Care and use guide
Contents page
Features 2
Quick guide 2
Before rst use begins 3
Removing and replacing the
storage cap/dibber 3
Hydration 4
IMPORTANT - Soil pH Pen probe care 4
To operate 6
Information about measuring the
pH of soils/media 7
Measuring soil pH value 9
Measuring pH value of a soil solution 10
Cleaning 11
Battery replacement 11
Calibration 12
Error messages 12
Troubleshooting guide 13
Technical speci cations 14
Bluelab pH probe care tools 14
Product guarantee 15
Contact details 15
WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE 33009570
a handy solution made easy
www.getbluelab.com
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Features
Direct pH and temperature
measurements from soils/media
Selectable units for temperature
Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)
Backlit LCD display Low battery indicator
Hold reading function Fully waterproof
Integrated storage cap/dibber Auto off function
Successful pH calibration indicator Fully guaranteed for 1 year
Quick guide
Check mark/tick to
indicate successful
pH calibration
Disappears 30 days after
last successful calibration
as a reminder calibration
is due.
Low battery warning
Appears when batteries are low.
Power button / hold
Short press to turn on. Short press to hold and
unhold reading. Long press to turn off.
Calibrate button
See calibration section.
Units button
Press and hold until units fl ash then short press to
change units. Screen will change back to main display
when no buttons have been pressed for 4 seconds.
Storage cap/dibber
Create a pathway in the soil/media before taking a
measurement with the pH probe. Use to store the pH
probe tip, to keep it wet at all times.
ATTENTION:
Always loosen the cap!
2
Check for the gap. Always loosen the cap before removing
or placing on the pH probe tip. Refer to section 2.0
FRAGILE Glassware
The pH probe contains a glass tube and a glass bulb.
DO NOT drop, knock or bend. Refer to section 4.0
If it dries, it dies!
Keep your probe tip wet at all times to avoid
permanent damage. Refer to section 4.0
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1.0 Before rst use begins
ATTENTION: Salt-crust forming on the pH probe is normal. A small amount of
KCl solution from the storage cap/dibber may leak out leaving a salt-crust.
This does not affect the probe and is normal.
The following tasks must be performed before the Bluelab Soil pH Pen is used for
the fi rst time.
Check the soil pH probe tip is covered with KCl
storage solution
pH probes need to be be kept wet at all times.
Before you remove the storage cap/dibber, check
how much Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution
is in the cap.
a) Stand the soil pH pen upright. There should be
enough KCl storage solution to cover the pH probe
tip. If the probe tip is covered, go to steps 2 & 3.
b) If the probe tip is NOT submerged in KCl storage
solution, you will need to hydrate the soil pH probe
before use. Remove the storage cap (see secton
2.0), then go to section 3.0 for hydration steps.
Removing and replacing the storage cap/dibber
IMPORTANT: Pulling the cap off, or placing the cap on, without loosening fi rst will
break the probe. See section 2.0 for more details.
Calibrate the Soil pH Pen before the fi rst use to ensure accurate readings.
Go to section 11.0 for calibration steps.
2.0 Removing and replacing the storage cap/dibber
IMPORTANT: Always loosen the storage cap/dibber before removing or
replacing from the probe.
To remove the storage cap/dibber
a) Grip the top and twist the dibber a few
times to the left to loosen. You’ll know
the cap is loose when you can see a
gap between the cap and the dibber.
b) Slide the storage cap/dibber off.
c) Place cap upright, in a cup or similar
container so that the KCl storage
solution doesn’t spill out.
To replace the storage cap/dibber
Place the loosened storage cap/dibber
gently on the probe, sliding until it stops
moving up.
Grip the top and twist the cap to the right
until secure.
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2
probe
tip
KCl Storage
Solution
probe
tip
The probe tip is
covered, go to
steps 2 and 3.
The pH probe
tip needs to be
hydrated, go to
section 8.0.
3
3
1
2
twist
to loosen
place
storage
cap/dibber
upright
remove
gently
twist
to tighten
check
for the
gap
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4.0 IMPORTANT - Soil pH Pen probe care
To ensure you receive a long life from your Soil pH Pen, please ensure you follow
the guide below.
The Soil pH Pen probe is fragile
• DO NOT drop, knock or exert a sideways force on the probe.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Note: this section continues on next page...
3.0 Hydration
Hydrate the soil pH pen 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, Deionized or Distilled water. Pure water changes the chemistry in the reference,
causing the probe to die.
Loosen, then remove the storage cap.
Place the soil pH pen upright in a plastic container.
Clean the pH probe tip.
Ensure the probe tip is cleaned before hydrating. See
section 9.0 for instructions.
Cleaning before the fi rst use is not required.
Add enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution to
submerge the probe tip.
Leave to soak for at least 24 hours.
After hydration, always calibrate the soil pH pen to
ensure accuracy, see section 11.0.
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Soil pH Pen body & probe
Pen body
Temperature
probe and internal
glass tube - fragile
4
Glass bulb
fragile
Storage cap/dibber
Dibber
Bluelab pH
Probe KCl
Storage Solution
Bluelab pH
Probe KCl
Storage
Solution
Cap
Seal
Soil level
indicator
4.0 IMPORTANT - Soil pH Pen probe care cont.
The soil pH probe does not last forever
• Probes do not last forever. They age through normal use and will eventually fail.
The lifetime of a probe depends on the environment it is used in and the way it
is treated.
• Always loosen the cap before removing or replacing the storage cap/dibber.
• This probe is suitable to use in temperatures between 0 - 50 °C / 32 - 122 °F only.
• Chemically aggressive, abrasive or oily samples will reduce the life of the probe.
The Soil pH Pen probe requires cleaning at least once a
month and prior to calibrating
Cleaning the glassware is critical to obtaining accurate measurements.
The calibration check mark will disappear from the soil pH pen screen 30 days after
the last successful calibration to remind you it is time to clean and calibrate again.
Storing the Soil pH Pen
The probe tip must be kept wet - if it dries, it dies!
To prepare the probe for storage, place enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution,
to cover the probe tip, into the storage cap/dibber. Never use RO, distilled or deionized
water. Place the loosened cap over the probe tip and tighten (see section 2.0).
Long term storage
For long term storage, sit the Soil pH Pen upright, ensuring the storage cap/dibber
contains enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution to cover the probe tip .
Check each month to ensure the liquid has not evaporated.
If the probe has been accidentally allowed to dry out:
The probe must be ‘hydrated’ by soaking for 24 hours in KCl storage solution,
refer to section 3.0 for details. Following this; carry out a calibration to check if
the probe has already suffered permanent damage, see section 11.0.
English
DO NOT let the probe tip dry. IF IT DRIES IT DIES!
DO NOT exert sideways force, drop or knock the pen. This will break its
external glass bulb or internal glass tube.
DO NOT touch the glass bulb with your fi ngers as this will contaminate
the glass.
DO NOT plunge a cold probe into a hot liquid (or vice versa). Sudden
temperature changes can crack the glass and permanently damage the pen.
DO NOT immerse in oils, proteins or suspended solids that will leave a
coating on the glass bulb.
DO NOT remove or place the storage cap/dibber back onto the probe
without fi rst loosening the cap, as you could reduce the life of the probe.
DO NOT store, soak or rinse the pH probe in RO (Reverse Osmosis),
Distilled or Deionized water. Pure water changes the chemistry in the
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reference, causing the probe to die.
5.0 To operate
Turn Soil pH Pen on
Press power button. The last measurement is recalled
for 3 seconds.
To turn Soil pH Pen off
Press and hold the power button until OFF is displayed.
NOTE: The Soil pH Pen will automatically turn off after
4 minutes to conserve battery power.
Measure pH
a) With the storage cap/dibber on the pen, press the
Soil pH Pen into the sample area until it reaches the
word ‘soil’ at the top of the dibber. Remove gently
from soil or substrate, leaving a small hole.
b) Remove storage cap/dibber (refer to section 2.0 for
instructions). Turn the Soil pH Pen on, then place
pH probe into the newly made hole in the soil or
substrate. Do not exert sideways pressure. Wait for
the reading to reach a constant value.
NOTE: Never make a hole in the soil or substrate with the
pH probe. Always use the storage cap/dibber.
To hold reading
If you want to “hold” the reading on the screen, short
press the power button. To exit the hold function, short
press the power button again.
To change temperature units
Hold down the units button for 3 seconds until the
temperature units start fl ashing. Release. Short press
the units button again to cycle between °F and °C. To
exit this mode don’t press anything for 3 seconds.
NOTE: You can change units while in hold mode.
Rinse and place on the storage cap/dibber
To ensure accurate pH readings always rinse the probe in
clean fresh tap water before placing on the storage cap/
dibber. Ensure there is enough Bluelab pH Probe Storage
Solution in the storage cap/dibber to cover the probe tip.
To place the storage cap/dibber back on, see section 2.0.
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Power button
1 second alternating displays
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5
6
twist
to tighten
6.0 Information about measuring the pH of soils/media
pH is the measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration (H+) - acidity and its
opposite, alkalinity. Neutral pH is 7.0 pH. Acidity measures below seven pH (7.0 pH)
with alkalinity measuring above it (7.0 pH). See chart below.
In soils or growing media, pH strongly infl uences the availability of nutrients and the
presence of microorganisms in the soil.
Certain plants require a particular pH range to enable the required nutrients to be consistently available
to the plant. If the solution is too acidic or too alkaline it can cause “lock up” – a situation which restricts
certain elements essential for growth from being absorbed by the root structure. This in turn reduces plant
health and performance. Defi ciencies in the required elements become apparent in plant growth and can
lead to crop failure.
Low soil pH causes aluminium and manganese toxicity in plants and reduces the availability of soil
phosphorus. High soil pH also reduces soil phosphorus availability and reduces micro nutrients
such as zinc and boron to plants.
The chart below shows how nutrient pH levels infl uence the uptake of certain elements.
English
Recommended pH range
for plants grown in:
Solution
5.5 - 6.3
can be plant specifi c
Soil
6.2 - 7.2
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6.0 Information about measuring the pH of soils/media cont.
Taking pH measurements of soils with an electronic meter is indicative rather
than absolute.
The following factors are outside the control of any soil pH meter, so to minimise
their effect on the accuracy of the pH measurement you should consider the
following precautions:
Moisture level/raw water
If the sample you are wishing to measure is dry, add RO water or distilled water to moisten. Ideally
wait 24 hours before you take a measurement.
NOTE: If you add tap water, you will infl uence the soil pH reading based on the pH of the tap water.
Calibration of the Soil pH Pen and cleanliness of the soil probe tip
Calibrating the Soil pH Pen at least monthly will ensure accurate readings. Cleaning the soil residue
from the probe tip and storing the Soil pH Pen in a clean moist state will provide reliable readings as
well as prolonging the pens life.
Sample selection
For fi eld testing, remove the top 5 - 10 cm / 2 - 4” of the top of the soil. Samples are taken
approximately 15 - 20 cm / 6 - 8” down into the substrate and from various areas, then an average
of the readings is used.
For container grown plants, it is recommended to check the pH level of the substrate prior to planting.
Factors affecting pH in the soil or media:
Soil type
Soils formed under high rainfall conditions (e.g. Eastern USA) are more acidic than those formed
under dry conditions (e.g. Western USA).
Growth stage of the plant
Uptake and requirements of particular elements change as the plant progresses through it’s
growing cycle. Recording pH level data to create a history is valuable.
Applications and types of fertilizers
Applications and types of fertilizers can alter the pH level signifi cantly. The time at which you
take the reading is important. Evaluate the brand of fertilizer to see if it is altering the pH in the
wrong direction.
Applications of sprays
As sprays can soak into the soil/media, a change to the pH level could result.
Soil/media temperature
High temperature soils may have a high concentration of CO2. The higher the concentration of
carbon dioxide pressure results in more carbonic acid which lowers pH.
pH range for soil crops
The recommended pH range for soil crops is 6.2 - 7.2, but this is plant specifi c.
English
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7.0 Measuring soil pH value
Follow the steps below to take pH measurements of soil and media.
Remove the top layer of soil/media
from the surface of the sample area.
Insert the storage cap/dibber into
the sample up to the ‘soil’ indicator
as shown on the storage cap/
dibber, then remove.
TIP: The dibber creates a safe
pathway for the soil probe, reducing
the likelihood of probe breakage.
It should be used at all times.
Remove the storage cap/dibber
from the pen and turn the Soil pH
Pen on.
TIP: to keep the solution or tap
water in the storage cap/dibber
while taking measurements with
the Soil pH Pen, simply place the
storage cap/dibber upright into
the soil.
Insert the probe into the hole
made by the dibber, ensuring the
probe end makes gentle contact
with the soil.
Wait for the reading displayed
to stabilize to a constant value.
Record the reading.
TIP: If the Soil pH Pen turns off
while taking a measurement,
simply press the power button to
turn the Soil pH Pen back on and
continue with your measurement.
Remove the probe gently from the
soil/media and rinse the probe tip
under fresh running water
(not RO or distilled) to remove any
soil residue.
IMPORTANT: Always rinse the probe
tip in between each measurement
and shake to remove excess water.
For fi eld testing, repeat the
procedure in different locations
and take the average of the
measured data as the pH level is
representative of the sample area.
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3
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up to ‘soil’ on the
storage cap/dibber
Ensure you rinse the probe
tip between each use
8.0 Measuring the pH value of a soil solution
The greatest source of error in soil analysis comes during sample
collection. An effort should be made to ensure each sample properly
represents the area being sampled.
Collection of sample
Sample in a zig-zag pattern across the required area.
Take samples of soil at approximately 20 cm / 8” deep.
Mix all collected samples together thoroughly.
Ideally, allow to dry in the air or in an oven at 40 °C / 104 °F.
Weigh out 20 g / 0.7 oz of the collected soil into a 150 ml / 5 fl oz plastic sample jar.
Sample preparation
Add 100 ml / 3 fl oz of distilled or deionized water, screw lid on tightly.
Shake continuously for 5 minutes. Leave overnight and shake again the next morning.
Allow to settle for 15 minutes after shaking and strain sample into clean measuring cup.
Take pH readings as follows:
Remove the storage cap/dibber and insert the probe tip into the soil solution sample.
Turn the Soil pH Pen on.
Wait for the reading displayed to stabilize to a constant value. Record the reading.
If the Soil pH Pen turns off while taking a measurement, simply press the power
button to turn the Soil pH Pen back on and continue with your measurement.
Remove the probe from the soil solution and rinse the probe tip under fresh running
water (not RO or distilled) to remove soil residue.
Place the storage cap/dibber back onto the probe after use, ensuring it contains
Bluelab pH Probe Storage Solution or plenty of tap water.
“IF IT DRIES - IT DIES!”. See section 4.0 - Soil pH Probe Care.
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5
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2
3
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2
3
4
5
10
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9.0 Cleaning
To ensure accurate readings the probe tip needs to be kept clean at all times.
Cleaning prior to calibration is necessary for successful calibration.
Remove storage cap/dibber.
Rinse probe tip under fresh tap water.
Fill small plastic container with clean 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 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 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 water to remove all
traces of the detergent mixture.
Calibration of the probe is required after every clean.
See the pH calibration in section 11.0. Place storage
cap/dibber back onto the probe tip.
10.0 Battery replacement
The pH pen is powered with 1 x AAA alkaline battery. Do not use rechargeable
batteries. A low battery warning is indicated by a battery symbol appearing on
the screen. Only remove the battery cap when the batteries require changing.
Battery life is expected to be approx. 350 hours.
To remove old battery
Undo battery cap fasteners. Remove battery cap and tip out the
old battery.
Fit new battery
Insert the new battery positive (+) end down into the body.
Ensure waterproof battery cap seal is clean, and free from
any debris.
Seal will fail if any dirt or debris is present.
Replace battery cap
Tighten fasteners on battery cap. Do not over tighten.
Ensure silicone seal on battery cap is fully enclosed in pen
body. This ensures the unit remains 100% waterproof.
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2
3
probe cleaner
or dish
4
5
6
washing liquid
clean tap
water
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1
2
3
Waterproof seal
4
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12.0 Error messages
The following error messages appear for the following reasons.
11.0 Calibration
pH calibration is required before fi rst use to ensure that the fi rst reading is
accurate. Calibration is also required when:
• The check mark/tick has disappeared from the LCD screen
(30 days after last successful calibration)
• The reading is different from what you expected
• After cleaning
• After changing the battery
pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 solutions are required for calibration and should be decantered into
small, clean plastic containers. You may also calibrate using pH 7.0 and pH 10.0 solutions if
your readings will normally be higher than 7.0 pH.
Excluding fi rst use, YOU MUST CLEAN the probe tip
before calibrating.
See section 9.0 Cleaning.
Remove storage cap/dibber.
Refer to section 2.0, step 1.
Rinse probe tip in fresh water and place in pH 7.0 solution.
Wait for reading to stabilize to a constant value.
Press the cal button until CAL is displayed.
Release button. When CAL 7 is displayed, 1 point calibration
is achieved.
Rinse probe in fresh water and place it in either pH 4.0
or pH 10.0 solution (use pH 10.0 solution if you expect to
measure above 7.0 pH).
Wait for reading to stabilize to a constant value.
Press the cal button until CAL 4 or CAL 10 is displayed.
CAL 4 or CAL 10 should be displayed (depending on what
solution you are calibrating in). The check mark/tick is
displayed when a 2 point (or 3) calibration is completed.
NOTE: For a three point calibration repeat steps 2, 3 & 4
using pH 7.0, 4.0 then 10.0 solution.
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2
3
4
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5
6
Temperature
under range
Temperature
over range
pH calibration
failed
pH 7.0
pH 4.0
or
pH 10.0
pH over range
pH under range
Hardware error
13.0 Troubleshooting guide
Trouble Reason Correction
Drift - readings
slowly varying
Glassware not clean Clean glassware and calibrate
Wick contaminated,
blocked or dry
Soak probe in Bluelab pH Probe Storage
Solution or tap water only for 24 hours and
retest. Do not measure proteins or oils with this
unit. Replacement of unit may be required
Glassware aged Replace unit
Displays similar pH
reading in all buffers
no matter what the
buffer value is
Glassware cracked
or broken
Replace unit
Unsuccessful pH
calibration
Buffers inaccurate Replace buffers
Glassware not clean Clean glassware
Glassware aged
(glassware will not
clean)
Replace unit
Probe not hydrated Soak probe in Bluelab pH Probe Storage
Solution or tap water only for 24 hours and
retest. Do not measure proteins or oils with this
unit. Replacement of unit may be required
Noisy - readings
jumping
Contact zone not
immersed
Ensure soil/substrate is damp
Probe not
adequately hydrated
Soak probe in Bluelab pH Probe Storage
Solution or tap water only for 24 hours and
retest. Do not measure proteins or oils with this
unit. Replacement of unit may be required
Displays pH 7
for all buffers
Glassware broken Replace unit
Incorrect sample
reading following
successful pH
calibration
Wick blocked Soak probe in Bluelab pH Probe Storage
Solution or tap water only for 24 hours and
retest. Do not measure proteins or oils with
this unit. Replacement of unit may be required
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14.0 Technical speci cations
Measurement range 0.0 - 14.0 pH, 0 - 50 °C, 32 - 122 °F
Resolution 0.1 pH, 1 °C / 1 °F
Accuracy at 25 °C / 77 °F ± 0.1 pH, ± 1 °C / ± 2 °F
Temperature compensation Automatic
Operating temperature 0 - 50 °C, 32 - 122 °F
Calibration Two point, pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 or pH 10.0
Units pH, °F and °C
Power source 1 x AAA alkaline battery
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. Cleaning the pH probe is a very easy
task and will prolong the life of the probe.
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)
Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage
Solution
The perfect solution to store and hydrate
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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 Soil pH Pen product guarantee
Bluelab Corporation Limited guarantees this product for a period of 1 year
(12 months) from the date of sale to the original purchaser. 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),
broken glassware or drying of the pH probe glassware, 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 from incorrect positioning of the battery cap and waterproof seal.
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
If you need assistance or advice - we’re here to help you.
Phone: +64 7 578 0849 Fax: +64 7 578 0847
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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 PENSOILPH_V01_140613
© Copyright 2011, all rights reserved, Bluelab Corporation Limited
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