APERA ZenTest PC60-Z Smart 7 in 1 Tester Instruction Manual

ZenTest™ PC60-Z Smart 7-in-1 Tester
(pH/Cond./TDS/Salinity/Resistivity/ORP/Temp.)
Instruction Manual APERA INSTRUMENTS (Europe) GmbH
www.aperainst.de

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. Let it 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.

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Apera Instruments PC60-Z Smart Multi-Parameter Tester. Please carefully read this manual before using the product.
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.

For video tutorials on how to get the most out of ZenTest™, please go to www.aperainst.de
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

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
SelfDiagnosis| 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
Datalogger| N/A| Manual or Auto. Datalogger; notes can be added to saved data
Data
Output| N/A| Share data via Email

What’s in the Kit

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)

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.
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| 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.

Preparation 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.

pH Calibration

Short press  to turn on the meter; rinse the probe in distilled water, Shake off excess water.
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);
Long press to enter calibration mode; Short press to exit.
Insert the probe into pH 7.00 buffer solution, make a quick stir, and hold still. When the reading is stabilized ( stays on the LCD screen), short press to complete 1 st 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.
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).
If 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).

Notes about Calibrationhe

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-point| 7.00 pH| 6.86 pH| | Accuracy requirement 0.1
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
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

6.8 For the self-diagnosis information, please refer to the table below:

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.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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 App settings.

pH Measurement

How to take pH measurements
Short press to turn on the tester. Rinse the probe in distilled 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).

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 info@aperainst.de to find the specialized meter designed for pure water pH test.

Conductivity Calibration

How to calibrate

1. Power on the tester. Press key to switch to conductivity measurement mode (Cond). Rinse the probe in distilled water and dry it.
2. Pour certain amount of 1413μS/cm and 12.88mS/cm conductivity calibration solution into corresponding calibration bottles (to about half volume of the bottle).
3. Long press key to enter calibration mode, (screen turns green).
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 1 st point conductivity calibration.
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 nd 2 point of calibration using the 12.88 mS standard solution. will appear next to , indicating a successful 2-point conductivity calibration.

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 below:

sure the probe is fully submerged in the solution.
2.Check if the standard solution is expired or contaminated.
3.Check if the conductivity electrode (two black rods) is damaged.
4.Check if the conductivity electrode is contaminated. If so, please use a soft brush with warm water to clean up.
| Is pressed before measurement is fully stable ( comes up and stays)| 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 electrode 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 a new conductivity calibration| Perform conductivity calibration or cancel
calibration reminder in ZenTest settings.

Conductivity Measurement

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
---|---|---|---
NaCI| 2.12°/0/°C| 10% Hydrochloric acid| 1.32%/°C
5% NaOH| 1.72°/0/°C| 5% Sulfuric acid| 0.96%/°C
Dilute ammonia| 1.88°/0/°C| |

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 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 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.

Probe Cleaning

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.

Probe Storage

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.

Parameter Setting

Table of Settings

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

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.
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) and Conductivity Calibration Reminder (P11) – 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) 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.

Technical Specifications

Icons and Functions

Green: Calibration; Red: Alarm
Auto. Power Off| Automatically power off if no operation for 10 minutes
Dimension/Weight| Instrument: 40 x40 x 178mm/133g; case: 255 x210 x 50mm/680g;

Probe Replacement

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/cond. Probe),
• 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),
• 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.

Troubleshooting Guide

pH 7 first, then pH 4.
After pH 4 is calibrated, if you want to calibratepH 7 again, you need to reboot the tester.
Poor quality standard solutions| Replace with fresh and clean standard calibration solutions made by legitimate scientific instrument manufacturers.
Contaminated probe| Clean the probe with Apera probe cleaning solution or detergent water.
Aged probe| Replace the probe.
Dried out probe| Soak the probe in 3M KCL solution for at least 15 minutes.
Probe is not fully submerged in the solution| Make sure the probe is fully immersed in the solution at least 1 inch deep.
Air bubbles around the sensor| Make a quick stir in the solution to remove air bubbles.
Reading is always slowly changing, won’t stabilize| Contaminated probe| Clean the probe with Aprea’s cleaning solution or detergent water.
Clogged junction| Clean the probe with Aprea’s cleaning solution, then soak it in 3M KCL soaking  solution overnight.
Aged probe| Replace the probe.
Testing pH of low iconic strength solutions  like tap water, drinking water, RO water| Be patient, wait for 1-5 minutes to reach a fully stabilized reading. If still not stabilizing,  add 1 ml of 3M KCL solution to 1000m1 of test solution (or 1 teaspoon to 1 gallon).
Display similar readings in  any solutions or always  display 7.0 pH| Broken probe| If you don’t find any visible damage of the probe, contact us for warranty fulfillment; If  there is visible damage, replace the probe.
Reading keeps jumping| Probe is not fully
submerged in the solution| Make sure the probe is fully immersed in the solution at least 1 inch deep.
Air bubbles around the
sensor| Make a quick stir in the solution to remove air bubbles.
Probe is not properly connected, or the pin connector is broken.| Check the probe’s connector, make sure it’s not broken and is correctly connected. Align the probe and instrument correctly before plugging in. Never force it. Ensure  that the probe connector is not exposed to air too long.
Calibration is successful, but reading is not accurate| Aged probe| Replace the probe.
Air bubbles around the
sensor| Make a quick stir in the solution to remove air bubbles.
Clogged junction| Clean the probe with cleaning solution, then soak it in 3M KCL soaking solution overnight.
Comparison with other
testers, test strips, or
drop tests| To compare with other testers, make sure to perform a 2-point calibration for all testers in the same standard, then test a 3rd point. Whichever gives more accurate reading is  the more accurate one. Test strips or drop tests’ accuracy is not comparable to pH meters ‘.

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: info@aperainst.de | www.aperainst.de
Tel. +49 202 51988998

Documents / Resources

| APERA ZenTest PC60-Z Smart 7 in 1 Tester [pdf] Instruction Manual
ZenTest PC60-Z Smart 7 in 1 Tester, ZenTest, ZenTest PC60-Z, PC60-Z Smart 7 in 1 Tester, PC60-Z, Smart 7 in 1 Tester, Tester, AI3719
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References

• Apera Instruments
• Apera Instruments

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