Instruction Manual
PA201, PA202, & PA203
The MISCO Palm Abbe refractometers are advanced
fourth-generation handheld digital refractometers that put
laboratory precision in the palm of your hand. They are
designed for the rapid and accurate determination of fluid
concentrations. These instruments will automatically compen-
sate for temperature with computer precision, and when used
and cared for properly, will provide years of trouble-free service.
This manual will help you maximize the usefulness of your
instrument and MUST be read completely before use. If you
have any questions, please call:
MISCO technical support at 440-349-1500.
The PA201 is equipped to take readings on the Brix scale and
utilizes sucrose as the temperature compensation basis.
The PA202 is equipped to take readings on the Brix and Refractive
Index (nD) scales. Both scales use sucrose as the temperature
compensation basis. The PA202x may have up to two custom scales
and may have special temperature compensation.
The PA203 may have from one to five different scales, each scale
having an individual unit of measure and temperature compensation
basis.
To the extent that your particular instrument is equipped with scales
other than those described above, the scale specifications will be
documented on a specifications card accompanying the
instrument.
INTRODUCTION
Specifications
The Span Point represents a calibration point
toward the upper end of the Palm Abbe
range. Although it is important to Zero Set
the Palm Abbe daily, you may at some time
want to set the span adjustment as well. The
span should be set if you notice a general
degradation of the instrument’s accuracy and
precision and/or on a periodic basis
determined by your particular history with the
instrument.
Factors affecting your decision to set the span
adjustment include how often the instrument is used, how roughly it is handled,
how often it is exposed to large temperature changes, and the level of
precision you require for your measurements.
To set the span, begin with a Zero-Set, then follow the procedures for zero
setting on the opposite page but go to the SET SPAN ? / [go] to set
menu and substitute the calibration fluid for water in the procedure.
The calibration fluid temperature for span setting must be
between 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). If the span set is
successful, the instrument will read “Ready,” otherwise
an error will be displayed. Follow up with a Zero-Set.
It is recommended that you use only a NIST
traceable calibration fluid specific to the Palm
Abbe. This fluid is available from MISCO by
calling 440-349-1500 or is available for
purchase online from the MISCO website,
at www.misco.com (p/n CALFLU202-3).
The Palm Abbe Refractometer MUST be Zero Set before initial use and
periodically thereafter. It is recommended that a Zero Set be performed at
least once a day as well as prior to performing tests requiring the highest
precision, or when moving between environments with extreme changes in
ambient temperature.
A clean container of water is all that is needed to automatically zero the
instrument. Although tap water may be used, distilled or deionized water is
recommended. The water temperature for zero setting should ideally be
between 10°C to 30°C (50° to 86°F). It is important to independently verify
that you are indeed calibrating the instrument with water and not just a clear
liquid which you think is water. Never use an instrument unless you have
personal knowledge of its calibration.
Calibration - Zero Set
1.
Inspect the measuring surface to make sure it
is clean and dry. Place a few drops of distilled
water on measuring surface.
2.
Close the sample cover and allow some time
for the temperature to equalize. The sample
cover MUST be closed to calibrate or take
readings.
4.
Press and release <MENU> until the
display reads:
Set Zero?
[GO] To Set
5.
Press and release <GO> to automatically
zero the instrument. Remember to clean and
dry the measuring surface after calibration.
3.
Press and release <GO> to turn the
instrument on.
If the calibration was successful, the instrument will display “READY,”
otherwise there will be an error message displayed.
Calibration - Span Set
Call MISCO for
NIST Traceable
Certified Calibration
440.349.1500
Made in USA
Rev. 150201
PA201 PA202 PA203
®
Palm Abbe
Digital Refractometer
Menu Options
Various options are accessible through the <MENU> button. With the
instrument “ON”, press and release <MENU> to step through the options.
SCALE #1
[GO] to Set
This option sets the default unit of measure, or scale,
the instrument will read. The actual scale name will
replace the words “SCALE #1” on the display. Some
instruments are programmed with more than one
scale. Pressing <MENU> will step through all available
scales. Press <GO> to set a scale as the default.
SET ZERO?
[GO] to Set
The Zero Set option will zero or calibrate the
instrument to water. See “Calibration - Zero Set.”
set span?
[GO] to Set
The Span Set option will calibrate the upper range of
the instrument to a special calibration solution. See
“Calibration - Span Set.”
LCD-Light?
[GO] YES
This option allows you to turn the LCD display
backlight on or off. The options are “Yes” and “NO.”
Language?
[GO] to Set
This option allows you to set the display to a particular
language; English, Spanish, German, French, or
Russian. Just follow the prompts to your language of
choice and press <GO> to set.
THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS PRESENTED
BELOW AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS MANUAL ARE MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAFE AND RELIABLE OPERATION
OF THIS EQUIPMENT. THESE PRECAUTIONS MUST BE
OBSERVED DURING ALL PHASES OF USE OF THIS EQUIPMENT.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE PRECAUTIONS OR WITH
SPECIFIC WARNINGS GIVEN ELSEWHERE IN THIS MANUAL
COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING THIS EQUIPMENT. You
must read and follow this Manual before operating this equipment.
If you have any questions, contact MISCO technical support before
use.
KEEP MANUAL AVAILABLE. Keep this Manual available for
reference in a safe and accessible location.
FLUIDS TESTED MAY BE HAZARDOUS OR TOXIC. You must read
and follow all safety instructions and handling procedures in the
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and/or Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
for each fluid you choose to test. Pay careful attention to the informa-
tion concerning Hazards, and to the instructions and warnings for
Handling and Storage, and Exposure Controls/Personal Protection.
If testing bodily fluids, take precautions to prevent exposure. In all
cases, properly discard any residual sample after testing.
WARNING
6275 Cochran Road
Solon, OH 44139-3316
TEL 440.349.1500
www.misco.com
Protected by US Patent D510880S
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