Future planning

Digital Hand-held “Pocket” IR Brix Meter

Technology
Category
Encouragement
Award Winner

Award
for
Excellence
WinnerSmall and Medium
Enterprise Agency's
Director Award
Winner

The 7th Shibusawa
Eiichi BusinessGrand Prize

The 30th Small and Medium
Enterprise Excellent New
Technology･New Product2018 Kanto Plain'Hatsumei' (Invention)
Commondation

Optional Accessories
Part No.

Part Name

Part No.

Part Name

RE-39415

PAL-HIKARi Silicone Cover

RE-39011

Silicon cushion R

RE-39008

Spare silicon cushion S (2pieces)

RE-39012

Cushion RS (3 sets)

RE-39009

Outdoor�Cover S

All ATAGO products are designed and manufactured in Japan.
Headquarters: The Front Tower Shiba Koen, 23rd Floor
2-6-3 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

https://www.atago.net/ overseas@atago.net

TEL : 81-3-3431-1943 FAX : 81-3-3431-1945

TEL : 1-425-637-2107

ATAGO products comply with HACCP,GMP,
and GLP system standards.

customerservice@atago-usa.com

TEL : 91-22-28544915, 40713232 customerservice@atago-india.com
TEL : 66-21948727-9

20

customerservice@atago-thailand.com

TEL : 55 16 3913-8400

customerservice@atago-brasil.com

TEL : 39 02 36557267

customerservice@atago-italia.com

TEL : 86-20-38108256

info@atago-china.com

TEL : 7-812-777-96-96

info@atago-russia.com

TEL : 234-707-558-1552

atagonigeria@atago.net

TEL : 7-727-257-08-95

info@atago-kazakhstan.com* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 2019 ATAGO CO., LTD. All rights reserved. ENV.05 1911800PP Printed in Japan

Plenty accuratewith no cumbersome

The Tokyo Venture
Technology Awards
Honorable Mention

Inner Cushion

Radiation Temperature Sensor

Side Button

Sample Stage

Receiver

Touch the surface of fruit

NEW NFC Function

Without cutting or squeezing fruits, Brix (sugarconcentration)measurements history can be accessed by simply

can be measured in one second just by placing fruits on thetouching a contactless IC card reader/writer connected tosample stage. There is no more wiping or washing after eachyour smartphone or computer.

With an NFC (Near Field Communication) function,measurement. A buzzer sounds and vibrates when it is done
Light Emitting Parttaking a measurement. (ON/OFF setting)

NEW ELI (External Light Interference)Function
PAL-HIKARi is equipped with ELI (External LightNEW Silicon Cushion R

Total inspection is possible.

START Button

All it takes is to put it against a fruit so each individual
NEW NFC

Strap Holder

Battery Compartment

light enters the instrument making measurement taking
possible outdoors, while the fruits are growing on the tree.
When the light is detected, the instrument will display ‘nnn’.

fruits’ Brix (sugar level) can be inspected. The measured
fruits are intact and can then be shipped and sold af ter

menu ButtonInterference) function that will detect when externalmeasurement.

PAL-HIKARi’s principal measurement
methodFruit

Super lightweight that fits
in your pocket
2 ways to measure

Lens

PAL-HIK ARi is the world most compact nondestructive Brix
meter. The button located on the lateral side of the unit

Diffuser PanelLED

makes it possible to take measurements with one hand while

LED
Sensorthe fruits that are on the tree. The unit is batter y powered
which makes it possible to take measurements anywhere.

Correlation between PAL-HIKARi andBrix (sugar level)

Fits well on the surface of a fruit

19
17

PAL-HIK ARi fits well to fruit sur faces.
measurement discrepancies because PAL-HIK ARi has agood contact with fruit sur faces regardless its shape.

PAL-HIKARi 515External light or how fruits are placed will not cause

13
11
9
7

Series total 360,000 unit

5
5

7

9

11

13

15

17

19

Brix

*PAL series*The graph is based on the apple scale

ATAGO is an established manufacture of Brix meters since

Just touch the fruit and press the side button

Place a fruit, then just press the START button

1940. For Brix (sugar level), with ATAGO’s proven track ofOffset feature

histor y in technology, PAL-HIK ARi is developed on basis

This function allows to adjust fixed numeric value to theof this accomplished technology.

measurement value. Please use the offset feature to match

ATAGO products are used in 154 countries worldwide.

the measurement value with already owned Brix meter.

PAL-HIK ARi is patent pending.

23

arieties in Japan
Leading V

U s e r Te s timo n ia ls

Black Beat

Even grapes still on the vine are easy to measureAug.

An acquaintance told me about PAL-HIKARi. We are using
it to check whether the grapes are ready to ship and thequality when we try growing new varieties. I like how small
and lightweight the PAL-HIKARi is, which makes it easy to

Gigantic Peak (Kyoho)
Aug.– Sept.

measure grapes that are still on the vine. I'm also pleased
with how reasonably priced the PAL-HIKARi is compared todevices made by other manufacturers.
Mochizuki Fruits Farm

Pione
Aug.– Sept.

Fujiminori
Aug.– Sept.

Queen Nina
Aug.– Sept.

NEW Improved Outdoor Cover S

Newly improved Outdoor Cover S is convenient when measuring outdoors.

Shine Muscat
Aug.– Sept.

PA L - H I K A R i 2

Gorby

Cat.No.5452

Aug.– Sept.
Measurement fruit

Grapes (Recommended sample size is 15

Automatic Temperature
Control Range

15.0 to 30.0°C

mm or greater in diameter)

Measurement Range

Brix

10.0 to 25.0%

Ambient Temperature

15 to 35°C

Resolution

Brix

0.1%

International Protection Class

IP64

Measurement
Accuracy

Brix

±1.5%

Power Supply

2 x AAA alkaline batteries

Dimensions and Weight

6.1(W) × 6.4(D) × 11.5(H)cm, 153g

*Guaranteed accuracy range:15.0 to 30.0°C*Grape varieties and measurement environment
may affect accuracy.

Repeatability

Brix*acclimate grape to ambient temperature

Nagano Purple
Sept.– Oct.

(main unit and small sample stage S only)

±1%

Suiho
Sept.– Oct.

Cat.No.5552

Cat.No.5652·PAL-HIKARi 2·PAL-0·PAL-HIKARi 2·PAL-BX|ACID2

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Grapes)

4

IR Brix Meter × Brix Acidity Meter (Grapes)

5

arieties in Japan
Leading V

S to ry

Momotaro gold tomatoes

Sweet and Delicious Fruit Tomatoes
There are various types of tomatoes. More recently,
sweet and juicy fruit tomatoes are gaining popularity. Fruit
tomatoes, as the name suggests, have a sugar content that is

Rinaka tomato tomatoes

comparable to fruits.
The sugar concentration (Brix) of a general tomato is aboutfour to five, whereas the sugar concentration (Brix) of fruit
tomatoes is 8 or more.
Among them, salt tomatoes from Kumamoto Prefecture that

Aiko mini tomatoes

are often given as a high-quality gift, fruit tomatoes from
Tokutani, Kochi Prefecture, which is said to be the birthplaceof fruit tomatoes, and Amera tomatoes from Shizuoka
Prefecture are popular. The difference from ordinary
tomatoes lies in the way they are grown. By adjusting the

Yellow aiko tomatoes

amount of watering and increasing the soil salinity, increases
the sugar concentration (Brix).

First tomatoes

NEW Improved Outdoor Cover S

Newly improved Outdoor Cover S is convenient when measuring outdoors.

PA L - H I K A R i 3 M I N i
Measurement fruit(Recommended sample size is 15 mm to 25 mm in diameter)

Automatic Temperature
Control Range

kMedium Tomatoes

Brix

3.0 to 15.0%

Resolution

Brix

0.1%

Measurement
Accuracy

Brix

±1.5%

*Cherry Tomatoes and Medium Tomatoes varieties

Brix*acclimate cherry tomatoes and medium

Ambient Temperature

15 to 35°C

International Protection Class

IP64

Power Supply

2 x AAA alkaline batteries

Dimensions and Weight

6.1(W) × 6.4(D) × 11.5(H)cm, 153g

and measurement environment may affect accuracy.

Repeatability

15.0 to 35.0°C
tomatoes to ambient temperature(Recommended sample size is 25 mm to 50 mm in diameter)

Measurement Range

Cherry snowball tomatoes

Cat.No.5453

jCherry Tomatoes

Lemon tomatoes

Black tomatoes(main unit and small sample stage S only)±1%
Amela tomatoes

Cat.No.5553

Cat.No.5653·PAL-HIKARi 3 MINi
·PAL-0·PAL-HIKARi 3 MINi
·PAL-BX|ACID3

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Cherry Tomatoes & Medium Tomatoes) IR Brix Meter × Brix Acidity Meter (Cherry Tomatoes & Medium Tomatoes)

6

7

arieties in Japan
Leading V

Story

1,200,000 yen apple ?!

Natsu Midori
Jul.– Aug.

The focus of attention, “Esashi Apple” is the top brandselected by JA (Japan Agricultural Co-operatives) Esashi
from among apples grown in unique environment of Esashi

Sansa

region of Okushu city in Iwate prefecture in characteristic

Aug.– Sept.

regional soil, climate, dwarfing technique, and keeping themunbagged.
After selective selection process, only those with the rightcolor, size, shape and sugar level are allowed to be called

Tsugaru“Esashi Apple”. From the entire harvest, only 1% is selected

Aug.– Sept.

as the special of the top grade.
In recent years, the auctioned price of the special selection
grade is the fall’s biggest news. A box of 10kg special
selection grade was sold during auctioned for 1,200,000
yen. The cost of an apple was 43,000 yen.

AkibaeSept.– Oct.

Esashi apple is proudly locally made over 40 years. Following
the example of Esashi apple, many unique savory brands are
beginning to appear Japan.
The most expensive variety apple brand was “Sun Fuji.”

Jonathan
Oct.

Story

NEW Silicon cushion R

The sensor fits perfectly on the outer surface of fruits.

“Fuji” and “Sun Fuji” ?

Shinano Gold
Oct.– Nov.

Originating in Fujisaki machi, a town located in Aomori
prefecture, “Fuji apple” is grown worldwide with highest

PA L - H I K A R i 5
Measurement fruit

Apple

Measurement Range

Brix

Resolution
Measurement
Accuracy

Brix
Brix

10.0 to 18.0%
0.1%
±1%

*Apple varieties and measurement environment
may affect accuracy.

Repeatability

Brix

global production in the world. “Sun Fuji” and “Fuji” are

Cat.No.5455

thought as a different variety from each other but is both “Fuji
5.0 to 35.0°C*Acclimate apple to ambient temperature

Matured “Fuji” is enclosed in brown paper bags to keep

Ambient Temperature

5 to 35°C

insect pests from getting to them before harvesting. Its

International Protection Class

IP64

distinctive characteristics are thin skin and vibrant color.

Power Supply

2 x AAA alkaline batteries

On the other hand, “Sun Fuji” is not bagged and is exposed

Dimensions and Weight

6.1(W) × 4.4(D) × 11.5(H)cm, 120g

to sunlight for a long duration of time. The color may not be(Main Unit only)

Oct.– Jan.

apple.”

Automatic Temperature
Control Range±0.5%

Sun Mutsu

Sun Fuji and Fuji
Oct.– Jan.

quite as good but its sugar level is very high.
“Sun Fuji” branching from “Fuji” was branded to have sweet
flavor while “Fuji” was branded for its pretty reddish color.
From this branding, one variety of apple made it possible

Cat.No.5555

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Apple)·PAL-HIKARi 5·PAL-08

Cat.No.5655

IR Brix Meter × Brix Acidity Meter (Apple)

to satisfy different market needs such as “good color and

Mutsu
Nov.– Jan.

storability” and “naturally distinct sweetness.”·PAL-HIKARi 5·PAL-BX|ACID59

arieties in Japan
Leading V

Story

Guinness World Records World's Sweetest Peach

Ryumonwase
Jun.

Well known producers of the peaches are located in
Yamanashi, Fukushima, Nagano prefectures in Japan.
"World's highest Brix peach" recorded in Guinness World

Hikawahakuhou
Jun.– Jul.

Records can be found in Kishiwada city, Osaka prefecture.
During the Guinness World Records challenge, the averagepeaches measured 22.2 Brix for "Masahime" produced by
Maruya Farm in Kishiwadashi Kanechikachou.
Hakuhou

General Brix level of peaches are about 10 to 12, so its

Jun.– Aug.

surprising sweetness is nearly double the regular peaches.
Kanechikachou has always been a famous place of peaches
since ancient times but its nationwide awareness is low. It
gained media publicity as a result of this Guinness World
Records registration.

Shimozuhakutou
Jul.– Aug.

The challenge to Guinness World Records was a long hard
work that lasted three years, but by the effort of President
Takahiro Matsumoto of "Maruya Farm", "Kanechika's peach"
was able to push its brand power.

Natsukko
Aug.

Peach of "Maruya Farm" is also selling on the internet, but
is a very popular item that "sold out" in 15 minutes from the
NEW Silicon cushion R

The sensor fits perfectly on the outer surface of fruits.

start of reservation.
AkatsukiAug.

PA L - H I K A R i 1 0

Cat.No.5460

Kawanakajimahakutou
Aug.– Sept.

Measurement fruit

Peach

Measurement Range

Brix

8.0 to 20.0%

Resolution

Brix

0.1%

Measurement
Accuracy

Brix

±1.5%

*Peach varieties and measurement environment
may affect accuracy.

Repeatability

Brix

±1%

Automatic Temperature
Control Range

5.0 to 35.0°C

Ambient Temperature

5 to 35°C

International Protection Class

IP64

Power Supply

2 x AAA alkaline batteries

Dimensions and Weight

6.1(W) × 4.4(D) × 11.5(H)cm, 120g

*Acclimate peach to ambient temperature

Sachiakane
Aug.– Sept.

(Main Unit only)

YuzoraSept.

Cat.No.5560

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Peach)·PAL-HIKARi 10·PAL-010

11arieties in Japan
Leading V

Story

Already available during Yayoi period

KousuiJul.– Sept.

Amongst all the fruits grown in Japan, Asian pears have along history with a recorded history of its consumption during
the Yayoi period (300BC-300AD). Asian pears are one of

Nijusseiki
Aug.– Oct.

the fruits popular in Japan since long ago, such poem inwhich "pears" have been included among the oldest existingcollection of Japanese poetry,“Manyoushu." It features adistinctive texture, with sweetness and juiciness. There aremany varieties and with more than 150 kinds of varieties the
sweet variety are known as Shintakanashi. Its Brix measures

HousuiSept.

about 12 but because it is not very tart, the sweetness tastes
even stronger.

Shintakanashi is also called “Jumbo Nashi” (jumbo pear) eachweighing 600g to 1kg. Larger ones can even weigh about

NiitakaSept.

1.5kg. Compared to the other Asian pears, this is almost 2 to
3 times larger than the regular Asian pears. Its large size andappearance, it is a popular variety fro gifts. Popularity as a
gift is not limited to Japan alone, there is a demand for gifts
in Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan, and it is one of the brandNansui
Sept.– Nov.

pears exported overseas. The fact it is not as tart as otherpears, and its good appearance wins popularity among other
NEW Silicon cushion R

The sensor fits perfectly on the outer surface of fruits.

domestic pears.
AkizukiOct.– Nov.

PA L - H I K A R i 1 2

NikkoriCat.No.5462

Oct.– Nov.
Measurement fruit

Asian Pear

Measurement Range

Brix

10.0 to 16.0%

Resolution

Brix

0.1%

Measurement
Accuracy

Brix

±1%

*Asian Pear varieties and measurement
environment may affect accuracy.

Repeatability

Brix

Automatic Temperature
Control Range

5.0 to 35.0°C

Ambient Temperature

5 to 35°C

International Protection Class

IP64

Power Supply

2 x AAA alkaline batteries

Dimensions and Weight

6.1(W) × 4.4(D) × 11.5(H)cm, 120g

±0.5%

*Acclimate asian pear to ambient temperature

Okusankichinashi
Oct.– Nov.

(Main Unit only)

Shinkou
Oct.– Nov.

Cat.No.5562

Cat.No.5662·PAL-HIKARi 12·PAL-0·PAL-HIKARi 12·PAL-BX|ACID12

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Asian Pear)

12

IR Brix Meter × Brix Acidity Meter (Asian Pear)

13

arieties in Japan
Leading V

U s e r Te s timo n ia ls

Know the Brix (sugar concentration) by Placing it

Koukanishiki cherries
May–Jun.

Harada Farm is a pick your own cherry farm that off ers
Takasago, Seikou nishiki, Sato nishiki, Benishuhou, andNapoleoncherries. They decided to off er PAL-HIKARi 16(cherry) to their customers to experience the sweetness

Rinaka tomato tomatoes
May–Jun.

beyond their tongue and enjoy seeing Brix (sugarconcentration) numerically display.
Harada Farm likes how Brix (sugar concentration) can bemeasured by placing a PAL-HIKARi against a cherry.

Aiko mini tomatoes
May–Jul.

Yellow aiko tomatoes
Jun.

First tomatoes
Jun.–Jul.

NEW Improved Outdoor Cover S

Newly improved Outdoor Cover S is convenient when measuring outdoors.

Lemon tomatoes
Jun.–Jul.

PA L - H I K A R i 1 6

Cherry snowball tomatoes

Cat.No.5466

Jun.–Jul.
Measurement fruit

Cherry (Recommended sample size is 15
mm or greater in diameter)

Automatic Temperature
Control Range

Measurement Range

Brix

12.0 to 26.0%

Ambient Temperature

10 to 35°C

Resolution

Brix

0.1%

International Protection Class

IP64

Measurement
Accuracy

Brix

±1.5%

Power Supply

2 x AAA alkaline batteries

Dimensions and Weight

6.1(W) × 6.4(D) × 11.5(H)cm, 153g

*Cherry varieties and measurement
environment may affect accuracy.

Repeatability

Brix

10.0 to 35.0°C*acclimate cherry to ambient temperature

Black tomatoes
Jun.–Jul.

(main unit and small sample stage S only)±1%

Amela tomatoes
Jul.

Cat.No.5566

Cat.No.5666·PAL-HIKARi 16·PAL-0·PAL-HIKARi 16·PAL-BX|ACID16

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Cherry)

14

IR Brix Meter × Brix Acidity Meter (Cherry)15

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter

IR Brix Meter × Brix-Acidity Meter

Light x Refraction
from outside, from inside, good f lavor
IR Brix Meter

Acidity x Brix
good sourness, good sweetness, perfect f lavor

Brix Meter

IR Brix Meter

Brix-Acidity Meter

Sample Stage

Sample Stage

LCD

16

LCD

ZERO Button

ZERO Button

START Button

START Button

R Button

Strap Holder

Strap Holder

Battery Compartment

Battery Compartment

A combo set that includes PAL-HIK ARi, a non-destructive IR Brix Meter that can measure

A combo set that includes PAL-HIK ARi, a non-destructive IR Brix Meter that can measure thethe sugar content just by being pressed against the fruit, and a Brix meter that cansugar content just by being pressed against the fruit, and PAL-BX|ACID, a Brix-acidity metermeasure the sugar content of squeezed fruit juice is now available.

that can measure the sugar content of squeezed fruit juice is now available.

Special scales are available for each fruit. Choose the appropriate combo set.

Special scales are available for each fruit. Choose the appropriate combo set.

Cat.No.

Part Name

Cat.No.

Part Name

Contents

5552

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Grapes)
PAL-HIKARi 2 + PAL-05652

IR Brix Meter × Brix Acidity Meter (Grapes)
PAL-HIKARi 2 + PAL-BX|ACID25553

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Cherry Tomatoes & Medium Tomatoes)
PAL-HIKARi 3 MINi + PAL-05653

IR Brix Meter × Brix Acidity Meter (Cherry Tomatoes & Medium Tomatoes)
PAL-HIKARi 3 MINi + PAL-BX|ACID3

Part Name
Quantity
Digital scale
1
100 mL Beaker (PMP)1
1 mL Measuring spoon
15555

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Apple)
PAL-HIKARi 5 + PAL-05655

IR Brix Meter × Brix Acidity Meter (Apple)
PAL-HIKARi 5 + PAL-BX|ACID55560

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Peach)
PAL-HIKARi 10 + PAL-0

5662

IR Brix Meter × Brix Acidity Meter (Asian Pear)
PAL-HIKARi 12 + PAL-BX|ACID125562

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Asian Pear)
PAL-HIKARi 12 + PAL-0

5666

IR Brix Meter × Brix Acidity Meter (Cherry)
PAL-HIKARi 16 + PAL-BX|ACID16

5566

IR Brix Meter × Brix Meter (Cherry)
PAL-HIKARi 16 + PAL-0

PAL-0 Specifications

PAL-0 is not sold separately. PAL-0 is only available for IR Brix Meter x Brix Meter combo set.

Pocket Brix-Acidity Meter Specifications

Measurement
Range

Brix
Temperature

0.0 to 33.0%
10 to 100°C

Ambient
Temperature

10 to 40°C

Measurement
Range

Resolution

Brix
Temperature

0.1%
0.1°C

International
Protection Class

IP65

Measurement
Accuracy

Brix
Temperature

±0.2%
±1°C

Power Supply

2 x AAA alkaline batteries
5.5(W) ×3.1(D) ×10.9(H)cm, 100g

Automatic
Temperature
Control Range

10 to 100°C

Dimensions andWeight(Main Unit only)

PAL-BX|ACID2

Brix: 0.0 to 90.0%, Acid: 0.10 to 4.00%

PAL-BX|ACID3

Brix: 0.0 to 90.0%, Acid: 0.10 to 3.00%

PAL-BX|ACID5

Brix: 0.0 to 90.0%, Acid: 0.10 to 4.00%

PAL-BX|ACID12

Brix: 0.0 to 90.0%, Acid: 0.05 to 2.00%

PAL-BX|ACID16

Brix: 0.0 to 90.0%, Acid: 0.10 to 3.00%
For more specification information, contact ATAGO.

17

Uses

Orchard

Q
A
Q
A
Q
A

Does fruit need to be prepared?

No need to cut, strain, or squeeze fruit.

What to look out for when storing.
Make sure to dr y the cushion well. Take out
batteries when planning to not to use for along duration of time.

Can measurement be taken for fruits
during its growth?
Measurement can be taken while the fruit ison the tree. Carefully place the cushion on
the fruit not to let it fall of f the branch.

Q
A
Q
A
Q
A

Does skin color affect measurement?
(Red and green apple)
Color does not af fect.

Battery life?
About 1,100 times (A A A alkaline batteries x 2).

Measuring the same fruit, the value isdifferent.
Brix level of fruit dif fers depending on suchfactor as exposure to sunlight and area ofthe fruit. This unit measures the area where
the sample stage is placed against. *Pleasereference “ When measurement value does
not seem to be correct…”

Customs inspection/importMarketQ
A
Q
A

What fruit can be measured?
PAL-HIK ARi is a fruit specific instrument withmodel for each fruit.
*Please reference pg.20 “Future Planning.”

Q
A

How do you calibrate?
PAL-HIK ARi is designed to require no
calibration. ( Equipped with of fset feature.
Please reference pg.3.)

I would like to measure the sugar content
of processed products such as jams.
Packaged sets products are available thatcomes with pocket Brix meter ( PAL-0 ) andpocket Brix-acidity meter.

When measurement value does not seem to be correct…
POINT

Grocery store
Besides aforementioned, patissier chefs who uses fruits as an ingredient,gardening hobbyist that enjoys home gardening and may more can be use it.

External light interference

POINT

Effect of fruit temperature

Avoid light from entering the sample stage. Light entering

Be sure to take measurement af ter allowing the sample

the sample stage will cause measurement error and cause

fruit to acclimate to PAL-HIK ARi.

greater margin of error.

*Place them under same condition for a period of time.

POINT

Effect of contact between the sample
stage and fruit

POINT

Effect of water droplet, soiled
area,and condition of the fruit

Properly place the sample stage of PAL-HIK ARi against a

Avoid fruit’s sur face with water droplets or soiled area.

fruit. Improper contact will allow external light to enter.

Correct measurements cannot be achieved for sof t andspotty fruits caused by elapsed time since har vesting.

18

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