Apera Instruments AI3711 PH60-Z Bluetooth Smart pH Tester Powered by ZenTest Mobile App with Cloud-Based Datalogger

I bought this device for measuring the PH of reverse osmosis water that I give to my plants. The Apera PH60-Z has Bluetooth features which I found appealing, since I like to keep a log of the PH readings. I used the device for less than a year without any problems (simple to calibrate, too). However, last night the device fell into the bucket of water that I was about to PH test, and the top of the device came loose. I should note that this top cap, where batteries and internal circuitry is housed, has NEVER had a tight seal, ever. I have literally never even had to change the batteries, since I’ve only been using the device since Aug 2019 (currently March 2020), so I’ve never had reason to open the top cap, but I’ve noticed on more than one occasion that the cap wasn’t sealed properly after basic use, so I took care to keep it closed and sealed as tightly as possible. I realize now that this was some kind of defect, as it allowed water inside the battery housing and thus has caused the device to go completely haywire. I dried out the insides very thoroughly after it landed in the water by removing the batteries and breaking down the device completely, even using a blow dryer at a distance of several feet away from the device on a no-heat setting (just air, no heat). Once I put thee device back together, the display on the screen is not functioning properly, nor will it connect via Bluetooth to the Zen app.I read through the specs and instructions included with device, and both very clearly state that the PH60-Z has an IP67 waterproof rating, which is defined as: “ IP67 means the unit can be dropped into a body of water up to a meter deep for half an hour, while IP68 guarantees protection in water up to 1.5m deep for the same period of time.”When I contacted Apera (the device is still well within warranty) they told me that water damage isn’t covered, and that’s why it’s important to make sure the device is sealed at all times. This really makes me upset, because I have never mishandled, abused, or neglected this device, and yet they refuse to honor the warranty despite touting the device as IP67 waterproof. What a joke. Apera makes false claims (obviously the device is not waterproof if it can’t survive a VERY quick 1-2 second dunk in a 5 gallon bucket of water) and refused to honor their warranty.I am a founding (and very active) member of one of the most popular and heavily trafficked cannabis grower forums on the web (rollitup.org) and I have a YouTube channel with over 150K subscribers, (in addition to my blog) and I’m going to make sure I let everyone know about the kind of company that Apera is.There are much more scrupulous companies to buy from like Hanna Instruments. Don’t waste your time with Apera.

The device is supposed to be waterproof (says "waterproof" on the meter face). It slipped out of my hand while holding it in the water and went down 12 inches for about 5 seconds. As soon as i pulled it out the readings went haywire and 10 seconds later the instrument died.

I've used Apera meters for several years now. I "upgraded" to the new ZenTest and have had nothing but issues with the EC electrode. In less than 30 days the black coating has worn off and it no longer will calibrate giving a Err 2 reading during calibration. Definitely some type of manufacturing defect.I emailed Apera and they are sending me a replacement. Good Customer service.

I purchased the Apera PC60-Z to test my pool water. I use a salt-water chlorination system and never get accurate salt and TDS readings from the two pool stores close to me. This meter appears to be quite accurate with the calibration solutions provided. I also purchased the 10 pH and 84 uS/cm calibration solutions to provide an even more accurate 3-point calibration. The Bluetooth connection to my iPhone was quick and automatic for the ZenTest app. The app makes everything so easy and allows you to record and save your readings. So far, very impressed.I had an issue with Amazon in ordering this device. I ordered it twice and was sent a PC60 (with out the Z) - the Amazon inventory label did say PC60-Z but the device and kit were the PC60. The customer support folks promised to have the warehouse folks actually check the device, not just the inventory label on the second try, but alas, when the second unit arrived it was once again the PC60, not the PC60-Z. I complained once again to the Amazon support staff and asked them to pass along to a supervisor. I eventually gave up on Amazon and ordered the PC60-Z directly from Apera Instruments at the same price and the same 2 day shipping. The PC60-Z arrived just as promised from Apera.

I bought this item specifically to test saltwater from my marine aquarium. The advertising and description specifically mention aquarium use. However, the unit's saltwater measurement range does not go up high enough to measure normal saltwater aquarium levels. I contacted the manufacturer to confirm before returning and never heard back. Sadly, it did not work so it got returned.

I use this meter to monitor the Ph of soil for growing blueberries. Blueberries require a very acidic soil and it’s hard to maintain an acid soil for them so constant amendments are added to the soil to acidify it. This meter works flawlessly to spot check soil to know if it’s acidic enough or not in grow pots. Also use it to monitor soil after we have treated it to make sure it’s moving in the right direction. Treated soil takes 6months to a year to get ready before planting. I check the soil in multiple spots once a month. Much better than taking sample into the local extension office to check my soil. Really easy to use and calibrate. I really like that you can calibrate it and know your results will be accurate.I will mention I paid the extra for the Bluetooth version, however the app is lacking and not very useful for logging data. Also the backlit digital screen is all you need. To much hassle to look at your phone for the same results in the meters screen.If you using for plants. Stop searching and buy this meter. I have used the $20-50 meters, litmus paper, and the kits that you mix powder with the soil. All a waste of time compared to this meter. And they are super inaccurate.

After going though several cheaper test pens I decided to spend the money on a quality unit and Apera doesn't disappoint. The PC60-Z comes with everything you need to test your water samples. The phone app is simple but functional and I can save my test data to my phone instead of having to write it down and can add notes and pictures. Apera has a 2 year warranty on this unit with support and warranty out of North America. I called them just to test their support and they actually answer their phones! They have handy videos showing you how to use the unit and downloadable documentation in addition to the included instructions and quick reference chart that come with the unit. Calibrating is a breeze via your phone and they include everything you need for multiple calibrations. Overall I'm very pleased with this unit and would recommend it to anyone who likes quality equipment and a company that stands behind their stuff.

Di facile calibrazione. Per rientrare nella categoria compatti non è poi così piccolo. E' alimentato da 4 pile ed è collegabile tramite bluetooth e app al proprio smartphone. Il kit della Apera Instruments è ben fornito e confezionato (in una piccola valigia) e in rete sono disponibili molti video tutorial sul corretto uso del dispositivo. Acquistato (in forte sconto) principalmente per la misurazione del pH del lievito madre, finora non ha deluso le aspettative.

I purchased the PC60-Z and the ORP probe ORP60-DA (probe was from a local supplier). This was quite expensive but worth it. I also use a Taylor K2006 test kit, and this addition complements it nicely. I have very little problems keeping my water in balance and properly sanitized. Using the test meter and the titration method gives me excellent checks on all the parameters needed for safe bathing. The PC60- is easy to connect to my IPhone, where I can save all the test results by category and date. The meter is very straightforward to use especially with the Apera app. It came with a calibration certificate and when I checked the calibration it was spot on. The ORP probe was also easy to calibrate, but it’s going to be a long learning curve to use it properly. ORP is a tricky subject, so many substances can influence the readings ( CYA, salt, temperature, sunlight and bather load). I will get there in the end with a bit of experimentation. Overall I am very pleased with the build quality and presentation of the case it came in. Once you have some experience with the meter, it will make pool maintenance much easier. You will still need the titration method to check alkalinity, CYA and calcium hardness, I will still check chlorine ppm occasionally for calculation purposes.

I have used a lot of pH meters over the past 45 years - most with a much higher price point - this is one of the easiest to use. Most important for me is that it handles low ionic strength waters properly - even distilled water pH is in the expected range. I can't yet comment on durability, but so far I am very impressed with this instrument.

I was looking for a device to make my PH tests for my personal production of delicatessen and with several researches, it is the Apera which attracted my attention. I went through several magazines and it is one of the most efficient for my needs.As a bonus, there is an application on my mobile that keeps the history of my tests and the health of the device.I am very satisfied