Why my Extech Instruments ExStik II EC400 unit will not turn on?
If your Extech Instruments Measuring Instruments unit isn't turning on, the batteries may be low, dead, or installed with incorrect polarity. Try replacing the batteries, making sure to observe the correct polarity when installing them.
What to do if my Extech Instruments Measuring Instruments shows a 'BAT' message?
If your Extech Instruments Measuring Instruments displays a 'BAT' message, it means the batteries are low. Replace the batteries to resolve this issue.
How to fix frozen reading on Extech Instruments ExStik II EC400 Measuring Instruments?
If the reading on your Extech Instruments Measuring Instruments is frozen, the unit might be in “HOLD” mode. Press the MODE/HOLD key to exit this mode.
Why Extech Instruments Measuring Instruments unit will not calibrate in conductivity mode?
If your Extech Instruments Measuring Instruments unit isn't calibrating in conductivity mode, it could be due to several reasons: contaminated conductivity standards (use fresh standards), a dirty probe (clean the conductivity probe), a damaged conductivity probe (replace the electrode), or trapped air bubbles (tap or stir to release them).
What to do if Extech Instruments ExStik II EC400 unit does not respond to key presses?
If your Extech Instruments Measuring Instruments unit isn't responding to key presses, it may be due to an internal fault. Try performing a hard reboot: remove the batteries, hold the ON/OFF switch down for 5 seconds, and then replace the batteries.
Explains how to power the device using CR2032 batteries and mentions auto power off feature.
Provides initial steps like removing the cap, rinsing the electrode, and calibrating for best results.
Identifies and describes the components on the front panel of the meter.
Explains the various elements shown on the device's Liquid Crystal Display.
Instructions on preparing the sample cup and solution for accurate measurements.
Step-by-step guide on how to perform measurements with the device.
Details how to adjust the TDS conversion ratio for accurate readings.
Explains the process of storing measurement data and its limitations.
Procedure to erase all stored calibration and measurement data from the meter.
How to switch between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) for temperature display.
How to freeze a current reading on the display for easier viewing or recording.
Information about the automatic shut-off feature and how to disable it.
Explains the visual indicator for weak batteries and its meaning.
Steps to clear all calibration data, useful for recalibration.
Detailed instructions for calibrating the meter for conductivity measurements.
A table outlining key operations, their status, and required key press sequences.
Step-by-step guide for replacing the device's batteries.
Instructions on how to safely remove and attach the conductivity electrode.
Common problems, their possible causes, and recommended solutions.
The ExStik®II EC400 is a versatile handheld meter designed for measuring Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Salinity, and Temperature. Its dynamic cell-constant technology allows for a wide range of measurements with a single electrode, making it a comprehensive tool for various applications.
The primary function of the ExStik®II EC400 is to provide accurate measurements of water quality parameters. It operates in four main modes: Conductivity (µS/cm), TDS (ppm or mg/L), Salinity (ppm S or ppt), and Temperature (°C or °F). The meter automatically ranges to the appropriate scale for the measurement, simplifying operation.
To begin, remove the cap from the bottom of the ExStik®II to expose the conductivity electrode. Before initial use or after storage, it's recommended to rinse the electrode with deionized water and dry it. For optimal accuracy, calibrate the meter for conductivity using a standard solution that matches the expected range of your sample. When calibrating, it's best to start with low conductivity value standards and progress to high value standards. Always store the electrode dry.
To turn the meter on or off, press the ON/OFF key. Upon power-up, the display will show "8888" followed by "SELF CAL" during the turn-on diagnostics. The auto power-off feature conserves battery life by shutting down the meter after 10 minutes of inactivity.
For Conductivity, TDS, or Salinity measurements, place the test sample in a sample cup with enough depth (at least 2.5cm) to fully cover the electrode. Stir the solution to remove any air bubbles. Insert the electrode into the sample, ensuring it is completely submerged. Slowly stir the solution with the electrode to dislodge any remaining air bubbles. The meter will then auto-range and display the reading.
The meter can be set to measure Conductivity, TDS, or Salinity. To switch between modes, press and hold the MODE/HOLD button for 2 seconds. The display will scroll through the available units: µS (Conductivity), ppm (TDS), mg/l (TDS), and ppm S (Salinity). Release the MODE/HOLD button when the desired units are displayed. Note that the "HOLD" function must be off when changing the measurement function. If "HOLD" is displayed, briefly press MODE/HOLD to turn it off.
The TDS value is derived by multiplying a conductivity reading by a user-selectable ratio factor, which can range from 0.4 to 1.0. This ratio varies by application, but common settings are between 0.5 and 0.7. In Salinity mode, the ratio is automatically set between 0.4 and 0.6. To change the ratio in TDS mode (ppm or mg/l), press and release the CAL/RECALL button twice. The stored ratio will appear on the display. Use the MODE/HOLD button to adjust the ratio in 0.1 steps. Once the desired ratio is shown, press and release CAL/RECALL to store the value and return to normal mode. If no buttons are pressed for 5 seconds, the meter will automatically return to measurement mode.
The meter can store up to 25 tagged (numbered) readings. To store a reading, press the MODE/HOLD button. The storage location number will appear on the lower display, and the main display will show the stored reading. The meter will enter "HOLD" mode, indicated by the "HOLD" icon. To exit HOLD mode and return to normal operation, press MODE/HOLD again. If more than 25 readings are stored, the oldest readings (starting with number 1) will be overwritten.
To recall stored readings, press CAL/RECALL, then MODE/HOLD. A location number (1 through 25) will briefly appear, followed by the stored value. The displayed units will flash, indicating that the storage recall mode is active. The last stored reading is displayed first. Pressing MODE/HOLD will scroll through the stored readings one at a time. To exit storage recall mode, press CAL/RECALL; the meter will display "End" and return to normal operation.
To clear all stored readings, turn the unit on, then press and hold ON/OFF for 4 seconds. "clr" will briefly appear on the display to confirm that the memory has been cleared.
To switch between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F), turn the unit off. Press and hold the CAL/RECALL button, then momentarily press the ON/OFF button while still holding CAL/RECALL. Release CAL/RECALL when "SELF CAL" appears on the display. The unit will power on with the temperature displayed in the new units.
To freeze a reading on the display, press the MODE/HOLD button. The meter will enter "HOLD" mode, and the "HOLD" indicator will appear. This action also stores the reading. Press MODE/HOLD again to return to normal operation.
The auto power-off feature can be disabled. To do so, turn the unit on, quickly press CAL/RECALL once, then immediately and simultaneously press MODE/HOLD and ON/OFF for approximately 2 seconds until "oFF" briefly appears. To re-engage this feature, turn the unit off with the ON/OFF button; it will be active the next time the unit is powered up.
When the batteries are low, the "BAT" icon will appear on the display, indicating that replacement is needed.
If the display appears frozen, the Data Hold mode may have been accidentally activated. Press MODE/HOLD again or turn the meter off and on to resolve this. For maximum accuracy, allow sufficient time for the probe's temperature to stabilize with the sample's temperature before calibrating. A stable temperature reading on the display indicates this.
To clear all calibration data from the meter, which may be necessary when using new calibration solutions or if accuracy is in question: turn off the meter, then press and hold the CAL/RECALL and MODE/HOLD buttons. While holding these, momentarily press the ON/OFF button. As soon as the display comes on, release all three buttons. The display will show "dFLt rSt" (default reset), confirming that all calibration data has been erased. If this message does not appear, retry the procedure. After resetting, proceed with the calibration routine.
Meter accuracy should be verified periodically, with monthly checks recommended for normal use. Calibration requires a conductivity standardizing solution. The meter can be calibrated in any or all of its three ranges using 84µS/cm, 1413µS/cm, or 12.88mS/cm (12,880µS/cm) solutions for automatic recognition. Other calibration values are not permitted. Calibration is always performed in conductivity mode, which also calibrates salinity and TDS values.
To calibrate:
To replace the batteries, twist off the battery compartment cap. Holding the battery housing with a finger, pull out the battery carrier using the two small tabs. Replace the four (4) CR2032 Lithium Ion Batteries, observing polarity. Then, replace the battery compartment cap. Used batteries and end-of-life instruments should be disposed of at appropriate collection sites, not in household waste.
To remove an electrode, unscrew and completely remove the electrode collar by turning it counter-clockwise. Gently rock the electrode from side to side, pulling it downwards until it disconnects from the meter. To attach an electrode, carefully plug it into the meter socket, noting that the connector is keyed for proper connection. Tighten the electrode collar firmly to ensure a good seal, as a rubber gasket seals the electrode with the meter.
When cleaning the probe, avoid scratching or damaging the platinized electrode surfaces.
Always store the electrode dry in its storage cap and rinse it with de-ionized water between measurements to prevent cross-contamination. Double rinsing is recommended for high accuracy. Avoid touching the inner surfaces of the conductivity electrodes, as this can damage the platinized electrodes and reduce the probe's lifespan.
General| Automatic Temperature Compensation | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 100 hours |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Conductivity Resolution | 0.1 µS/cm |
| Conductivity Accuracy | ±1% of reading |
| Temperature Range | 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F) |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.5 °C |
| TDS Resolution | 0.1 ppm, 1 ppm, 0.01 ppt |
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