ETI pH PAL Plus Digital pH Tester

ETI pH PAL Plus Digital pH Tester

Pocket water testing with push-button calibration and display hold

The ETI pH PAL Plus combines a pocket-sized pH tester with automatic calibration using pH 7.00 buffer. It measures from 0 to 14 pH and includes a hold button so you can freeze the displayed value while recording a result. The stated operating temperature is 0 to 50°C.

Product details

A pH reading you can pause and record

The pH PAL Plus is intended for taking individual measurements with a handheld tester. Its display hold is useful when you want to record a result without keeping the sensor in the sample: press HOLD to freeze the displayed value, then press it again to resume measurements. Remember to release hold before measuring the next sample, otherwise the display will still show the previous result.

ETI specifies an 8mm LCD, an ABS plastic case and a weight of 70g. The body measures 15 × 32 × 170mm. These details make it straightforward to plan storage with your other testing equipment. Keep its electrode protected when carrying it between a pond, filter area and water supply; the sensing bulb needs more careful handling than the outer case.

Resolution, accuracy and what the tester measures

The measuring range is 0–14 pH, with results displayed in steps of 0.1 pH. The stated accuracy is ±0.2 pH. These figures describe different aspects of performance: the number of decimal places displayed is not an extra accuracy guarantee. Consider this distinction if deciding between a simple pocket tester and equipment specified for finer measurements.

This is a pH instrument, so it does not measure the concentration of ammonia or nitrite, or determine carbonate hardness. For a wider picture, compare the Colombo Pond Test Lab Professional. A separate Colombo KH test measures a different parameter from pH and should not be treated as interchangeable with this pen.

Calibration with the correct buffer

ETI’s operating instructions recommend daily calibration for consistent results, using pH 7 buffer only. Automatic calibration means the instrument carries out the adjustment when instructed; it does not mean the user can omit the buffer or calibration process. The manufacturer’s product page specifies pH 7.00 solution, so choose that reference when obtaining calibration supplies.

With the unit switched on, place the sensor in the buffer, stir and gently tap to clear air bubbles around it. Allow the reading to settle, particularly after storage. Press CAL: the instructions describe a CAL indication for two seconds, followed by a flashing display showing that the calibration reading has been stored. Use the supplied instructions alongside the instrument if a control or display differs from the illustrated version.

Taking a measurement

Remove the blue protective cap, switch on and place the sensor into the liquid only as far as the marked immersion level. Stir the sample and allow the measurement to stabilise. The water-resistant description applies to normal handling within the instructions; it is not permission to submerge the complete instrument or its battery compartment.

Rinse the electrode before the next measurement. ETI specifies deionised water or rinsing solution for this purpose, with water as an alternative when those are unavailable. Rinsing is a brief cleaning step; it should not be confused with a long-term storage method. Avoid touching the glass bulb or using it against harsh materials, and replace the protective cap after use.

Battery life and first use

The tester uses four 1.5V LR44 button cells, with a manufacturer-stated battery life of 150 hours. It switches off after ten minutes of inactivity, and can also be turned off using the ON/OFF control. When the battery symbol appears, replace the cells with the correct type and polarity. ETI instructs users to recalibrate after changing the batteries, so keep buffer available when servicing the tester.

The operating leaflet explains that the battery cover may be supplied open to conserve battery life. Before assuming a new unit is faulty, check that the cover is properly closed as shown in the supplied diagram. The cover has a latch; follow that diagram when opening it rather than forcing the case.

Looking after the sensor and checking unusual results

The sensor is a wearing component, and cleaning and calibration remain necessary throughout its working life. ETI’s leaflet uses one test per day for a year as its maintenance-based life example; this should not be read as an unconditional guarantee of 365 accurate readings regardless of care. Keep the cap and bulb clean and use the manufacturer’s electrode-care instructions.

For a slow response, ETI advises soaking the sensor in water or pH 7 solution for at least an hour before testing again. The leaflet also notes that strong radio-frequency fields or an electrostatic shock can affect performance. If a result looks unexpected, check the calibration, condition and testing environment before relying on it. Record repeated readings under comparable conditions rather than making a pond adjustment from an unexplained isolated value.

Manufacturer documents

The ETI pH PAL Plus product specification and 813-513 operating instructions provide the original measurements, control sequence and maintenance guidance. Use manufacturer code 813-513 when checking that accessories or instructions refer to this exact tester.