
BEFORE YOU START USING THE TESTER
You will need a sample of 18ct yellow gold to calibrate the tester. This
calibration sample must be exactly 18ct. You can use any item with a
British hallmark or, if you don’t have one, a special
calibration sample
is
available from
QUICKTEST
. Without the calibration sample the readings
will not be accurate.
If you wish to test 20ct to 24ct accurately you will also need a sample of
exactly 22ct.
The probe contains a salt solution, the probe tip can be quite wet when
new. You might need to dab it on piece of paper towel or tissue
– so
have some paper towel or tissue to hand.
PREPARING THE SAMPLES
You are going to place the calibration sample (and your test samples) on
the test plate and then touch the top of the sample with the probe tip.
Is it necessary to clean the side of the sample that is resting on the test
plate? If it is covered with a layer of dirt, then yes, otherwise no, there is
no need to clean it (you may if
you wish, but it’s not necessary).
The item must make firm contact with the plate, if it does not have a flat
surface that makes firm contact, hold it down with your finger. Coins,
medallions or small engraved bars will make better contact if the
edge
(rather than the engraved surface) is resting on the plate.
Is it necessary to clean the side of the sample that you touch with the
probe? Yes! This must be clean and shiny because any surface
contamination will lead to inaccurate readings. Use the abrasive tip that is
built into the protective snap-cap. When you touch it with the end of the
probe, you need only touch very lightly.