The Vernier Go Wireless pH is a
rugged, general-purpose, wireless
pH sensor. The Vernier Go Wireless
pH can be used for any experiment
or demonstration that can be done
with a traditional pH meter,
including acid-base titrations,
monitoring pH in an aquarium, and
investigating the water quality of
streams and lakes.
What is Included with Go Wireless pH
Go Wireless pH (Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier connected to pH Electrode via
BNC)
pH storage solution bottle with pH storage solution
USB Charging Cable (not included in GW-PH-NP)
This user guide
Go Wireless app (free download from the App Store)
Charging Go Wireless pH
Connect Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier to the included USB Charging Cable and
any USB device for two hours. Connecting the pH Electrode to the Electrode
Amplifier during charging is optional.
You can also charge up to eight Go Wireless Electrode Amplifiers or Go Wireless
Temp probes using our Go Wireless Charging Station, sold separately (order code:
GW-CRG). An LED on each Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier indicates charging
status. A blue light indicates it is still charging. When the light goes off, it is finished
charging.
Supported Devices
Go Wireless pH can be used with supported mobile devices* that have Bluetooth®
Smart support and one of our apps.
®
iPad
iPhone
iPod
LabQuest 2 (model LQ2-LE), see www.vernier.com/til/3085/
For Android
(3rd generation or newer), iPad mini, and iPad Air
®
(4S or newer)
®
touch (5th generation or newer)
™
devices, see www.vernier.com/gw-app
Data-Collection Apps
Go Wireless pH can be used with supported mobile devices* that have Bluetooth
Smart support and one of our apps.
Go Wireless app (free iOS app) Available as a free download from the App
Store, use this app to see a live digital readout from the sensor, record data for
real-time graphing, and export data for further analysis in Graphical Analysis™
for iPad and other applications. For more information or to download the app, see
www.vernier.com/gw-app
LabQuest 2 app (version 2.4 or newer)
NOTE: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not
designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial
process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or
industrial testing of any kind.
*
For a full list of supported mobile devices, see www.vernier.com/gw-app
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Specifications
pH Electrode
pH range 0–14
Temperature range 5 to 80°C (readings not compensated)
Accuracy ±0.5 pH units (factory calibration)
±0.1 pH units (user calibration)
Type Single junction
Sealed, gel-filled, Ag/AgCl
Response time 2 s (to 90% of full reading in buffer)
Shaft diameter 12 mm OD
Shaft material Polycarbonate plastic
Electrode Amplifier
Radio 2.4 GHz Bluetooth 4.0, Low Energy
Battery 100 mA Li-Poly
Battery life (continuously on,
1 sample per second)
3 days
Input range ±1000 mV
Temperature range –10 to 45ºC
Maximum wireless range 30 m unobstructed
How Go Wireless pH Works
The electrode amplifier handle is a circuit that allows the standard combination pH
electrode to be monitored by a lab interface wirelessly.
The Go Wireless pH will produce a voltage of approximately 0.0 volts in a pH 7
buffer. The voltage will increase by about 60 mV for every pH number decrease.
The voltage will decrease by about 60 mV/pH number as the pH increases. It should
read approximately 160 mV in pH 4 buffer and 170 mV in pH 10 buffer.
The Vernier gel-filled pH Electrode is designed to make measurements in the pH
range of 0 to 14. The gel-filled reference half cell is sealed; it cannot be refilled.
Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier has one button and three LEDs.
Button
Press the button once to turn on Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier. A red LED
indicator flashes when the unit is on.
Press and hold the button for more than three seconds to put Go Wireless
Electrode Amplifier into sleep mode. The red LED indicator stops flashing when
sleeping and LED light is off.
Press and hold the button for more than eight seconds to reset the system. This
should not be necessary in normal operation.
Blue LED
Indicates charging status when Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier is connected to the
Charging Cable or Charging Station.
On – charging in progress
Off – charging is complete
Red LED Flashing
Indicates Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier is awake and ready to connect.
Green LED Flashing
Indicates Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier is connected and taking data.
Red and Green LED Off
Indicates Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier is in the lowest power sleep mode.
Collecting Data
Ensure that the BNC connection between the Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier and
the pH Electrode is secure.
To prepare the electrode to make pH measurements, remove the storage bottle from
the electrode by first unscrewing the lid and then removing the bottle and lid.
Thoroughly rinse the lower section of the probe, especially around the bulb-shaped
tip, using distilled or deionized water. Note: Do not completely submerge the sensor.
The handle is not waterproof.
Collecting Data with Go Wireless App
1. Press the power button on Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier to turn it on. The
LED on the sensor will flash red.
2. Launch the app. Select your Go Wireless pH from the list of available sensors.
When the sensor is paired with the software, the sensor LED will flash green.
Note: To collect data in mV, tap on the radio icon in the upper right corner. Under
Units, select mV.
3. Place the sensor tip into a beaker containing your sample. It is recommended that
you use a utility clamp or electrode support to fasten the pH Sensor to a ring
stand, as shown on next page.
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4. Tap Keep to store a data point into the table. You can change the sample
description or add a note here. Tap Done.
5. Rinse the tip of the Go Wireless pH with distilled water before reusing it.
6. Collect additional data as desired. Rows will continue to add to the table.
Collecting Data with LabQuest 2 App
1. Press the power button on Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier to turn it on. The
LED on the sensor will flash red.
2. Choose New from the File menu. On the Meter screen, choose Go Wireless Setup
from the Sensors menu. Select your Go Wireless pH from the list of available
sensors. When the sensor is paired with the software, the sensor LED will flash
green.
Note: To collect data in mV, tap on the red box on the Meter screen, select Go
Wireless, then select Set Units, then mV.
3. Collect data as desired.
When you are finished making measurements, rinse the electrode with distilled
water. Slide the cap onto the electrode body, and then screw the cap onto the storage
bottle so the tip of the electrode is immersed in the storage solution. When the probe
is not being stored in the storage bottle, it can be stored for short periods of time (up
to 24 hours) in pH 4 or pH 7 buffer solution. It should never be stored in distilled
water.
Make sure you disconnect the Go Wireless pH from its Bluetooth pair.
Calibration Information
For many experiments, calibrating the Go Wireless pH is not required. We store a
calibration equation on each pH sensor before shipping it, which is used as a default
by our software.
For the most accurate measurements with this sensor, we recommend calibration. It
is a simple process that takes only a few minutes. You will need two or three buffer
solutions.
Calibrate the Go Wireless pH Using Go Wireless App
1. Press the power button on Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier to turn it on. The
LED on the sensor will flash red.
2. Launch the app. Select your Go Wireless pH from the list of available sensors.
When the sensor is paired with the software, the sensor LED will flash green.
3. To enter the calibration screen on the app, tap on the radio icon in the upper right
corner. Choose Calibrate pH.
4. Remove the storage bottle from the Go Wireless pH, rinse the tip of the electrode
with distilled water, pat dry, and place the electrode in the first buffer solution so
the tip is immersed.
5. Once the voltage reading has stabilized, tap Add in the box under the appropriate
buffer pH. Note: If you are using a buffer not shown, tap on the buffer value to
change.
6. Repeat this process for two or three buffer solutions. Your stored calibration
equation will be shown under the table.
7. Tap Save to save to sensor.
After you store a calibration to the Go Wireless pH, this new calibration will be used
automatically, regardless of the device to which the Go Wireless pH is connected.
You can set the Go Wireless pH back to its factory calibration by following these
steps:
1. Tap on the radio icon in the upper right corner.
2. Tap Restore Factory Defaults.
Calibrate the Go Wireless pH Using LabQuest App
1. Connect the Go Wireless pH to your LabQuest. The pH reading will be displayed.
2. Choose Calibrate GW: pH from the Sensors menu and tap Calibrate Now.
3. Remove the storage bottle from the Go Wireless pH, rinse the tip of the sensor
with distilled water, pat dry, and place the sensor in the first buffer solution so the
tip is immersed.
4. Enter the pH of the buffer solution as the known value for Reading 1. When the
voltage reading stabilizes, tap Keep.
5. Rinse the pH sensor with distilled water, pat dry, and place it in the second buffer
solution.
6. In the Reading 2 field, enter the pH of the second buffer solution. When the
voltage reading stabilizes, tap Keep.
7. Tap OK to complete the calibration process.
After you store a calibration to the Go Wireless pH, this new calibration will be used
automatically, regardless of the interface to which the pH Sensor is connected.
pH Buffer Solutions
In order to calibrate a Go Wireless pH, or to confirm that a saved pH calibration is
accurate, you should have a supply of pH buffer solutions that cover the range of pH
values you will be measuring. We recommend buffer solutions of pH 4, 7, and 10.
Vernier sells a pH buffer kit (order code PHB). The kit contains four tablets each
of buffer pH 4, 7, and 10 and a small bottle of buffer preservative. Each tablet is
added to 100 mL of distilled water to prepare respective pH buffer solutions.
Flinn Scientific (www.flinnsci.com, Tel: 800-452-1261) sells a wide variety of
buffer tablets and prepared buffer solutions.
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You can prepare your own buffer solutions using the following recipes:
pH 4.00
pH 7.00
pH 10.00
Add 2.0 mL of 0.1 M HCl to 1000 mL of 0.1 M potassium
hydrogen phthalate.
Add 582 mL of 0.1 M NaOH to 1000 mL of 0.1 M
potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
Add 214 mL of 0.1 M NaOH to 1000 mL of 0.05 M sodium
bicarbonate.
Maintenance and Storage
Short-term storage (up to 24 hours): Place the electrode in pH 4 or pH 7 buffer
solution.
Long-term storage (more than 24 hours): Store the electrode in a pH 4 buffer/KCl
storage solution in the storage bottle. The electrode is shipped in this solution.
Vernier sells 500 mL bottles of pH Storage Solution (order code PH-SS), or you can
prepare additional storage solution by adding 10 g of solid potassium chloride (KCl)
to 100 mL of pH 4 buffer solution. Flinn Scientific (800-452-1261) sells a Buffer
Solution Preservative (order code B0175) that can be added to this storage solution.
By storing the electrode in this solution, the reference portion of the electrode is kept
moist. Keeping the reference junction moist contributes to electrode longevity and
retains electrode response time when the unit is placed back into service. If the
electrode is inadvertently stored dry, immerse the unit in pH 4 buffer/KCl storage
solution for a minimum of eight hours prior to service.
When testing a Go Wireless pH, it is best to measure a buffer solution because it is
easier to determine if the sensor is reading correctly. Do not test your sensor by
measuring distilled water. Distilled water can have a pH reading in the range of 5.5–
7.0, due to varying amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide. Furthermore, due to a lack
of ions, the pH values reported with the sensor in distilled water will be erratic.
If your Go Wireless pH is reading differently from the pH of a buffer solution (e.g.,
reads 6.7 in a buffer 7), you may simply need to calibrate.
If your readings are off by several pH values, the pH readings do not change when
moved from one buffer solution to another different buffer, the sensor was stored
dry, or the sensor’s response seems slow, the problem may be more serious. A
method called “shocking” can be used to revive pH electrodes. To shock your Go
Wireless pH, perform the following:
1. Soak the pH Electrode for 4–8 hours in an HCl solution of 0.1 M–0.5 M.
2. Rinse off the electrode and soak the tip in pH 7 buffer for 30–60 minutes.
3. Rinse the electrode and test it with buffer solutions of known pH.
Occasionally, mold will grow in the pH 4 buffer/storage solution. Mold will not
harm the electrode and can easily be removed using a mild detergent solution. Mold
growth in the storage solution can be inhibited by adding a buffer preservative.
The Go Wireless pH is designed to be used in aqueous solutions. The polycarbonate
body of the sensor can be damaged by many organic solvents. In addition, do not use
the sensor in solutions containing perchlorates, silver ions, sulfide ions, biological
samples with high concentrations of proteins, or Tris buffered solutions.† Do not use
the sensor with hydrofluoric acid or in acid or base solutions with a concentration
greater than 1.0 molar.
The electrode may be used to measure the pH of sodium hydroxide solutions with a
concentration near 1.0 molar, but it should not be left in this concentration of sodium
hydroxide for periods longer than 5 minutes. Using or storing the electrode at very
high temperatures (>80°C) or very low temperatures (near 0°C) can damage it
beyond repair.
Battery Information
Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier contains a small lithium-ion battery in the handle.
The system is designed to consume very little power and not put heavy demands on
the battery. Although the battery is warranted for one year, the expected battery life
should be several years. Replacement batteries are available from Vernier (order
code: GW-BAT-100).
Use only the Vernier Go Wireless Charging Cable (order code: GW-CB) or
Go Wireless Charging Station (order code: GW-CRG) to charge the battery.
Storage and Maintenance of Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier
To store Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier for extended periods of time, put the
device in sleep mode by holding the button down for at least three seconds. The red
LED will stop flashing to show that the unit is in sleep mode. Over several months,
the battery will discharge but not be damaged. After such storage, charge the device
for a few hours and the unit will be ready to go.
Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35C (95F) will reduce its lifespan. If
possible, store Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier in an area that is not exposed to
temperature extremes.
Replacement Parts
Vernier Software & Technology
Part Order code
Go Wireless Charging Cable GW-CB
Go Wireless pH (electrode only) GW-PH-NP
Go Wireless Battery GW-BAT-100
Related Products
Go Wireless Charging Station (order code: GW-CRG)
Multi-sensor charging capability for your Go Wireless Electrode Amplifiers. The
Go Wireless Charging Station is the perfect solution for charging and storing your
Go Wireless Electrode Amplifier. For more information, see
www.vernier.com/gw-crg
†
Vernier offers a Tris-Compatible Flat pH Electrode that features a double junction electrode,
so it can be used with proteins, sulfides, and Tris buffers. It works with the Go Wireless
Electrode Amplifier. Order code FPH-BNC.
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Go Wireless pH Teacher Pack (order code: GW-PH-TP)
Includes eight Go Wireless pH sensors and one Go Wireless Charging Station. For
more information, see www.vernier.com/gw-ph
Disposal Instruction
When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its
disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item should
be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and
electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly, you help
prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the environment.
The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed
information about recycling this product, contact your local city office or your
disposal service.
The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be
disposed of in a standard waste container.
Warranty
Vernier warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of five years from the date of shipment to the customer. This warranty
does not cover damage to the product caused by abuse or improper use. The battery
is covered by a one-year warranty.
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation
RF Exposure Warning
The equipment complies with RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not
be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to
operate the equipment.
IC Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Industry Canada - Class B This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set
out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should
be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful communication.
RF exposure warning: The equipment complies with RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) used for
this transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’appareil doit accepter tout interférence
radioélectrique, même si cela résulte à un brouillage susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel interférant-brouilleur: “Appareils Numériques,” NMB-003 édictée par industrie Canada. L’utilisation est
soumise aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) cet appareil ne peut causer d’interférences, et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toutes interférences,
y comprises celles susceptibles de provoquer un disfonctionnement du dispositif. Afin de réduire les interférences radio potentielles pour les
autres utilisateurs, le type d’antenne et son gain doivent être choisie de telle façon que l’équivalent de puissance isotrope émis (e.i.r.p) n’est
pas plus grand que celui permis pour une communication établie. Avertissement d’exposition RF: L’équipement est conforme aux limites
d’exposition aux RF établies pour un environnement non supervisé. L’antenne (s) utilisée pour ce transmetteur ne doit pas être jumelés ou
fonctionner en conjonction avec toute autre antenne ou transmetteur.
Vernier Software & Technology
13979 S. W. Millikan Way Beaverton, OR 97005-2886
Rev. 10/10/2014
Go Wireless and Graphical Analysis are our trademarks in the United States. All other marks not owned by us that appear
herein are the property of their respective owners, who may or may not be affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by
us.