9) — pH and conductivity calibration value, the numbering for storage and recall, and prompts of
special display mode
(10) — Storage and recall icons
M+ — Measurement to be stored icon, RM — Reading to be recalled icon
(11) — Temperature value and prompts of special display mode
(12) — Automatic reading lock-up icon
(13) — Temperature compensation icons
ATC — automatic temperature compensation, MTC — manual temperature compensation
(14) — Calibration guide icon
(15) — Stability icon of readings
(16) — USB icon，when this icon appears, the meter connects the computer
(17) — Low battery icon, when this icon appears, please renew the battery
Diagram-1

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3.2 Keypad
3.2.1. Keypad operations
Short press ----- <1.5 seconds, Long press ----- >1.5 seconds.
3.2.2. Turn on the meter
Press to turn on the meter: LCD full display → display the measurement mode (backlight for one
minute).
3.2.3. Turn off the meter
Only in the measurement mode, press to turn off the meter.
Note: In the calibration mode or the parameter setup mode, pressing is invalid. Please
press key to return to the measurement mode, then press to turn off the meter.
Table – 1 Keypad operations and descriptions
Keypad
Operations
Descriptions
Short press
Press this key to turn on or turn off the meter.
Short press
Select measurement parameters:
pH meter: →
Long press
In measurement mode, press this key to enter main menu.
Short press
In measurement mode, press this key to enter in calibration
mode
In recall mode (RM), press this key to return to measurement
mode
Cancel any operation to return to measurement mode.
Short press
In measurement mode, press this key to turn on or turn off
backlight
In calibration mode, press this key to conduct calibration
In main menu, press this key to enter submenu
In submenu, press this key to enter parameter set-up
mode
In parameter set-up mode, press this key to confirm parameters.
Diagram-2

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Long press
In pH measurement mode, press and hold this key to change the
resolution repeatedly: 0.01→ 0.1pH
Short/
long press
In the mode of manual temperature compensation (MTC), when press
and hold this key, the temperature value flashes, then press this key to
change the temperature value, and press to confirm
In measurement mode, press to store the measuring value,
press to recall the stored measuring value
In recall mode (RM), short press this key to change the
storage numberings, press and hold this key to change the number
quickly
In the main menu and submenu mode, press this key to change the
numbering of the main menu and the submenu
In the parameter set-up mode, press this key to select parameters.
3.3 Display mode
3.3.1 Reading stability display mode
When the measuring value is stable, smiley icon appears on LCD, see
Diagram – 3. If icon does not appear or flash, please do not get the
reading value or make calibration until the measuring value is stable.
3.3.2 Automatic lock-up display mode
Select On from parameter P4.6 to turn on automatic lock-up display function.
When the reading value stabilizes more than 10 seconds, the meter locks the
measuring value automatically and displays HOLD icon, see Diagram – 4.
In the HOLD mode, press to release lock-up.
3.4 Data storage, recall, and delete
3.4.1 Manual storage
When the measurement is stable, press key, the meter displays
M+ icon and storage serial number on LCD, storing measuring information,
see Diagram – 5: the meter stores the first group of the measuring value.
3.4.2 Automatic timing storage
Set the storage timing (eg. 3 minutes) from parameter P4.1,
icon appears on LCD and the meter enters into the timing storage
mode. When press key, icon flashes and the first measuring value
is stored. After 3 minutes, the 2nd measuring value is stored. See
Diagram – 6: the meter stores automatically eight measuring values.
When press key, icon stops flashing and the meter stops
automatic storage. In automatic storage mode, manual storage does
Diagram - 3
Diagram - 5
Diagram - 4
Diagram - 6

- 6 -
not work. Set time 0 from parameter P4.1 to exit from the automatic storage mode.
3.4.3 Recall stored data
In the measurement mode, press key to recall the last stored measuring
value. See Diagram – 7: display RM icon and storage serial number. Continue
pressing key and key to recall successively the stored measuring
value. Press and hold key and key to recall quickly the stored
measuring value.
3.4.4 Clear stored data
Select YES from parameter P4.5 to clear all stored value, refer to the Section 6.4.
4 pH Measurement
4.1 Information regarding pH Calibration
4.1.1 Things needed in addition to what’s included in the kit
A clean cup, distilled water (8-16oz), and tissue papers for rinsing and drying the probe.
4.1.2 Electrode Connectors
The pH electrode has two connectors: the BNC connector connects the pH probe; the RCA connector connects
the temperature sensor. Plug these two connectors into ‘pH/mV” and “TEMP” sockets. Please note not to pull
the cables in case of poor contact. Please keep the connectors clean and dry. Refer to section 1.3 regarding
how to properly maintain the pH electrode.
4.1.3 Use the Electrode
Screw off the probe cap, and put it aside (do not dump or spill the polymer solution). Prepare a cup of distilled
water, and rinse the electrode in it for a few seconds. Gently shake the probe to remove excess water, and dry
it with clean tissue paper (DO NOT rub or wipe the probe, just use paper to dap off excess water). Gently insert
the probe into the test sample (if sample is too hard, bore a hole in the sample and insert the probe in the
hole). Wait for the stable measurement (a smiley face appears and stays) and then record the readings. When
test is finished, rinse the probe with distilled water, and place the electrode in the probe cap with polyer solution
and tighten the cap so as to keep the sensitivity of the pH sensor.
4.1.4 Standard Buffer Solution
The meter adopts 3 series of standard buffer solutions: USA, CH, and NIST. They can be selected in
parameter P1.1 (see Section 6.3) as showed in Table-2 (default standard series is USA)
Diagram - 7

- 7 -
Table-2
Calibration icon
pH standard buffer series
USA
CH
NIST
3-Point
calibration
1.68 or 4.00 pH
1.68 or 4.00 pH
1.68 or 4.01 pH
7.00 pH
6.86 pH
6.86 pH
10.01 pH
9.18 pH
9.18 pH
4.1.5 3-Point Calibration
The meter can adopt 1 to 3 points’ calibration. The 1st point must be using 7.00 pH (or 6.86 pH) buffer
solution, and then choose other buffers to do 2nd point and 3rd point. Please refer to Table-3 for details. In
the process of calibration, the slope of acidity range and alkalinity range will be displayed.
Table-3 Calibration Mode
CH
USA
NIS
Calibration
icon
When to adopt
1-Point
Calibration
6.86 pH
7.00 pH
6.86 pH
accuracy≤ ±0.1
pH
2-Point
Calibration
6.86 pH and
4.00/1.68 pH
7.00 pH and
4.00/1.68 pH
6.86 pH and
4.01/1.68 pH
0 to 7.00 pH
6.86 pH and 9.18
pH
7.00 pH and 10.01 pH
6.86 pH and 9.18 pH
7.00 to 14.00
pH
3-Point
Calibration
6.86pH, 4.00/
1.68 pH, and
9.18 pH
7.00pH, 4.00/
1.68 pH and 10.01 pH
6.86pH, 4.01/
1.68pH, 9.18 pH
0 to 14.00 pH
4.1.6 How often to calibrate
The frequency that you need to calibrate your meter depends on the tested samples, performace of
electrodes, and the requirement of the accuracy. For high-accuracy meaustements (≤ ±0.02pH), the
meter should be calibrated before test every time; For ordinary-accuracy measurements (≥±0.1pH), once
calibrated, the meter can be used for about a week or longer. In the following cases, the meter must be
re-calibrated before testing:
a) The electrode hasn’t been used for a long time or a new electrode is connected.
b) After measuring strong acid (pH<2) or strong base (pH>12) solutions.
c) After measuring fluoride-containing solution and strong organic solution
d) There is a significant difference between the temperature of the test sample and the temperature of
the buffer solution that is used in the last calibration.

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4.1.7 Calibration reminder
Preset the interval between calibrations (starting from the time when you set
it), and then the meter will remind you to calibrate at the end of that interval.
For detailes, please see P1.2 (6.3). When the preset time is reached, Er6 icon
will be displayed at the lower right corner of the LCD (as showed in graph-8).
At the time, the meter can still be operated. It is just reminding you to do
calibration in order to ensure its accuracy. After calibration, the Er6 icon will disappear;
To make it disappear, users can also choose NO in P1.2 in parameter setting.
4.1.8 Check calibration time
In this mode, users can see the date and time of last calibration so as to help them determine if there is
need to calibrate. For details, please see parameter setting P1.3 (6.3)
4.1.9 Change temperature manually
When temperature electrode is not connected, long press or , the temperature will flash, and
then short press or long press or to change temperature, press to confirm.
Diagram-8