Do you have a question about the Hanna Instruments Checker HI701 and is the answer not in the manual?
Indicates excess ambient light reaching the detector. Check zero cuvette preparation.
Indicates insufficient light for measurement. Check zero cuvette preparation.
Sample and zero cuvettes are inverted. Swap them and repeat the measurement.
Sample absorbs less light than zero reference. Check procedure and cuvette use.
Measured value exceeds method limits. Check for debris, dilute, and repeat.
Battery level too low for proper function. Replace with a new battery.
Battery is drained and must be replaced. Restart the checker after replacement.
Indicates excess ambient light reaching the detector. Check zero cuvette preparation.
Indicates insufficient light for measurement. Check zero cuvette preparation.
Sample and zero cuvettes are inverted. Swap them and repeat the measurement.
Sample absorbs less light than zero reference. Check procedure and cuvette use.
Measured value exceeds method limits. Check for debris, dilute, and repeat.
Battery level too low for proper function. Replace with a new battery.
Battery is drained and must be replaced. Restart the checker after replacement.
The Hanna Instruments HI701 Free Chlorine Checker HC is a handheld colorimeter designed for accurate and easy monitoring of free chlorine levels in various water sources. This compact and user-friendly device is an essential tool for maintaining optimal water quality in swimming pools, aquariums, and spas, and can also be used to determine chlorine levels in fish tanks to ensure the health of fish and plants.
The HI701 operates based on the adaptation of US EPA Method 330.5, a widely recognized standard for chlorine measurement. This method relies on a chemical reaction between free chlorine present in the water sample and a DPD (N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) reagent. When the DPD reagent is added to a sample containing free chlorine, it causes a distinctive pink tint to develop. The intensity of this pink color is directly proportional to the concentration of free chlorine in the sample.
The device then uses a light-emitting diode (LED) as its light source, specifically at a wavelength of 525 nm. This light passes through the tinted sample, and a silicon photocell acts as the light detector, measuring the amount of light absorbed by the sample. The colorimeter's internal circuitry processes this light absorption data and converts it into a digital reading, which is then displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD) in parts per million (ppm) of free chlorine. This photometric measurement ensures a precise and reliable determination of free chlorine levels.
The HI701 is designed for single-button operation, making it exceptionally easy to use, even for individuals without extensive laboratory experience. The measurement procedure is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps:
Power On and Zeroing: To begin, the user presses the ON/OFF button to turn on the checker. The LCD will display all segments briefly, followed by "Add" and "C.1" with "Press" blinking, indicating it's ready for the first step. The user then fills a cuvette with 10 mL of the unreacted sample and caps it. This cuvette is inserted into the checker, and the cap is closed. Pressing the ON/OFF button again initiates the zeroing process. The display will show "Add" and "C.2" with "Press" blinking, confirming that the checker has been zeroed against the unreacted sample. This crucial step establishes a baseline measurement, accounting for any inherent color or turbidity in the sample itself, ensuring that only the color change due to the reagent is measured.
Reagent Addition and Reaction: After zeroing, the user removes the cuvette, unscrews the cap, and adds the entire content of one packet of HI701-0 Free Chlorine reagent. The cap is then replaced, and the cuvette is gently shaken for 20 seconds to ensure thorough mixing and complete reaction between the chlorine and the reagent. This shaking process is important for accurate results, but it's also advised to avoid vigorous shaking that could introduce bubbles, which might interfere with light transmission.
Measurement: Once the reagent has been added and mixed, the cuvette is reinserted into the checker, and the cap is closed. The user has two options for initiating the measurement:
The large LCD is designed for easy readability, ensuring that the measurement results are clear and unambiguous. The auto shut-off feature is a practical addition, automatically turning off the device after 2 minutes of non-use. This intelligent power management helps conserve battery life, preventing unnecessary drainage and extending the operational time of the checker.
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the long-term accuracy and reliability of the HI701. Hanna Instruments provides several tips for accurate measurements and battery replacement:
Sample Preparation: It is crucial to ensure that the sample does not contain any debris. Particles or suspended matter in the sample can interfere with light transmission and lead to inaccurate readings.
Cuvette Handling: The cuvette must always be dry on the outside and free of fingerprints, oil, and dirt before being placed into the checker. Any smudges or contaminants on the cuvette's surface can scatter or absorb light, affecting the measurement. To ensure optimal cleanliness, it is recommended to wipe the cuvette thoroughly with a HI731318 microfiber cleaning cloth or a lint-free cloth prior to insertion.
Bubble Management: Shaking the cuvette can sometimes generate air bubbles within the sample. These bubbles can cause higher readings by scattering light. To obtain accurate measurements, users should remove such bubbles by gently swirling or tapping the cuvette.
Timely Measurement: The accuracy of the measurement can be affected if the reacted sample stands for too long after the reagent has been added. It is important to take the reading within the recommended timeframe to ensure the chemical reaction is at its optimal stage for measurement.
Cuvette Cleaning: To prevent permanent staining of the glass cuvette, it is essential to discard the sample immediately after the reading has been taken. Residual reagents or reacted samples can leave deposits that are difficult to remove and can impact future measurements. For thorough cleaning, Hanna Instruments offers HI93703-50 Cuvette cleaning solution.
Battery Replacement: The HI701 is powered by a 1.5V AAA alkaline battery. A fresh battery provides power for a minimum of 5000 measurements. When the battery level becomes too low for proper functioning, the checker will display "bAt" (Battery Low) and eventually "bAd" (Drained Battery) before turning off. To replace the battery, the user first turns off the checker by pressing and holding the ON/OFF button. The instrument is then turned upside down, and a screwdriver is used to unfasten the screw and remove the battery cover. The old battery is removed, and a new 1.5V AAA battery is inserted with the negative end first. Finally, the battery cover is replaced, and the screw is fastened and tightened. This simple procedure ensures continuous operation of the device.
The HI701 also features clear warning messages on its LCD to alert users to potential errors or conditions outside the expected range. These include "Light High" (excess ambient light), "Light Low" (insufficient light), "Inverted Cuvettes" (sample and zero cuvettes swapped), "Under Range" (sample absorbs less light than zero reference), and "Over Range" (measured value exceeds method limits). These warnings guide the user in troubleshooting and ensuring accurate measurements.
Overall, the Hanna Instruments HI701 Free Chlorine Checker HC combines advanced photometric technology with a user-friendly design, making it an indispensable tool for anyone needing to quickly and accurately monitor free chlorine levels in various aquatic environments. Its robust construction and clear operational guidelines ensure reliable performance and ease of maintenance.
| Type | Colorimeter |
|---|---|
| Model | HI701 |
| Category | Measuring Instruments |
| Light Source | LED |
| Method | Colorimetric |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F) |
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes |
| Auto-off | after 10 minutes of non-use |
| Waterproof | No |
| Resolution (as Cl2) | 0.01 mg/L (ppm) |
| Accuracy | ±0.03 ppm ±3% of reading |
| Light Detector | Photodiode |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 60 °C |
| Battery Life | Approximately 1000 measurements |
| Measurement Range (as Cl2) | 0.00 to 2.50 mg/L (ppm) |
| Range | 0.00 to 2.50 ppm (mg/L) |
| Accuracy (as Cl2) | ±0.05 mg/L ±5% of reading |












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