Extech Extech EC500 Manual

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User's Guide

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ExStik® EC500

pH/Conductivity / TDS / Salinity / Temperature
Meter

EC500

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the ExStik® EC500 pH/Conductivity/Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS) / Salinity meter. With the EC500’s dynamic cell-constant technology it is
possible to measure a wide range of Conductivity, TDS, and Salinity with the same
electrode. Careful use and maintenance will provide years of reliable service.

Powering the ExStik™

The ExStik® uses four (4) CR2032 Lithium Ion Batteries (included). If the batteries are
weak, the ‘BAT’ indicator appears on the LCD. Press the ON/OFF key to turn the ExStik
on or off. The auto power off feature shuts the ExStik
inactivity to preserve battery life.

®

off automatically after 10 minutes of

Getting Started

• Remove the cap from the bottom of the ExStik to expose the pH electrode, reference
junction and conductivity electrodes.

• Before the first use or after storage, soak the electrode in tap water or pH 4 buffer
solution for about 10 minutes.

• White KCL crystals may be present in the cap or on the electrode. This is to be
expected depending on the length of time in storage. These crystals will dissolve
while soaking the electrode or they can be rinsed away with tap water.

• For best results calibrate with pH 7 buffer solution first, then calibrate with the buffer
solution closest to the expected pH value of the solution or material to be tested.

• To preserve the pH electrode life keep the sponge in the protective cap soaked with
tap water or pH 4 buffer solution.

• For best results, calibrate for conductivity with a standard in the expected range of
the sample. For maximum accuracy calibrate from low conductivity value standards
to high value standards.

®

2

EC500-EU-EN-V2.4-2/11

Meter Description

Front Panel Description

1. Battery compartment cover

2. LCD Display

3. MODE/HOLD button

4. CAL/RECALL button

5. ON/OFF button

6. Electrode Collar

7. pH/Conductivity Electrode

(Note: The Electrode cap is not shown)

LCD Display

1. Bargraph display

2. Measurement units

3. Main display

4. Range calibration and
low battery indicators

5. Temperature display

6. Renew indicator

7. Reading hold indicator

EC500

pH

RENEW

6
7

3

EC500-EU-EN-V2.4-2/11

Measurement Procedure

Sample Preparation:

1. For Conductivity, TDS or Salinity place the test sample in a
sample cup with enough depth (2.5cm minimum) to cover
the electrode. Stir the solution to remove any air bubbles.

2. For pH, place the tip of the electrode in the sample or make
contact with a wet surface.

Measurement:

1. Press the ON button. ( and then “SELF CAL” will
appear in the display during the turn-on diagnostics)

2. Depress and hold the MODE/HOLD key to scroll to the desired
measurement mode.

3. Insert the electrode into the sample making sure that the
electrodes are completely submersed.

4. Slowly stir the solution with the electrode to remove air bubbles
if in the Conductivity, TDS or Salinity mode.

5. If in the Conductivity, TDS or Salinity modes, the meter will
auto-range to the proper range and then display the reading.

8888

Conductivity

TDS

Salinity

EC500

PH

(ppm)

(mg/l)

mgL

pH

M

L

H

4

EC500-EU-EN-V2.4-2/11