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
towar
d the
upper end
of the
Palm
Ab
be
range. Although it is important to Zero Set
the Palm Abbe dail
y, 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 af
fecting 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
substit
ute th
e ca
librat
ion f
luid fo
r w
ater
in th
e pr
oce
dure.
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 w
ill read
“Ready
,” otherw
ise
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 thereafte
r.
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.
Calibra
tion - 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 MUS
T be
closed to calibrate
or take
readings.
4.
Press and
release <MENU>
until the
display reads:
Set Ze
ro?
[GO]
To Set
5.
Press and
release <GO>
to automatically
zero
the
inst
rum
ent. R
emem
ber to
clean
an
d
dry the measuring surface after calibration.
3.
Press and
release <G
O> to
turn the
instrument on.
If the
calibration
was successful,
the
instrument
will
display
“READY
,”
otherwise there will be an error message displayed.
Calibra
tion - Span Set
Call MISCO for
NIST Traceable
Certified Calibration
440.349.1500
Made in USA
Rev. 150201
PA201
PA202
PA203
Unit of Measure:
Brix
Brix
Refractive Index (nD) Up to 5 Different Scales
Range:
0.0 to 56.0
0.0 to 85.0 Brix
1.3330 to 1.5040 nD
Equivalent To
1.3330 to 1.5040 nD
Resolution:
0.1 Brix
0.1 Brix
0.0001 nD
Equivalent To
0.0001 nD
Precision:
+/- 0.1 Brix
+/- 0.1 Brix
+/- 0.0001 nD
Equivalent To
+/- 0.0001 nD
Well Material:
Prism Material:
Auto Temp. Comp.
Range:
Auto Temp. Comp.
Basis:
Sucrose
Varies
Varies
Min. Sample Volume:
Measuring Time:
Power Supply:
Battery Life:
~3,500+ Readings
Dimensions:
Net Weight:
250 grams (8.8 Oz.)
Languages
5 Languages - English, French, Spanish, German, & Russian
Display:
Color:
Blue
Blue
Black
Stainless Steel
Sapphire
2 Lines x 12 Characters
145 x 75 x 37 mm (5.7 x 2.95 x 1.46 in.)
2 X AAA Batteries
0.3 ml
< 5 Seconds
0 to 50° C (32 to 122° F) Typical
®
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 ZER
O?
[GO]
to Set
The Zero Set option will
zero or calibrate
the
instrument to water. See “Calibration - Zero Set.”
set sp
an?
[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-Li
ght?
[GO] YES
This option allows you to turn the LCD display
backlight on or off. The options are “Yes” and “NO.”
Langu
age?
[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
