STM eDrometer User manual

eDrometer™
Owner’s Manual
NOTE: READ CHAPTER 3 METER CHECK
BEFORE TAKING MEASUREMENTS
Nov 2015, Rev.13 11/15
© 2013 STM Instruments Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. All product
names are trademarks of their respective companies.

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LIMITED WARRANTY OF STM INSTRUMENTS
EDROMETER DIGITAL HYDROMETER
STM Instruments Inc. ("Seller") warrants to the original
purchaser only, that the eDrometer will be free from
defects in material or workmanship for a period of one (1)
year from date of purchase. SELLER'S SOLE OBLIGATION
AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY under this Limited
Warranty and, to the extent permitted by law, any
warranty or condition implied by law, shall be the repair
or replacement of the eDrometer, which is defective in
material or workmanship and which has not been
misused, carelessly handled, or misrepaired by persons
other than Seller.
SELLER'S OBLIGATION AND YOUR REMEDY ARE FURTHER
LIMITED AS FOLLOWS:
• 30-Day Money Back Refund or Replacement. If you are
not completely satisfied with the performance of the
eDrometer, for any reason, you can return it to STM
Instruments within 30 days of the date of purchase for a
full refund or replacement. To obtain this 30-Day Refund
or Replacement, your return must be accompanied by the
original receipt for purchase of the eDrometer. A
maximum of 2 returns per customer will be permitted.
• First Year–Warranty., STM Instruments Inc. will replace
your eDrometer that has failed when used in
conformance with product instructions and warnings,
with an eDrometer of comparable features, for free, any
time during the first year after purchase. This warranty
does not apply if your eDrometer fails solely due to the
need for recalibration.

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For details to make a claim under this Limited Warranty
please visit www.STM-Instrument.com
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES SHALL BE LIMITED IN
DURATION TO ONE YEAR FROM DATE OF PURCHASE.
SOME STATES IN THE U.S. AND SOME CANADIAN
PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG
AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IN NO EVENT
SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS OF PROFITS) ARISING
FROM THE SALE OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT. SOME STATES
IN THE U.S. AND SOME CANADIAN PROVINCES DO NOT
ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU
MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM
STATE TO STATE IN THE U.S. OR PROVINCE TO PROVINCE
IN CANADA AND FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY TO PRODUCTS
SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA
AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO. FOR
WARRANTY COVERAGE WITHIN OTHER COUNTRIES,
CONTACT STM INSTRUMENTS INC AT:
www.STM-Instrument.com

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Notes:

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Table of Contents
Chapter 1…Before You Get Started ........................................4
Chapter 2…Getting Started.....................................................5
Installing the Battery...........................................................2
Using the Power Adaptor (Purchased Separately) .............2
Turning on the eDrometer ..................................................3
Chapter 3…Meter Check .........................................................4
Chapter 4…Taking Measurements..........................................5
Filling the eDrometer ..........................................................5
Filling Non-Carbonated Room Temperature Fluids........5
Filling Hot or Cold Fluids .................................................7
Filling Carbonated Fluids...............................................10
Re-filling the eDrometer ...............................................10
Viewing Results.............................................................11
Outputs Defined ...............................................................12
SG..................................................................................12
Density ..........................................................................13
°BRIX..............................................................................13
°PLATO ..........................................................................13
°Baume’.........................................................................13
PA..................................................................................13
g/l of Sugar....................................................................14
% Alcohol ......................................................................14
Temp .............................................................................14
Chapter 5…Maintenance ......................................................15

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Cleaning.............................................................................15
Long Term Storage ............................................................15
Trimming...........................................................................15
Chapter 6…Specifications......................................................21
Chapter 7…Troubleshooting .................................................22
Notes.....................................................................................23

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Chapter 1…Before You Get Started
Contacting STM Instruments Inc.
To order accessories or receive assistance, visit us on the
World Wide Web at:
www.STM-Instrument.com
It is recommended that you read through the entire
operation manual prior to using the eDrometer to assure
proper usage and best results.
Table 1 Operating Information
Warning
• When using the wall power adapter avoid water
contact
with the adapter or the eDrometer connector,
this may cause severe electrical shock.
• Do not operate the eDrometer with the battery door
or portions of the cover removed or loosened.
• To avoid false readings, replace the batteries as soon
as the eDrometer display begins to dim.
• Use only a 9 volt battery, properly installed in the
meter case.
Caution
To avoid possible damage to the eDrometer, follow
these guidelines:
• DO NOT drop or otherwise miss treat the eDrometer;
it is a sensitive measuring device.
• Use the proper outlet voltage when using the wall
adapter. (120-240 Volts)
• Properly flush and clean the eDrometer when done.
• Wipe off any spilt fluid that may collect on the
eDrometer
. Remove any fluid that may collect on the
eDrometer.
• DO NOT submerse the eDrometer in water or any
other liquid.
• Dispose of used test fluid, DO NOT RE-USE FLUID.

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2
3
4
1
4
Chapter 2…Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing the eDrometer, in the shipping box
you will find the following:
xeDrometer Digital Hydrometer
xSyringe
x9 Volt Battery
xCertificate of Calibration
xOperation Manual
Refer to Figure 1 to familiarize yourself with your eDrometer
1Power Switch 4Fill/Drain Tube
2Scroll Button 5Battery Cover
3Output Display 6Battery Cable
Figure 1 eDrometer
5
6

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Installing the Battery
1. Turn the eDrometer over such that the bottom of
the base (1) is exposed.
2. Locate the battery cover (5); depress the latch of the
battery cover until the cover can be removed.
CAUTION: DO NOT DEPRESS THE LATCH SUCH THAT
IT WILL CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE AND
PREVENT THE COVER FROM WORKING PROPERLY.
3. Once the battery cover (5) is removed the battery
cable (6) will be exposed.
4. The eDrometer is powered by a 9 volt battery;
connect the battery to the battery cable (6).
5. Place the battery and battery cable (6) in the battery
compartment. The battery should lay flat.
6. Insert the tongue of the battery cover (5) into the
compartment slot, close the cover until the latch
engages and secures the battery. CAUTION: IF THE
BATTERY COVER DOES NOT EASILY CLOSE, THERE
MAY BE AN OBSTRUCTION, OR THE BATTERY IS NOT
ORIENTED CORRECTLY. DO NOT FORCE CLOSURE.
THIS MAY DAMAGE THE BATTERY COVER.
7. Once the battery cover is secure the eDrometer is
ready for operation.
Using the Power Adaptor (Purchased Separately)
1. Locate the power plug on the side of the eDrometer
2. Plug the power adapter into the power plug, and
then plug the other end of the adapter into a 120
volt wall socket. CAUTION: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU
ARE NOT IN CONTACT WITH ANY CONDUCTIVE
FLUID (i.e. WATER) THIS COULD LEAD TO AN
ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

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3. Note: The power adapter can be used while the
battery is installed.
Turning on the eDrometer
Once there is power to the device you are ready to turn it
on.
1. Locate the Power Switch (1) on the front panel, press
the switch and the Output Display (3) will become
active. The initial reading will display STM
Instruments.
2. After a few seconds the display will shift to the SG
screen. At this point it will be reading 0.0000; this is
because there is no fluid in the device. You are now
ready to take your measurements.

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Chapter 3…Meter Check
After you have successfully installed the battery/power
adapter and the eDrometer is running, check the output and
do the following:
xFill the eDrometer with room temperature distilled
water and let the meter temperature stabilize.
xThe SG reading should be 1.0000 +/- 0.0015. If the
reading is outside these limits, perform a “Trim”.
This process is discussed in Chapter 5. Note: a Trim
can be performed within the +/- 0.0015 limits, e.g.
1.0007 or 0.9993
xOnce the Trim procedure is completed the trim value
is written to memory and will remain in memory
until it is either cleared or changed. The trim value
will not be deleted even through power cycles.
xYou are now ready to take measurements.

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Chapter 4…Taking Measurements
Note: The process for using your eDrometer varies
depending on whether the fluid is carbonated and/or at
room temperature. Please follow the process outlined
below for best results.
Filling the eDrometer
The eDrometer has two fill/drain tubes (4), Figure 1, and can
be filled from either side. Once you have decided which tube
is the fill tube place the end of the drain tube in a receptacle,
e.g. a cup, beaker etc., Figure 2.
Figure 2 Start Fill
Filling Non-Carbonated Room Temperature Fluids
Use the syringe that was shipped with your eDrometer. For
non-carbonated fluids simply put the tip of the syringe into
the fluid and draw back on the plunger and collect the fluid
into the syringe, Figure 3.
Fill Tube
Drain
Tube

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Tap the side if the syringe with your finger to dislodge any
bubbles that may have collected on the side of the syringe,
and expel the unwanted air from the syringe.
Securely insert the end of the syringe into the fill tube and
begin to depress the syringe plunger, Figure 4, it should take
approximately 5 seconds to empty the syringe.
IMPORTANT: After filling the eDrometer leave the syringe
attached to the fill tube. If you remove the syringe the
sample fluid will drain from the eDrometer and give you an
incorrect reading. Let the eDrometer settle 10-15 seconds
before you take a reading.
Figure 3 Fill Syringe with Non-Carbonated Fluid

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Figure 4 Filling the eDrometer
Filling Hot or Cold Fluids
Measuring fluids other than at room temperature is difficult
for any device whether using a floating hydrometer or a
digital hydrometer.
Once the hot/cold fluid is put into the device the fluid is
going to drift toward room temperature. The greater the
difference between the fluid temperature and room
temperature the quicker the indicated temperature will
change during the first few minutes, then the rate of change
will slow, Figure 5. This quick temperature change makes it
very difficult to get an accurate reading.
Additionally, hot or warm fluids will release dissolved air
which forms bubbles. These bubbles can interfere with the
measurement if not addressed correctly. This is why our
operating temperature range is 5°C (41°F) to 35°C (95°F).

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Figure 5 Fluid Temperature vs. Time
To ensure accurate readings when filling hot or cold fluids
follow the same procedure as stated for a non-carbonated
room temperature fluid with the following additional steps.
Fill the syringe with the hot/cold fluid; securely attach the
syringe to the filling tube of the eDrometer then depress the
syringe plunger at a faster rate than if you were filling at
room temperature, empty the syringe in 3-5 seconds. The
reason for filling at a faster rate with hot/cold fluids is how
the internal components distribute the temperature. Wait
for the eDrometer to stabilize for an additional 30-45
seconds and then take your reading.
Once filling is complete you may notice a “TL” or “TH”
flashing between the displayed temperatures, Figure 6,
depending on the fluid temperature.
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
0:00:00 0:01:26 0:02:53 0:04:19 0:05:46 0:07:12 0:08:38 0:10:05 0:11:31
0:12:58
Fluid Temperture (C)
Time
Fluid Temperature vs Time
Temperature

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Figure 6 Temperature Indicators
The “TH” and “TL” limits are determined based on the initial
calibration temperature, if the fluid temperature is ±5°C
from the calibration or trim temperature the temperature
limit symbol will be displayed, indicating the measurement
may not be optimal. Now if the temperature is out of the
operating range, 5°C (41°F) to 35°C (95°F), a “TOR” will flash
between the temperatures, Figure 7, indicating you are out
of the operating temperature range, and the measurement
should not be used.
Figure 7 Out of Temperature Range
For best results it’s better to let your hot sample cool in the
syringe before taking a measurement. To facilitate cooling,
cool the syringe in cool water, because the sample is small
this will take only a moment.

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Filling Carbonated Fluids
It may be necessary to measure fluids which are carbonated.
To achieve the best reading, we recommend you "de-gas"
the fluid. There are a couple of ways to do this; the first is to
take a glass of the test fluid and pour it into another glass.
Do this back and forth at least 10 times. A second way to
"de-gas" fluids, our preferred method, would be to run the
fluid through a filter (e.g. coffee filter).
Once the fluid is "de-gassed" SLOWLY fill the syringe. During
the fill watch for foam or bubbles developing in the syringe,
if a large amount of bubbles are present in the syringe the
fluid is not entirely “de-gassed”, repeat the “de-gassing”
process and refill the syringe.
At this point follow the procedures to fill the eDrometer as
described above.
Re-filling the eDrometer
There may be times when it is necessary to measure several
samples one after another; the eDrometer is designed to
accommodate this process. After the results are gathered
from the first sample, take the syringe which is still attached
to the fill tube and draw back on the plunger pulling most of
the sample fluid from the eDrometer. Detach the syringe
and discard the fluid, rinse the syringe and refill with your
next sample following the same fill procedure described
above. Once filled, allow the eDrometer to settle and take a
reading.
Note: It is not necessary to completely flush out the
eDrometer between samples; the volume of the syringe is
large enough that it essentially flushes out the eDrometer
removing any of the old sample. If you feel it is necessary to

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completely flush the sensor between samples you can flush
the eDrometer tubes with water or alcohol, and then flush
the tubes with an “air in a can” type product. Be careful
flushing with compressed air as the exit tube will spray fluid
if not restrained. Once you have rinsed the tubes, you can
fill with your next sample and proceed as stated above.
Viewing Results
Once the eDrometer is on and filled with your fluid sample
several outputs are available. Press the Scroll Button to view
the different outputs. The Output Flow structure is
displayed in Figure 8 followed by output definitions.
If you review a particular result often, e.g. Brix, leave the
display on the Brix output screen for 30 sec and then next
time you power the eDrometer on it will display your last
output screen, in our example it would start by displaying
Brix.

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Figure 8 Output Flow Structure
Outputs Defined
SG Specific Gravity (SG) is the density of a fluid
referenced to the density of water. The
equation for SG is:
ܵܩ ൌ ఘ೘
ఘೢ
Where ρm= measured fluid density
ρw= water density
SG is unitless.
SG
Density
Brix
Plato
Baume’
Potential Alcohol
g/l sugar
% Alcohol
Proof

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Density Density is the mass per volume of the fluid,
as the equation for density is:
ߩ ൌ ெ೑
௏೑
Where Mf= mass of fluid
Vf= volume of fluid
The units for density are g/cc3 .
°BRIX Degrees Brix (symbol °Bx) is
the sugar content of an aqueous solution.
One °Brix is 1 gram of sucrose in 100 grams
of solution and represents the strength of
the solution as percentage by weight.
°PLATO The "Plato scale" is an empirically
derived scale to measure the
density of beer wort in terms of percentage
of extract by weight.
°Baume’ Degrees Baume' is a system for measuring
the sugar content of grape juice by its
density. Each degree Baume is equal to
approximately 1.75% sugar in the juice.
PA Potential Alcohol is a measure of the amount
of sugar and indicates the amount of alcohol
that could be produced if it is all fermented
to alcohol, rather than left as residual sugar.
There are several equations to calculate PA
using °BRIX and SG, they all produce similar
results. STM has taken the results of the 5