Before You Start!
Your PH-80’s sensor must be wetted in the electrode storage solution for at least 15 minutes prior to use. The solution is inside the small mylar packet (included). Simply pour this solution into the cap, so that the sponge is moist.
Excess solution can be poured out. Insert the meter into the cap and stand upright for 15 minutes.
The large Mylar packet contains a 7.0 pH buffer solution to be used for calibration. Mix the contents of the packet with 100 ml of distilled water. When stored in a sealed container, the solution will last approx. 2-4 weeks. Additional pH buffers (PH-BUF) and storage solution (PH-STOR) is available for purchase from your retailer.
Taking pH Measurements
Remove the cap. (Do not use the cap for testing.)
Click the POWER button. The screen will display ‘PH’ for a moment. Once ‘PH’ changes to a number, your meter Is ready for measurements.
Dip the meter’s sensor into the water, liquid or solution to be tested.
Lightly swirl the meter to ensure the removal of air bubbles or electric charges.
The meter will display a reading almost instantly. Keep the meter in the water until the reading stabilizes (up to 30 seconds, depending on the situation).
To view the reading out of the liquid, dick the HOLD button. This will freeze the reading on the screen. Clicking
HOLD again will release it.
Click the POWER button to tum the meter off.
Shake any excess water off the meter and rinse with low TDS water (such as distilled, RO or Di), or use compressed air to clean it. Put the cap back on.
NOTE – The PH-80 is extremely sensitive in low conductivity water (below 10μS). If you use the meter in such water; it is better to test in flowing water; or swirl the meter continuously while obtaining the reading. The reading will stabilize in 10-15 seconds.
pH Calibration
Proper calibration of your PH-80 is essential for accuracy and performance. Your meter was factory calibrated to pH 7.0 as a convenience for your first few uses. Calibrate your meter to a level that is dose to what you will be testing, or in the center of a range. Your PH-80 should be calibrated at least once per month. The PH-80 features auto-calibration to pH 4.0, 7.0 or 10.0
Turn the meter on and insert into a pH buffer solution of 4, 7 or 10. If your meter shows the correct reading, stop here. If not, press and hold the CAL button for 10 seconds. The display will flash and the temperature reading will change to a flashing ‘CAL’ image.
Select your desired calibration level (4, 7 or 1 O) by clicking the UP or DOWN buttons (Indicated by the arrows).
The measurement will change and a small Icon will indicate the value. When the number matches the solution,
click ENTER.
‘CAL’ will flash as ‘C–CA – CAL’ indicating progress. Allow 5-60 seconds, do not press any buttons, and if possible, do not move the meter.
When the meter is calibrated, ‘End’ will flash and the measurement will reappear.
Changing the Batteries
When the meter displays a flashing battery symbol, your batteries are getting weak and should be replaced soon. To change the batteries:
Pull out the orange battery compartment using your thumb nail.
Remove the three batteries.
Insert new batteries in the direction as depicted inside the compartment. The flat side of the battery is the positive+) side. The meter uses LR44 batteries.
Close the battery compartment. Make sure it is tightly closed.
Temperature Calibration
If you need to calibrate the PH-80’s thermometer, only calibrate it to a different, correct thermometer.
With the meter off and in the air, press and hold the POWER and TEMP buttons at the same time for 5 seconds.
‘CAL’ and the temperature will flash on the screen.
Using the UP or DOWN buttons (arrows), adjust to the correct temperature.
Once you have corrected the temperature, click ENTER. ‘C – CA – CAL’ will flash on the screen and then ‘End’ will briefly appear. The thermometer is now calibrated.
Error Messages and Troubleshooting
If you need to calibrate the PH-80’s thermometer, only calibrate it to a different, correct thermometer.
With the meter on and in the air, press and hold the POWER and TEMP buttons at the same time for 5 seconds.
‘CAL’ and the temperature will flash on the screen.
Using the UP or DOWN buttons (arrows), adjust to the correct temperature.
Once you have corrected the temperature, click ENTER. ‘C – CA – CAL’ will flash on the screen and then ‘End’ will briefly appear. The thermometer is now calibrated.
| Issue | Indicator | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The sensor is damaged or old | ⚠ | You need a new meter |
| The water’s TDS level is below 5 ppm | ⚠ | It will work in higher TDS water |
| The pH level is below 0 or above 14 | — | The PH-80’s range is 0.0 to 14.0 |
| There is internal damage | Err | You need a new meter |
| The meter cannot calibrate | — | Check the solution / reset to default |
| The temperature is out of range | Err | The liquid must be within range |
Care, Maintenance & Tips
Regular calibration and proper sensor care is essential for good performance.
Always store the meter with the cap on tight (with the sponge moist). Never touch the glass electrodes, and never let nutrient solutions dry on the sensor.
It is normal for salt deposits from the storage solution to form on the outside or rim of the cap. Simply wipe off with a tissue or rubbing alcohol.
Clean after each use by rinsing in low TDS water or a pH 7.0 solution. Only add an electrode storage solution to the cap sponge. (Never store in anything else.)
FOR ADVANCED USERS ONLY:
If the meter is used In widely varying pH levels or often calibrated to different points, performance may be affected and you may need to reset to the factory defaults. To reset, with the meter on and in the air, press and bold the HOLD button for ten seconds. ‘End’ will briefly appear. Recalibrate to pH 7.0.
Your PH-80 is covered by a one-year factory warranty against manufacturing defects. If you find that the meter has a manufacturing defect, and you have already attempted to troubleshoot (including calibration), please contact 800.383.2777(within the United States) or email Warranty@HMDigital.com to receive further instructions. Before sending the product back to us, please include the following below,
- Your name
- Description of Problem
- Phone number/ Address
- Proof of purchase, must include Date