Soil Acidity Tester KC-300B (4-in-1): pH meter / moisture meter / thermometer / luxmeter Soil Tester Manual

Soil Tester pH Meter 4 in 1 Manual in English

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

- Illumination measurement range: 9 levels
- Moisture measurement range: 5 levels
- Acidity measurement range: 3.5 - 9.0 pH
- Scale division: 0.5 pH
- Temperature measurement range: from -9°C to +50°C
- Scale division: 1°C
- Power supply: 1 x 9V battery (type "Krona")
- Operating temperature: from +5°C to +40°C
- Device dimensions: 122 mm x 63 mm x 36 mm.
- Electrode dimensions: diameter 5 mm x 200 mm.
- Weight: 73 g.

WARNINGS

1. The Soil Analyzer KC-300 (PH-300) is intended solely for measuring soil parameters.

2. Do not leave the electrode in the soil after taking measurements.

3. Do not bend the sensor.

4. Clean the sensor before and after use to help prevent electrode oxidation.

5. Handle the device carefully, avoiding drops and impacts.

6. Do not disassemble the device, as this will void the warranty.

7. Avoid moisture contact with the device housing.

8. Do not use the device at temperatures exceeding +50°C.

9. During long periods of inactivity, store the device without batteries.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

Before using the KC-300B (4-in-1) soil acidity meter, install a 9-volt battery.

Open the battery compartment on the rear side of the device and connect one 9-volt rectangular battery of the "Krona" type to the power connector. Close the battery compartment.

APPEARANCE AND CONTROL ELEMENTS

Buttons and functions

PH/TEMP - button for selecting the measurement mode: acidity, temperature, or moisture.
ON - button for powering on the device.
°C/°F OFF - button for selecting the unit of temperature measurement and turning off the device.
Photo sensor - sensor that detects sunlight intensity and soil illumination.
Electrode - probe sensor for measuring soil moisture, acidity, and temperature.
PH indicator - signals when the acidity measurement mode is active.
Lo indicator - measurement result below the measurement range.
HH indicator - measurement result above the measurement range.
°C or °F indicator - selected temperature unit.
Battery indicator - alerts that the batteries need replacement.

Display symbols

1. Illumination display area
2. PH measurement mode indicator
3. Measured value
4. Moisture display area
5. Temperature measurement mode indicator TEMP
6. Battery discharge indicator

The display backlight turns on automatically after powering on. It turns off automatically after 1.5 minutes. Press any button to turn the backlight on again.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Measuring sunlight intensity

To turn on the device, press the "ON" button.

Orient the light sensor window (photo sensor) so that the maximum amount of light enters it.

The LCD will display the current illumination intensity.

(!) Tips: Ensure that nothing blocks the light sensor and that no shadow falls on it during measurement.

2. Measuring pH, soil acidity

Set the "PH/TEMP" switch on the rear side of the device to the "PH" position.

Insert the electrode vertically into the soil at the location where you wish to measure the pH. Do not insert the sensor too close to plant stems to avoid damaging their roots.

To turn on the device, press the "ON" button.

Wait until the readings stabilize. The LCD will display the pH value. The obtained value indicates the level of soil acidity.

To confirm the accuracy of the results, repeat the measurement.

(!) Tips:
1. Insert the sensor strictly vertically with up-and-down movements, approximately midway between the plant stem and the pot edge. For pots over 30 cm in diameter, this corresponds to 1/3 of the distance from the stem to the edge. For deep pots, insert the sensor as deeply as possible, targeting the area with the strongest roots. Do not insert the sensor too close to the stems to avoid damaging the roots.
2. Insert the sensor carefully to avoid damage.
3. When measuring soil pH, the soil must be moist. If the soil is dry, water it and repeat the measurement after 30 minutes.

3. Measuring soil moisture

Set the "PH/TEMP" switch on the rear side of the device to the "TEMP" position.

Insert the probe sensor as vertically as possible into the soil. Do not insert the sensor too close to plant stems to avoid damaging their roots.

To turn on the device, press the "ON" button.

The LCD will display the moisture value of the tested soil. Wait until the readings stabilize.

Take several readings to confirm accuracy.

(!) Tips:
1. Insert the sensor strictly vertically with up-and-down movements, approximately midway between the plant stem and the pot edge. For pots over 30 cm in diameter, this corresponds to 1/3 of the distance from the stem to the edge. For deep pots, insert the sensor deeply, targeting the area with the strongest roots.
2. Insert the sensor carefully to avoid damage.

4. Measuring soil temperature

During moisture measurement, the LCD simultaneously displays the soil temperature.

To switch between temperature units (Celsius or Fahrenheit), press the "°C/°F OFF" button.

(!) Tips: If the electrode is not inserted into the soil, the device will measure air temperature.

INTERPRETATION OF VALUES

Soil illumination

If plants receive sufficient light, they grow better. (Some plants require more light, others less). The device evaluates illumination and displays its intensity, allowing you to determine which conditions are optimal for plant growth.

Here is a list of illumination gradations:

Soil acidity

Excessive soil acidity or alkalinity may hinder normal plant growth and development. Most plants cannot grow in overly acidic or overly alkaline soils. Measuring soil pH values helps select plants suitable for the acidity level. Conversely, it allows precise, effective, and economical adjustment of soil pH.

PH = 7 indicates neutral soil
PH < 7 - acidic soils
PH > 7 - alkaline soils

Below is a list of all possible pH values indicating whether the soil is alkaline or acidic.

Let us examine this pH scale in more detail. If the pH is lower than recommended for your plant species, lime may be added to increase the pH. If the pH is higher than recommended, fertilizers and organic matter may be added to lower the pH.

(!) Tips: Increasing or decreasing pH does not require scientific precision, as most plants tolerate a fairly wide pH range. Most plants grow well at around pH 6.5, although some prefer more acidic or more alkaline soils.

Soil moisture

Adequate soil moisture promotes good plant growth. The device distinguishes 5 gradations of soil moisture, allowing you to determine the most favorable conditions for your plants.

Here is a list of soil moisture gradations:

If the readings are below the table values (Lo), watering is required. If the readings are above the table values (HH), do not water the plants. Small pots dry out faster than large ones, so check them more often. Avoid overwatering, as roots may rot. During the off-season, most plants should not be watered more than once a week.

DEVICE OPERATING TIPS

• The device switches off automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity.
• The device is designed only for soil measurements. Do not immerse it in water or other liquids.
• Do not leave the probe sensor in the soil longer than necessary, as this will damage the sensor.
• Do not bend the sensor.
• Do not use the sensor to break soil clumps.
• Do not insert the sensor near metallic objects. Ensure that no metal objects are nearby.
• Clean the sensor thoroughly and dry it before each measurement and after use.
• Before measurement, polish 10-12 cm of the sensor length to remove any oxidation from its metal surface.
• Ensure the sensor is dried and the protective cover is fitted before storage. This will prevent sensor oxidation.
• When removing the device from the soil, do not pull it by the probe (sensor).

TROUBLESHOOTING

• If the low battery icon appears on the LCD, replace the battery with a new one.
• "Out of range" refers to pH values outside 3.5–9.0 and temperatures below -9°C or above +50°C.
• If the probe encounters stones or organic matter, remove it, wipe it, and try in another location.
• After wiping, a metallic flake may appear on the sensor’s surface.
• Measurement was taken too close to the pot edge or bottom.
• The sensor was not cleaned before measurement.
• The measured area is too dry.
• The soil around the sensor is uneven.
• Measurement is being conducted too soon after transplanting.
• Fertilizer or a plant label stick is located near the sensor.
• The sensor is broken.