Care and use guide
Contents page
Features 2
Bluelab pH Meter 2
Introduction 3
Preparing for use 3
Calibration 4
Measuring the pH value 6
Battery replacement 6
Cleaning the pH Probe 7
Hydrating the pH probe 8
Storing the Bluelab pH Meter 8
Error messages 9
Technical speci cation 9
Troubleshooting guide 10
Bluelab pH Probe
replacement 11
Bluelab pH Probe care 11
Product guarantee 12
Limitation of liability 12
Contact details 12
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Features
Lightweight and portable Over range and under range indicators
Large easy to read display 2 x AAA alkaline batteries included
Simple push button pH calibration Auto off function
Successful pH calibration indicator Low battery indicator
Replaceable double junction pH probe included
pH probe
connection
socket (BNC
fi tting)
Bluelab pH Meter
Display
Power button
pH probe storage cap
The pH probe tip must not be allowed to dry out.
Always place the storage cap back onto the pH
probe after each use. Ensure the cap contains
enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution to
cover the probe tip.
pH unit
Successful pH
calibration indicators
Low battery
indicator
Bluelab
pH Probe
Calibrate
button
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ATTENTION
If it dries, it dies!
Keep your pH probe tip wet
at all times to avoid permanent damage
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1.0 Introduction to the Bluelab pH Meter
The Bluelab pH Meter has two press buttons; ‘calibrate’ and power. The power button
requires a short press; release in about one second. The ‘calibrate button requires a
long press; hold for at least three seconds and release when the display starts fl ashing.
Turning the pH meter on and off
A short press of the power button will turn the pH meter on. The pH meter
automatically turns off after approximately four minutes if no buttons are pressed.
If the pH meter turns off before the reading is taken, short press the power button to
turn the pH meter on again.
2.0 Preparing for use
The following tasks must be performed before the Bluelab pH Meter is used for the
fi rst time.
Insert batteries.
See section 5.0.
Connect pH probe
Connect the pH probe to the pH meter by lining
up the lugs of the BNC fi ttings. Fasten securely
by pushing the pH probe connector on and
twisting one quarter turn.
Remove the storage cap
Remove the pH probe storage cap by gripping
the top of the cap and gently twisting the base
one rotation clockwise to loosen slightly. Next
slowly slide the cap off the pH probe. DO NOT
completely remove the base of the cap from the
top of the cap.
CAUTION: When the pH probe is not in use, add
enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution to
the storage cap so the probe tip is covered. Then
replace the cap and store in a secure place.
DO NOT use RO (Reverse Osmosis), Distilled
or De-ionized water. Pure water changes
the chemistry in the reference, causing the
probe to die.
Calibrate the pH
Calibrate the pH meter by following the
instructions in section 3.0 of this manual.
This must be done before the
pH Meter is used for the fi rst time.
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Inserting Twisting Attached
Attaching the
Bluelab pH Probe to the Meter
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Removing pH probe
storage cap
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Ensure probe tip is covered by
the KCl storage solution in cap
See section 3.0
for calibration
steps
3.0 Calibration
pH calibration is required before fi rst use and then monthly to ensure readings are
accurate.
For accurate pH readings the pH probe is cleaned and recalibrated when:
• The reading is different to what you were expecting.
• The batteries have been removed or changed.
• The pH probe is replaced with a new one or is disconnected from the pH Meter.
• The pH calibration indicators have disappeared.
When calibrating the pH after fi rst use the pH probe needs to be cleaned. See pH
probe cleaning in section 6.0. The pH probe does not need to be cleaned for initial
calibration.
For best pH calibration
pH reading accuracy is dependant on the accuracy and age of the calibration
solutions used, and use and cleanliness of the pH probe tip.
• Ensure the pH probe has been cleaned and rinse the pH probe tip with clean water
between calibration solutions to reduce contamination of the pH solutions.
• Only fresh uncontaminated solutions should be used.
• Calibrate the pH at the same temperature as the solution to be measured.
• ALWAYS calibrate the pH probe with pH 7.0 then pH 4.0 or pH 10.0.
The pH calibration involves cleaning the pH probe tip and then calibrating in
TWO SOLUTIONS.
If a reading below pH 7.0 is expected, use pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 calibration solutions.
If a reading above pH 7.0 is expected, use pH 7.0 and pH 10.0 calibration solutions.
Follow the steps below for pH meter calibration.
Storage and use of calibration solutions
• Always place the lid back onto the bottle after use or evaporation will occur rendering
the solution useless.
• Store in a cool place.
• DO NOT measure directly into the bottle. Tip a small amount into a clean container
and discard after use.
• Never add water to solutions.
pH reading accuracy is dependant on the
accuracy and age of the calibration solutions
used, and use and cleanliness of the pH
probe tip.
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3.0 Calibration cont.
To calibrate the pH
Clean pH probe tip.
See section 6.0 (the pH probe does not require
cleaning before the fi rst use).
pH 7.0 calibration
a) Turn pH meter on. Rinse pH probe tip in fresh
water, shake off excess water and place in a
pH 7.0 calibration solution. Wait for at least
one minute or longer if required for reading to
stablize to a constant value.
b) Long press the ‘calibrate’ button. When the
display shows CAL release button.
pH 7 indicator is displayed indicating
a successful pH 7 calibration.
The pH 4 indicator will now fl ash
indicating pH 4.0 or pH 10.0
calibration is now required.
c) If Err appears during the calibration process
see section 9.0.
d) The pH meter must be calibrated to two
points. If after an hour the pH meter has not
been calibrated with a second calibration
point the calibration indicators disappear and
the pH meter reverts to an uncalibrated state.
Calibration is required.
pH 4.0 / 10.0 calibration
a) Rinse the pH probe tip in fresh water, shake
off excess water and place the
pH probe tip in either pH 4.0 or pH 10.0
calibration solution.
b) Wait for at least one minute for reading to
stabilize to a constant value.
c) Long press the ‘calibrate’ button. When the
display shows CAL release button.
pH 7 / pH 4 is displayed
or pH 7 / pH 10 is displayed
d) The pH meter is now calibrated and ready
for use.
e) After 30 days, the calibration indicators
disappear to let you know calibration is required.
Store the pH probe
Add enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution
into the probe storage cap to fully submerge the
pH probe tip. Place storage cap on probe.
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clean the pH probe
pH 7.0
calibration
solution
rinse in tap water
pH 4.0 or
pH 10.0
calibration
solution
Successful pH 7
and pH 4 calibration
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Ensure probe tip is covered by
the KCl storage solution in cap
5.0 Battery replacement
Batteries are replaced in the Bluelab pH Meter when the low battery
indicator appears on screen.
The low battery indicator remains on and the Bluelab pH Meter continues
to operate until the batteries die or are replaced.
Open battery compartment by sliding
the back cover down and insert 2 x AAA
batteries as shown on the battery holder.
Slide cover back on.
NOTE: Alkaline batteries are recommended.
IMPORTANT: Check the batteries at
least once every six months for signs of
deterioration, rusting or swelling.
If signs of deterioration are found,
clean battery holder contacts and
replace batteries.
4.0 Measuring the pH value
Taking a pH reading
Press the power button to turn the pH meter on.
Remove the storage cap from the pH probe and place the pH probe into the solution.
Wait 1-2 minutes or longer for reading to stabilize to a constant value. The pH
reading is displayed.
If the solution you are measuring is outside the measurement range of the pH meter,
a ‘Ur’ (under range) or ‘Or’ (over range) will be displayed.
Store pH probe between measurements. See section 8.0.
NOTE: If taking readings of more than one solution, rinse the pH probe tip thoroughly
in fresh water between solutions to avoid cross contamination.
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Battery cover
6.0 Cleaning the Bluelab pH Probe
To ensure accurate readings the pH probe tip needs to be rinsed in water after
each use and cleaned prior to calibration using the following instructions.
The storage cap must always be put back on after cleaning. Always ensure it
contains enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution to cover the probe tip.
Remove storage cap from pH probe.
Hold the top of the storage cap, twist the
cap to loosen then remove.
Rinse pH probe tip under fresh tap
water.
Never use RO (Reverse Osmosis), Distilled
or De-ionized water.
Fill a small plastic container with clean
tap water.
Add a small amount of Bluelab pH Probe
Cleaner or mild detergent (dishwashing
liquid).
Gently stir the probe tip in the mixture.
Ensure that you do not ‘knock’ the soil pH
probe on the side of the container as this
may cause damage to the probe.
Rinse well under fresh running water to
remove all traces of the detergent mixture.
If the probe tip requires removal of heavy
contamination:
Gently brush around the glassware with a
few drops of Bluelab pH Probe Cleaner or
mild detergent (dishwashing liquid) and a
soft toothbrush.
Rinse well under fresh running tap water
to remove all traces of the detergent
mixture.
Calibrate pH probe after cleaning, see
section 3.0
After calibration, store pH probe in the
storage cap, ensuring there is enough KCl
Storage Solution to cover the probe tip.
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8.0 Storing the Bluelab pH Meter
Store the pH Meter in a cool, dry and clean place when not in use.
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Keep pH Meter out of direct sunlight to prevent irreparable damage to the LCD
reading display.
The pH Meter is not waterproof but will withstand occasional water splashes.
If the pH Meter is splashed, wipe dry as soon as possible.
Remove batteries if the pH Meter is to be stored for a prolonged period.
Remove pH probe if storing the pH Meter without use for longer than two to three
weeks and check regularly that the pH probe tip has not dried out.
When storing the pH probe, the pH probe tip must be kept moist.
To prepare the pH probe for storage, add enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage
Solution to the storage cap so the probe tip is covered. Then replace the cap and
store in a secure place. DO NOT use RO (Reverse Osmosis), Distilled or De-ionized
water. Pure water changes the chemistry in the reference, causing the probe to die.
7.0 Hydrating the pH probe
Hydrate the pH probe in Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution when:
• the probe tip has not always been stored in KCl storage solution, to improve
the reading response speed.
• the probe tip has been accidentally allowed to dry out
Never use RO (Reverse Osmosis), De-ionized or Distilled water.
Pure water changes the chemistry in the reference, causing the probe to die.
Loosen, then remove the storage cap.
Place the pH probe upright in a plastic
container.
Clean the pH probe tip.
Ensure the probe tip is cleaned before
hydrating. See section 6.0 for instructions.
Add enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl
Storage Solution to a plastic container to
submerge the pH probe tip.
Leave to soak for at least 24 hours.
After hydration, always calibrate the pH
probe to ensure accuracy, see section 3.0.
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Bluelab pH Probe KCl
Storage Solution
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9.0 Error messages
An error message will only appear following pH calibration failure.
‘Err’ will be displayed for a few seconds then the display will show the previous
reading. Successful pH calibration indicators will disappear. The Bluelab pH Meter
is in an uncalibrated state, therefore recalibration is required. See causes of Error
messages below.
Possible causes for an ‘Err’ message:
• Calibration solutions contaminated
• Wrong solutions used
• pH probe contaminated
• pH probe not properly attached
• pH probe worn out or damaged
• Calibrate to pH 7.0 FIRST then to pH 4.0/10.0
10.0 Technical speci cations
pH
Measurement range 0.0 - 14.0 pH
Resolution 0.1 pH
Accuracy at 25 °C/77 °F ±0.1 pH
Calibration Two point pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 or pH 10.0
Temperature compensation Not applicable
Operating environment
0 - 50 °C
32 - 122 °F
Power source 2 x AAA alkaline batteries
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11.0 Troubleshooting guide
Trouble Reason Correction
pH reading inaccurate
Contaminated pH probe /
glassware not clean.
Clean pH probe (see section 6.0);
then calibrate.
Wick contaminated,
blocked or dry.
Hydrate probe in KCl storage
solution for 24 hours, see section
7.0. Do not measure proteins or
oils with this unit. Replace unit.
Incorrect pH calibration.
Ensure calibration solutions are
accurate. Replace if in doubt.
Wait longer for readings to
stabilize before calibrating to a
constant value.
pH calibration unreliable.
Calibrate pH probe
(see section 3.0).
pH probe damaged or
old.
Replace pH probe.
pH reading does not
change from solution
to solution
Broken glass bulb,
tube or connector.
Check pH probe for damage.
Replace probe.
Displays low
battery indicator
Insuffi cient power to take
a reliable reading.
Replace the batteries.
DO NOT use rechargeable
batteries.
No display
Batteries dead or
inserted incorrectly.
Check batteries are inserted
correctly. Replace if necessary.
Display shows ‘Err’
Problem with pH
calibration.
See error message descriptions in
section 9.0 of this document.
Or
Ur
While in pH mode
Over range pH.
Under range pH.
Solution > 14.0 pH.
Solution < 0.0 pH.
Check pH probe connection.
pH probe could be faulty.
pH meter could be wet inside.
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Bluelab pH Probe replacement
The Bluelab pH Probe is the only part of the
Bluelab pH Meter that requires replacing.
pH probes do not last forever. They age
through normal use and will eventually fail.
To ensure you receive a long life from your pH
probe, please read the instructions provided
with it.
When the time comes to replace your Bluelab pH
Probe all you have to do is order a replacement
from your supplier!
Bluelab Probe Care - pH
The instrument is only as accurate as
the probe is clean!
Probe cleaning is one of the most
important parts of owning and operating
any Bluelab meter, monitor or controller.
If the probe is contaminated (dirty) it affects
the accuracy of the reading displayed.
Bluelab Probe Care Kit - pH contents:
› Cleaning instructions inside box lid
› 500ml pH4.0 and pH7.0 calibration
solutions
› Plastic cups
› Bluelab pH Probe Cleaner
› Toothbrush (probe cleaning instrument)
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Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage
Solution
The perfect solution to store and hydrate
your Bluelab pH products.
Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution is designed
to increase response time and maximize the life of
Bluelab pH pens and pH probes.
For best results, use the KCl solution to store the pH pen/
probe after use and hydrate monthly.
Instructions are on the label of the bottle.
Use Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution with:
› Bluelab pH Pen
› Bluelab Soil pH Pen
› Bluelab pH Probes
› Bluelab Soil pH Probes
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Bluelab pH Meter product guarantee
Bluelab Corporation Limited guarantees this product for a period of
5 years (60 months) from the date of sale to the original purchaser.
(This guarantee does not cover the Bluelab pH Probe. The Bluelab
pH Probe is covered by a separate 6 month guarantee.)
The product will be repaired or replaced should it be found faulty due to
component failure, or faulty workmanship. The faulty product should be
returned to the point of purchase.
The guarantee is null and void should any internal parts or fi xed external parts be tampered
with or altered in any way, or should the unit have been incorrectly operated, or in any way be
maltreated. This guarantee does not cover reported faults which are shown to be caused by
any or all of the following: Contaminated measuring tip (see instruction manual for cleaning
instructions), fl at or damaged batteries or batteries that have been incorrectly inserted, or
damaged battery contacts or connections caused by incorrect battery replacement, or ingress
of moisture into the meter case.
NO RESPONSIBILITY will be accepted by Bluelab or any of its agents or resellers should any
damage or unfavourable conditions result from the use of this product, should it be faulty or
incorrectly operated.
Register your guarantee online at www.getbluelab.com
Limitation of Liability
Under no circumstances shall Bluelab Corporation Limited be liable for any claims,
losses, costs and damages of any nature whatsoever (including any consequential
loss) that result from the use of, or the inability to use, these instructions.
To watch instruction videos, visit our online video library:
vimeopro.com/bluelab/videos
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If you need assistance or advice - we’re here to help you.
Phone: +64 7 578 0849 Fax: +64 7 578 0847
Email: support@getbluelab.com
Looking for specifi cations or technical advice?
Visit us online at www.getbluelab.com
Bluelab Corporation Limited
8 Whiore Avenue, Tauriko Industrial Park
Tauranga 3110, New Zealand
Instruction Manual English METPH_V02_210613
© Copyright 2011, all rights reserved, Bluelab Corporation Limited
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