GemOro AuRACLE AGT1 User manual

OPERATING PROCEDURE & OWNERS MANUAL
Electronic Gold
& Platinum Tester
Model AGT1
AuRACLE™

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Congratulations on your purchase of the AuRACLE
AGT1 gold and platinum tester by GemOro Superior
Instruments, the most trusted name in testing
instrumentation for the jewelry industry.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE BE CERTAIN TO READ
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY
BEFORE USING THE AGT1.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: THE AGT1 TESTS THE
SURFACE OF THE METAL ONLY.
The technology used in the GemOro Superior
Instruments AuRACLE AGT1 is recognized as the
best performing, most reliable and practical handheld
method for electronically testing gold and identifying
platinum. While it works incredibly well, be aware
that by design the AGT1 only tests the surface of the
metal. However, if used properly and in accordance
with the instructions, coupled with common sense
guidelines as in part are described in detail below, it
can and will provide the user with incredible results
like no other tester on the market within its class.
The AuRACLE AGT1 is an advanced, technologically
based tool. The AuRACLE AGT1 is designed to
quickly and economically identify the karat of gold,
identify platinum and non-gold metals. The AuRACLE
AGT1 is not meant to replace the fire assay. That
said, the AuRACLE AGT1 test results have repeatedly
correlated virtually identical or incredibly close to fire
assay results.

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CONDITIONS FOR IDEAL OPERATION:
The AuRACLE AGT1 must be used in the following
environmental conditions. By not following these
instructions you risk compromising the accuracy of
the test.
A. Temperature: The AGT1 is a workhorse and
is capable of working in most any normal or
professional environment, with room temperature
of approximately 65-75F being the best. While
it has proven to work just fine in temperatures
as high as 100F, ideally it is suggested to avoid
using the AGT1 in extreme temperatures. The
metal being tested must be dry. If the surface
of the metal is wet or has any type of surface
moisture it may not test correctly. The metal
being tested must be clean of any obvious dirt or
contaminant that might interfere with the contact
of the pen probe to the metal. The tester may
be used otherwise with little concern for normal
surface dirt or hand oil and will work perfectly. It
is imperative that the pen probe tip be cleaned
from time to time, especially when it visibly
appears dirty or encrusted with a white granular
salt residue. This will enhance its usage life and
improve its accuracy.
B. The metal being tested must be dry. If the surface
of the metal is wet or has any type of surface
moisture it may not test correctly.
C. The metal being tested must be clean of any
obvious dirt or contaminant that might interfere
with the contact of the pen probe to the metal.
The tester may be used otherwise with little

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concern for normal surface dirt or hand oil and
will work perfectly.
D. It is imperative that the pen probe tip be cleaned
from time to time, especially when it visibly
appears dirty or encrusted with a white granular
salt residue. This will enhance its usage life and
improve its accuracy.
E. For best results, allow 2-minutes before
performing initial calibration and test.
AuRACLE AGT1 ADVANCED FEATURES:
1. Assists to identify the karat of 6K-24K yellow,
white, green and pink gold with a non-
destructive test.
2. If simple steps are followed, also assists to
identify non-gold, gold plate and gold-filled
material as NA.
3. Assists to identify platinum.
4. Test results are indicated by an LED bar graph.
5. Tests most any size piece of gold and platinum
jewelry.
6. Immediate test results with no waiting between
tests.
7. Uses included replaceable pen probe (Item
#2000-1) that provides up to approximately 5000
tests if used properly.
8. Pen probe uses no messy gel, no staining
chemicals and no dangerous acid.
9. LED indicator for battery and pen probe
replacement warning.
10. Easy push button calibration. 14K plumb yellow
gold (sold separately Item #2002) required to

5 AuRACLE Gold Tester
perform calibration.
11. Portable and powered by 1 included 9V alkaline
battery or its accessory 100-240V multi-voltage
AC adaptor (sold separately Item #2001).
12. Includes pen probe, 9V alkaline battery, and file.

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AuRACLE AGT1 Diagram:
1. LED karat value, platinum & not gold
“NA” indicator.
2. Calibration button.
3. Replace battery indicator.
4. Replace pen probe indicator.
5. Calibrated indicator.
6. System ready indicator.
7. Power switch - Battery & external AC.
8. AC receptacle.
9. Testing plate.
10. Pen probe.
11. Pen probe protective cap.
12. Pen probe male connection jack.
13. Battery compartment.

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SPECIFICATIONS:
· Working Voltage: DC 9V (1) × 9V alkaline battery
(approximately 11.5 hours of continuous use).
· Warm-Up Stabilization Time: Approximately 3
seconds. For best results, allow 2-minutes before
performing initial calibration and test.
· Ideal Working Temperature: Room temperature
of 65F to 75F is best, although higher and lower
temperatures work just fine.
· Ideal Air Relative Humidity: 25% to 50%. As with
any electronics, do not use the AuRACLE AGT1 in
or around water.
· Net Weight: 128.5g (tester only).
CAUTION:
Disassembling the AGT1 other than opening the
battery compartment door for battery
replacement voids the warranty.
VIDEO OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Please go to www.auracletester.com or www.
gemoroproducts.com/goldtester640x480.mov

9 AuRACLE Gold Tester
OPERATION:
1. 9V Alkaline Battery Installation: Open the battery
compartment door located on the bottom side
of the AGT1 by pressing the locking mechanism
area of the battery compartment door with your
index finger and pry the door off. With the AGT1
in the OFF power position, insert the (1) supplied
9V alkaline battery into the battery compartment
as indicated with the direction of positive (+) and
negative (-) polarity correctly positioned in the
battery holder. Replace the battery compartment
door. To conserve the battery life, be certain to
turn the power switch to the (OFF) position when
not in use. Please be aware that by incorrectly
inserting the battery by force into the battery
holder the wrong way with the polarity
reversed, while the power switch is in the BATT
position, you will likely damage the AGT1 and
void the warranty.
2. To turn on the AGT1, turn the power switch located
on the right side of the tester to BATT if using
batteries or to EXT/AC if using the optional AC
adaptor. The green LED labeled READY will then
become illuminated when the tester is ready to be
used. For best results, allow a 2-minute warm-up
time before performing the initial calibration and
test.
3. Take the pen probe and plug its male jack into its
corresponding female receptacle located on the
right side of the AGT1. Now remove its cap. With
fresh pen probes, at times they may be slightly
overfilled and excess solution could come out

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during the testing process. If this occurs, simply
dab the pen probe tip on a dry paper towel a
few times and this should remedy the problem.
ALWAYS REINSTALL THE CAP WHEN NOT
IN USE. Because the chemical properties of
the pen probe will continually change over time
and normal use as the solution is depleted, it is
recommended that the pen probe calibration be
checked periodically throughout ongoing use.
Please note that sometimes when the pen probe
is plugged in the REPLACE PROBE light will
illuminate briefly. This should be ignored. If when
the pen probe is first plugged in the REPLACE
PROBE light remains illuminated, this is a
normal occurrence and will be remedied by
simply calibrating the AGT1 as described in
#4 below. If calibration does not remedy this,
it is a sign of a defective or spent pen probe. If
it is a defective pen probe, be aware that the
REPLACE PROBE light will not go out until a
good pen probe is connected to the AGT1 and
it is then recalibrated.
4. BEFORE USING THE AGT1 AND EACH TIME
IT IS TURNED ON, IT MUST BE CALIBRATED.
To calibrate the AGT1 to ensure its accuracy, you
must first obtain a piece of yellow 14K plumb
gold for use as its calibration standard reference
piece. (An approved GemOro calibration standard
reference piece of plumb 14K yellow gold is
available separately as an optional accessory Item
#2002.) FOR CALIBRATION ONLY USE YELLOW
GOLD THAT IS PRECISELY 14K. Be aware that
not all gold marked as 14K is actually .583 - .585

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plumb gold and if the calibration piece isn’t plumb
the accuracy of the AGT1 will be compromised.
Then, using a standard jewelers file (supplied), file
a small spot in the calibration standard of yellow
14K plumb gold. It is critical that you file through
the top layer of your calibration standard since
it is very common for gold to be flashed with
a higher karat gold to brighten its appearance
and this flashing will effect the calibration and
accuracy, especially when testing gold above
18K. To avoid the need to calibrate the AGT1 each
time it is turned on, and assuming you intend to
use it continuously, it is recommended to use the
optional AC adaptor and keep the AGT1 turned on
throughout the day without fear of damaging the
device.
PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATION:
CHECK THE PEN PROBE – Prior to calibrating,
touch and hold the probe pen tip to the gold testing
area. If the LED’s do not climb from right to left there
may be a problem with the pen probe. If there is a
problem with the pen probe replace it and repeat
start-up process.
STEP 1: While resting the yellow 14K plumb gold on
the AGT1’s large square gold colored testing plate,
touch the pen probe to the filed area on the yellow
14K plumb gold calibration standard piece and do
not move the pen probe from this spot.
STEP 2: When the reading settles, press the
CALIBRATION button on the left side of the AGT1

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control panel and hold it down until the green light
labeled CALIBRATED illuminates and the green
light in the center of the 14K range simultaneously
illuminates.
STEP 3: You may now remove your finger from the
calibration button and immediately move the pen
probe away from the calibration standard reference
piece. At this time the AGT1 should be calibrated.
Recheck once again that your calibration standard
reference piece now tests in the center of the 14K
range. If it does not, simply repeat this procedure.
You may now begin testing gold and platinum.
IMPORTANT: PERIODIC RECALIBRATION IS
NECESSARY AS THE TESTER IS USED. The act
of testing gold and especially testing gold-filled or
base metals will cause slight chemical changes in
the pen probe. As such, a simple recalibration should
be used to confirm and maintain accurate readings.
The readings will have a tendency to drift upwards
as contamination to the pen probe tip occurs. This
contamination is a natural byproduct of using the
tester and is adjusted for in the recalibration process
of the AGT1. Plumb 14K yellow gold should always
read in the center of the 14K LED range. If when
tested your reference piece of 14K plumb gold
does not fall in the center of the 14K range, it is
time to recalibrate the AGT1. There is no harm in
recalibrating your AGT1 often and this will also help
to eliminate poor results due to these slight chemical
changes in your pen probe. To recalibrate, follow the
instructions above in #4.

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5. ALWAYS FILE METAL FIRST BEFORE TESTING.
To utilize the AGT1 technology to its fullest and
to protect yourself from potential fraud from
heavily plated or other fake gold products being
represented as true karat gold, it is critical that
you first file down to the underlying metal
in every sample being tested and then test
the filed area. While this is the most effective
method to penetrate the surface, some people
have had success using a thumbtack to penetrate
the surface of the gold or even a pencil eraser
vigorously rubbed on the gold surface as an
alternative method has been used. Heavily gold
plated and gold-filled jewelry will test as karat
gold if not filed first.
USE COMMON SENSE BEFORE INTERPRETING
THE TEST RESULTS. You should always follow
some common sense guidelines before making your
final determination of the karat or authenticity of the
precious metal being tested. Please keep in mind
that those misrepresenting fake jewelry as real can
be extremely clever and will use many tricks to make
you think it is real. Be aware that scam artists may
allow you to test a real piece of gold jewelry and then
while distracting you they will switch the piece for a
fake.
COMMON SENSE GUIDELINES:
GUIDELINE A. Check the markings on the piece for
a karat stamp (10K or .417, 14K or .585,18K or .750,
22K or .916, 24K or .999, GF or gold filled, GEP or

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gold electroplated, YGF or yellow gold filled, RGP
or rolled gold plated, etc.) and then if when tested
the results indicate anything to the contrary, the
metal should be suspect. Test results below the 10K
range must be interpreted by the user and estimated
whether it is 6K-9K. In the UK while 9K gold may be
found, gold below this karat range is extremely rare,
and the gold content is minimal. If it tests in a lower
karat than 9K or in a lower karat than is marked, it is
advised to simply not buy it.
GUIDELINE B. Be aware that any piece that tests as
NA is not gold.
GUIDELINE C. Check the weight of the metal you
are about to test and if it seems too light, it should
be suspect. Gold is a dense metal and has an
associated greater weight than most other non-
precious metals. Platinum is an even denser metal
than gold, while weighing approximately 1/3 more
than 18K gold.
GUIDELINE D. Check the color of the gold, since
non-gold substitutes are often flashed or plated with
24K gold to enhance its color and consequently the
gold will look too yellow. Since 24K gold is a rich
yellow color and this pure gold is very uncommon in
jewelry, any rich yellow gold color should be suspect.
Look for tarnishing or variations in the color and finish
of the jewelry as a sign of it being a fake.
GUIDELINE E. Check the clasp used on the jewelry.
Costume jewelry often has a spring ring style clasp
and this should be suspect. Karat jewelry more often
than not will have a lobster style clasp. Do not test
the clasp only as it is common for a karat gold clasp

15 AuRACLE Gold Tester
to be attached to a fake gold necklace or bracelet in
an attempt to fool you.
While these facts and common sense guidelines
will prove to be very helpful when buying gold
and platinum, they should not be your only tools
to determine the authenticity of the jewelry in
question.
6. TESTING GOLD.
STEP A. Take the metal you wish to test and rest it
against the gold colored testing plate on the AGT1
and keep it stable.
STEP B. Then, take the pen probe and touch only
its tip (not side) gently to the filed area on the metal
while keeping both the probe and test piece still and
stable. It is sufficient to merely make contact with the
metal and not necessary to apply much pressure.
STEP C. If it is not gold or platinum, the LED bar
graph will go to NA. If it is karat gold, the LED bar
graph will go to an area within a certain range within
that karat. Please note that due to the different
characteristics of the varied colors of gold, the LED
bar graph will go to a different location within the
range of that karat.
TESTING HIGH KARAT GOLD. Due to the subtle
differences in karat gold above 18K, including the
fact that the alloys used vary from silver to copper,
nickel, zinc, palladium, rhodium, and aluminum, the
testing results for this higher karat gold could be
inconsistent. It is important to note that in the vast

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majority of the times, the AGT1 will test gold above
18K perfectly well and better than any other tester in
its class. Also, since the vast majority of gold is 18K
or lower, the occurrence of an inconsistent test for
high karat gold above 18K will be very small.
TESTING PLATINUM. When testing a white metal
piece of jewelry and it is platinum, the LED bar graph
will go to PT or it may also rest at NA at the end of
the spectrum at the far right LED often times because
of a rhodium plating commonly applied over the
platinum. Be aware that rarely stainless steel will test
as PT if it has not been filed first, but once filed it will
always test as NA.
MAINTENANCE:
1. The AGT1 is a very sensitive instrument. You
should always protect it when it is not in use.
2. Always replace the protective cap on the pen
probe when not in use to keep the pen probe
tip from becoming damaged, dried out or
contaminated. The cap should be pushed fully
onto the pen such that it “clicks” into place. If the
cap is not replaced for an extended period of time,
a granular salting substance will appear corroding
the probe tip and if this happens simply use a
paper towel to remove this crust. If the probe is left
uncapped for a long period of time the probe will
likely need to be replaced.
3. If using a 9V alkaline battery, always replace
the battery after long periods of time to prevent
corrosion or battery leakage, which is common
with old or spent 9V alkaline batteries. Be aware

17 AuRACLE Gold Tester
that damage to the AGT1 may occur if there is
battery leakage and if this occurs it will void the
warranty.
4. Always clean the pen probe tip periodically or
especially if a lot of costume jewelry or non-
gold jewelry has been tested. The probe tip
appearing dark and/or dirty or having the granular
salt substance will be evidence of the probe tip
requiring cleaning. To clean the probe tip, take
a piece of dry paper towel and gently wipe the
tip while understanding that some discoloration
from usage will remain and that this is normal. It
may also be necessary to recalibrate the AGT1
after testing a non-gold sample. It is therefore
recommended to avoid testing known costume
jewelry to prolong the life of the pen probe and
avoid the need for more frequent recalibration.
5. The gold testing plate may be cleaned by gently
wiping it using only a dry paper towel.
6. The need for battery replacement will be identified
by the red LED labeled REPLACE BATTERY
becoming illuminated. The AGT1 will not function
once the change battery light becomes
illuminated as it can no longer deliver accurate
readings. After the battery is replaced the product
will resume normal function. Simply recalibrate the
system and resume testing. If the battery has been
replaced and the REPLACE BATTERY light remains
illuminated, this is an indication the AGT1 is in
need of service.
7. The need for pen probe replacement will be
identified by the red LED labeled REPLACE
PROBE becoming illuminated after a calibration.

If this occurs, first attempt recalibrating the AGT1
as this may remedy the problem. If the REPLACE
PROBE light remains on, the pen probe must be
replaced. Please note that it is recommended
that for best results you should consider replacing
the pen probe if it becomes excessively dirty
from repeated exposure to fake gold or other
contaminates. A probe in this condition will begin
to deliver erratic readings and this is a good
indicator that it should be replaced even without
the “REPLACE PROBE” light illuminating.
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS:
1. When replacing the battery on the AGT1, only do
so if the AGT1 power switch is in the OFF position.
Always use a high quality, fresh 9V alkaline battery
for best results. Be certain not to lay the AGT1
upside down when inserting the battery or damage
to the AGT1, including its LED’s may occur and
void the warranty.
2. If using an AC adaptor for the AGT1, only use the
specified factory AC adapter or damage to the
AGT1 may occur and void the warranty.
3. The AGT1 is designed to easily test gold and
platinum. However, please keep in mind that
it is not designed to replace the fire assay and
common sense should always be used along with
experience prior to determining the authenticity
and/or karat of gold or whether it is platinum.
4. The AGT1 must be properly calibrated prior
to being used. If this is not done correctly the
accuracy of the AGT1, especially when testing
karat gold above 18K will be compromised.

5. It is recommended that you keep a set of 10K,
14K, 18K, 22K and 24K reference gold samples
nearby to compare against the gold you are testing
if a questionable test occurs.
6. Always file the piece of metal being tested prior to
performing the test and then touch the pen probe
tip to the filed area. Be aware that in rare cases
gold plated, gold-filled and stainless steel jewelry
may react as karat gold or platinum unless filed
prior to testing.
7. The AGT1 is not user serviceable other than
battery replacement and probe cleaning or probe
replacement. If service is required, please contact
your supplier or the factory. Any attempt to repair
the tester will void the warranty.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES:
TESTER START-UP
Warm-Up Time – For best results, allow a 2 minute
warm-up time PRIOR to performing the initial
calibration of the tester. If using the optional AC
adaptor, after the AGT1 has warmed-up and been
calibrated, you may keep the unit turned on with no
fear of damaging the electronics and this will allow
you to avoid the need for ongoing warm up time
delays.
Excess Solution – Fresh pen probes may be slightly
overfilled when first used and excess solution could
come out during the testing process. Simply dab the
pen probe tip on a dry paper towel a few times to
remedy this.
Test Pen Probe – Prior to calibrating, touch and hold

the probe pen tip to the gold testing area. If the LED’s
do not climb from right to left there may be a problem
with the pen probe. If there is a problem with the pen
probe replace it and repeat start-up process.
Calibration Requirement – Failure to use plumb 14K
yellow gold to calibrate the AGT1 may illuminate the
REPLACE PROBE light and consequently impact the
accuracy of the tester. Always file the calibration
gold and touch the pen probe to the filed spot. The
14K yellow gold calibration piece must be large
enough so that the pen probe tip and solution inside
it does not make contact with the testing plate or
it will not calibrate properly. The recommended
minimum size for the calibration piece is 10mm
round. An approved GemOro 14K yellow gold
calibration piece is available as an accessory (Item
#2002).
Replace Probe Light – Sometimes the REPLACE
PROBE light will illuminate when the AGT1 is first
turned on and if this occurs, simply calibrate the
AGT1 and this will remedy the problem. If not, it is
an indication that the pen probe is spent or defective
and needs to be replaced.
TESTING METAL
Pen Probe To Gold Contact Pressure – It is
sufficient to merely make contact with the metal and
NOT necessary to apply much pressure.
Quickly Touch Gold And Then Remove Pen Probe
– When testing gold, once the LED has stabilized and
settled on a specific karat, remove the pen probe. If
you hold the pen probe on the gold for more than a
couple of seconds after it has settled on a karat it can