Is it just me??? (Hanna phosphate checker)

[jgvergo]

Phosphate ppm checker...

1. I turn it on
2. I add 10ml to the cuvette and press the button to zero it out
3. I (quickly) add the reagent
4. Shake gently for 2 minutes (carefully timed using a digital timer)
5. THE CHECKER TURNS ITSELF OFF BEFORE I CAN PUT THE CUVETTE IN AND PRESS THE BUTTON AGAIN

 

[ihavecrabs]

Bahahaha welcome to my hell....

I had the same problem and figured out that if flick the packet to get all of the powder in the bottom corner (opposite of the cut), Cut the bag, and prep it to be poured in... Then I start with the C1.. I make the time cutoff.

I very quickly pour it in and begin shaking once the checker moves to C2.

@Hanna Instruments may want to consider extending the shut off time for this particular checker though

 

[Coral Passion]

The checker has a 3 minute timeout so you have to be fast. It comes with two test vials so you could use one for the initial reading while adding the regent to the second vial. Should be ok as long as they are both clean.

 

[sjeff35]

Deleted comment since I'm a moron who can't read.

 

[jgvergo]

The checker has a 3 minute timeout so you have to be fast. It comes with two test vials so you could use one for the initial reading while adding the regent to the second vial. Should be ok as long as they are both clean.

I have adopted a variant of this method. After I lose the race to add the vial with the reagent, I fill a second vial and start the process again (muttering to myself the entire time). It does make me wonder if the additional wait time might somehow compromise the result.

 

[jgvergo]

The checker has a 3 minute timeout so you have to be fast. It comes with two test vials so you could use one for the initial reading while adding the regent to the second vial. Should be ok as long as they are both clean.

I'd bet $$$ that my timeout is under 2:30

 

[Coral Passion]

I'd bet $$$ that my timeout is under 2:30

You might be right. It states in the instructions that the unit turns off after 2 mins on inactivity but it should be longer when testing. I believe they have increased on some models but unsure which.

 

[Coral Passion]

I have adopted a variant of this method. After I lose the race to add the vial with the reagent, I fill a second vial and start the process again (muttering to myself the entire time). It does make me wonder if the additional wait time might somehow compromise the result.

Yes your reading will not be as accurate if you take longer than the two minutes, but by how much im unsure. You can add the regent to the 2nd vial as soon as you start the process and the two minutes of mixing should line up after the initial calibration. Needs alot of multitasking and potentially 3 hands. lol

 

[408Dartfish]

Lol I had the same problem last weekend my first time using. Got my packet mixed went to use and it was shut off. Guess I’ll prep better. Dustin

 

[Hanna Instruments]

The instrument shuts down after 3 minutes of non-use. This reflects the proper window of time needed for the chemical reaction to take place for accurate analysis. Prior to turning on your meter, fill the cuvette with 10 mL of unreacted sample and replace the cap. Cut open one packet of HI 713-25 reagent and set aside. Turn the meter on by pressing the button. All segments will be displayed. When the display shows “Add”, “C.1” with “Press” blinking, the meter is ready. Place the cuvette with 10ml of unreacted sample into the meter and close the meter’s cap. Press the button. When the display shows “Add”, “C.2” with “Press” blinking the meter is zeroed. Remove the cuvette from the meter and unscrew the cap. Add the content of one packet of HI 713-25 reagent. Replace the cap and shake gently for 2 minutes until the powder is completely dissolved. Place the cuvette back into the meter.Press and hold the button until the timer is displayed on the LCD (the display will show the countdown prior to the measurement) or, alternatively, wait for 3 minutes and press the button.

 

[WWIII]

Oh and don't forget to look at the result as soon as it's finished with the 3 minute timer. If you get sidetracked for a second with something else you will turn to look at a blank screen. Ahhhhhh

 

[sjeff35]

Deleted attachment for wrong checker.

 

[Hanna Instruments]

I just doublechecked, I guess in the newer models they increased the timeout to 10 minutes.

That manual is for the Calcium Checker which doesn't have a time sensitive chemical reaction like the phosphate.

 

[sjeff35]

That manual is for the Calcium Checker which doesn't have a time sensitive chemical reaction like the phosphate.

DOH!!! MY BAD!!!

So sorry, it's still early here

 

[lejeune981]

Oh and don't forget to look at the result as soon as it's finished with the 3 minute timer. If you get sidetracked for a second with something else you will turn to look at a blank screen. Ahhhhhh

I've done this too many times

 

[Jet915]

The checker has a 3 minute timeout so you have to be fast. It comes with two test vials so you could use one for the initial reading while adding the regent to the second vial. Should be ok as long as they are both clean.

This is what i do, take two samples with the two vials.

 

[ajhudson15]

what do you mean by 0 it out. I turn mine on put the vial in and hit the button when tis says add number 2 I take it out and put the powder in and shake for 2 minutes exactly and then put it in and hold the button time until it starts the 3 minute countdown. I have never had an issue with it shutting off. One thing that I do maybe to make it quicker is that before I even start the test I open the powder and sprinkle in onto a piece of paper. when its time to add I just fold the paper in half and let it slide into the vial. Much faster then trying to make sure it is all out of the packet.

 

[lapin]

If you are having issues, I would test the time out function after it says add C2. If it times out faster than 3 min I would return it for another unit. Test vials are not the same. All of them have imperfections that make the reading of each vial unique. You can use both vials but your readings will not be accurate. Maybe close, but not accurate. Just as fingerprints or water on the outside of the vial make a difference. They have a video on line of the procedure. They open the packet and make a funnel with it. Do this before anything. I had some issues with the older white box model shutting off a bit fast. The new one I have works great. Unless I dont watch the clock because the phone rings, the dog needs to go out, the door bell rings, my tea water goes off, the deer are in my yard eating all the plants..... I have a bunch of reasons I have had to to it 2 x.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I have the timer on my phone ready for 3 minutes, and as soon as the unit shows C2 after blanking I start the timer. This way I can keep track of how much time until shutoff and also track the 2 minute mix. Usually takes me about 30ish seconds to get the powder into the vial (you have to have this packet open, creased, and ready to go) so after mixing I’ve got about 30 seconds to wipe vial and place back into unit.

Once I place the sample into the unit and initiate the test I start the phone timer again for another 3 minutes so I don’t forget to check the result.

I have heard that there is a older version of the unit which shuts off after 2 minutes, if you got one of those I would return it if possible or you’re just going to have to be quick and obviously reduce your mix time to something like 1:30.

 

[Hanna Instruments]

The time out between C1 and C2 should be 3 minutes, coupled with 2 minutes of shaking, this leaves the user with 1 minute to pour the powder reagent into the cuvette. It is recommended to have the powder sachet open and ready to pour prior to starting the test.