Page 1

AR200

 Refractometer

 User’s Guide
Page 2

 Reichert AR200 Instruction Manual

Table of Contents Page

1.0 Introduction 3

2.0 Specifications 4

3.0 Environmental Conditions 5

4.0 Care and Cleaning 5

4.1 Care of Prism Surface 5

5.0 Instrument Features 6

6.0 Automatic Temperature Compensation 7

6.1 Temperature coefficient and correction calculations 7

7.0 Installation Procedure 7

7.1 Set Up 8

8.0 Sample Reading 10

9.0 Menu Options 11

10.0 Daily Single Point Calibration 12

11.0 Multipoint Calibration 13

11.1 Calibration Oils 14

12.0 Channels 15

12.1 Channel 1 – Brix (Sucrose per ICUMSA) 15

12.2 Channels 2 – 4, User Programmable 15

13.0 Accessories 15
Page 3

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Reichert AR200

Digital Handheld Refractometer. This manual describes

the proper operation and care of this state of the art

instrument. The AR200 is capable of measuring %

Solids (Brix), % Solids-TC (Brix-Temperature

Compensated), Refractive Index and Refractive IndexTC (temperature Compensated per ICUMSA Sucrose

temperature Coefficient). Although it’s main purpose is

to aid quality control personnel in Food and Beverage

applications it’s advanced features make it a well suited

instrument widely used for Medical, Pharmaceutical,

Industrial Fluids, Chemical and Petrochemical Industries.

 An AR200 has the capability to measure Refractive

Index (nD) of liquid solutions to a precision of +/-

0.0001or % Solids (Brix) to +/-0.1 with a range of 1.3300

to 1.5600nD and 0 to 95% Solids (Brix).

Please note that an AR200 Refractometer is a high

precision optical instrument. It is absolutely necessary to

properly maintain the instrument to obtain the best

possible accuracy. This includes thoroughly cleaning the

prism and well after each sample and routinely

calibrating the instrument. Always store the instrument

with the well clean and dry.
Page 4

2.0 SPECIFICATIONS

· The Reichert AR200 operates on four AAA batteries.

The instrument is capable of 3000+ readings on a set of

batteries and has auto/off sleep mode after 30 seconds

of inactivity and low battery detection.

· Three Key Operation:

“CAL”, “READ” and “MENU”

with on screen prompts.

· Illumination:

589 nm LED.

· Range:

1.3300 to 1.5600 Refractive

Index (nD = 589nm Sodium D line).

0 to 95% Solids, (Brix-Sucrose

per ICUMSA in Channel 1).

User definable in channels 2 - 4.

· Readability:

0.0001 nD

0.1 % Solids.

0.1 o

C Temperature

· Accuracy:

+/-0.0001nD

+/- 0.1% Solids (Brix),

+/- 0.2oC Temperature.

· Temperature Compensation Range:

15o – 40oC (59o – 104o F) per ICUMSA in

Channel 1, user definable in custom

channels.

· Prism Assembly:

Sapphire Prism sealed to Stainless Steel

 Well with solvent resistant epoxy.

· Dimensions:

18cm x 9cm x 3.5cm

(7”L x 3.75”W x 1.37”D)

. Weight:

410g
Page 5

3.0 ENVIROMENTAL CONDITIONS

· Temperature Range: 10oC – 45oC

· Max. Relative Humidity: 80% for temperatures to 31o

C

decreasing linearly to 50% (relative humidity at 40oC)

· Pollution Degree 2

· Altitude up to 2,000 meters

4.0 CARE AND CLEANING

The Reichert AR200 is a precision optical instrument.

The prism surface and well should be cleaned

immediately after use. The interior components are

protected from dust, spills, and other damage. The

stainless steel well and prism assembly is sealed with

corrosion-resistant epoxy. All non-optical components

can be cleaned with soap and water or methanol. Using

strong solvents such as N, N-Dimethylformamide or N,

N-Nimethylacetamide, cresols, phenols and other tar

acids should be avoided, Tetrahydrofuran or some

lacquer thinners and their components can also

deteriorate the prism seal over time or when applied at

elevated temperatures. Do not use Acetone, Acetone

based products or other harsh solvents when cleaning

the instrument’s body or it’s components.

4.1 CARE OF PRISM SURFACE

The prism surface should be cleaned immediately after

use. The use of strong acids or bases should not be

measured with this instrument or used as cleaning

agents. Do not use any metal or sharp objects to clean

or pry loose the prism seal or residue on the sample or

well. The sample should be wiped off with a moist tissue.

Warm water and soap is recommended for removing

sucrose residue and oil-based samples followed by a

distilled water cleaning. Remove any remaining moisture

with a dry tissue.
Page 6

5.0 INSTRUMENT FEATURES

Refer to the features listed below.

1. Instrument Display – Digitally displays

measurement values, operator instructions and error

messages.

2. Keypad Controls – All three controls are soft touch

membrane keys, CAL/down, READ/up, MENU/

return. These keys serve a dual purpose as function

keys and also facilitate moving the displayed cursor/

highlighter when selecting the many available

options.

· CAL – Prompts the user to perform a water

calibration. Also is used as the “Down” key to

allow scrolling when changing menu options or

values.

· READ – Will read the sample in the well. Also

is used as the “Up” key to scroll through

choices when changing menu options and

values.

· MENU – Allows entry to the menu options of

the AR200. The menu key also functions as

“Enter”, “Exit” or “Cancel” depending on the

menu screen and/or the on screen

instructions.

3. Sample Well – The sample well is made of Stainless

Steel with a Sapphire Prism mounted to its center.

When a sample is placed on the prism face, it is

important that the sample cover the entire prism

surface to attain an accurate reading.

4. IR Window – Located on the bottom of the AR200, it

is used to communicate with your PC when cradled

in the optional docking station.
Page 7

6.0 AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION

Automatic temperature compensation corrects readings

over a range of temperatures. As an example: Samples

taken at 15oC – 40oC are corrected to a reference

temperature reading of 20o

C. Temperature correction or

control is necessary because refractive index varies

inversely with temperature, as temperature of sample

rises refractive index falls and so as sample temperature

drops refractive index will rise. This feature can be used

in lieu of controlling the temperature of the prism and

sample. It is however necessary to Allow Samples to

Temperature Equilibrate (sample must reach same

temperature as prism surface) so that the AR200 can

properly correct for temperature.

The automatic temperature compensation mode built

into the AR200 is based on the temperature coefficients

( ∆nD/∆o

C) of sucrose, per the ICUMSA scales. When

readings are taken in Index-TC (Refractive IndexTemperature Compensated) mode the reading is only

valid for Sucrose (Brix) solutions.

6.1 Temperature Coefficient Calculations (non-Sucrose

samples)

Should you need to temperature correct refractive index

values for samples other than those that are sucrose

based. Please download “Temperature Coefficient

Calculation and Temperature Correction” at

www.reichert.com Analytical/Applications, or contact

Reichert Analytical Technical Support ,716-686-4500.

7.0 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

A. Unpack instrument from carton. Retain packing material

for future storage/protection/shipping.

B. Please note the following accessories:

 Instruction Manual

 Batteries, four AAA
Page 8

 Reading Mode

7.1 SET UP

A. Turn the instrument over and remove the battery

cover by rotating it in a counter clockwise direction.

B. Install the four AAA batteries in the direction

indicated.

C. Reinstall the battery cover and turn instrument over.

D. Place the instrument on a solid surface in an

environment where the temperature is stable. Be

sure to keep instrument away from heat or air

conditioning vents, which can cause drafts and

affect the temperature stability. Allow the instrument

time to reach room temperature.

E. Turn the AR200 on by pressing the “MENU” key.

The title screen will appear followed by instructions

to apply sample and press read. DO NOT, apply

sample or press read at this time.

F. Select desired “Reading Mode” by pressing

“MENU” key again to enter menu options.

G. Use “READ” (Up) “CAL” (Down) keys to advance

through mode options to “Reading Mode”, press

the “MENU” (Return) key when you see the

following screen.

H. Use the “UP” or “DOWN” keys to advance through

“Reading” options, select “Brix – TC” mode for

 Reichert AR200

 Ver X.XX

 Exit Menu
Page 9

 this exercise by highlighting and pressing the

“RETURN” (MENU) key.

“Brix – TC” % Solids – Temperature

Compensated.

“nD” Refractive Index.

“Brix” % Solids.

“nD – TC” Refractive Index –

Temperature Compensated.

You will then exit the menu screen and return to the

main screen.

I. Press “CAL” key and follow instructions to add

sample, add “Distilled Water” as the sample. Enough

distilled water should be added to cover the prism

surface, approximately 3 drops. Allow sample to

temperature equilibrate to prism/well. Press “CAL”

key again. Observe the display for message

indicating “Set Point Cal Successful”.

J. Press the “READ” key and note the value on the

display, which should be “0.0 Brix-TC, 20.0o C”.

Please note that the 0.0 Brix - TC reading can vary by +/

- 0.1 which is the acceptable tolerance of the AR200.

Apply water

 CAL = Calibration

 MENU = Cancel

 0.0 Brix - TC

 20.0o C

Set point cal

 successful

 Brix-TC
Page 10

8.0 SAMPLE READING

A. Clean and dry the prism and well with a soft wipe,

which will leave no residue and recommended

cleaning agents, soap and warm water, Methanol or

Isopropyl Alcohol followed by distilled water.

B. Add enough of the sample to cover prism surface

and allow adequate time for sample to temperature

equilibrate to prism/well.

C. Press “READ”.

D. Note value on display.

E. Reference directions in “Set Up” section to switch

between the four modes of measurement:

1. nD

2. Brix

3. nD - TC

4. Brix-TC

F. Compare reading to known value. Note any

difference in well temperature from sample reference

temperature and adjust refractive index reading

 mathematically from the “Refractive Index”

 displayed value, reference section 6.1.

1.3330 nD - TC

 20.0o C
Page 11

9.0 MENU OPTIONS

A Exit Menu – Pressing the MENU key when this is

displayed will exit the menu mode.

B Calibration – Displays options of:

1. Set (water) - Pressing MENU will prompt to Apply

Water and then “CAL” or “MENU” key to cancel.

2. Span 1.40229 – Press MENU will prompt to

Apply 1.40229, NIST certified calibration oil and

to press “CAL” or “MENU” key to cancel.

3. Span 1.51416 – Press MENU will prompt to

Apply 1.51416, NIST certified calibration oil and

to press “CAL” or “MENU” key to cancel.

4. Add/Delete/Edit – When selecting any of these

modes a “Warning” will appear “Incorrect use of

this function can corrupt the instrument”. Contact

the Technical Support Group for a complete

explanation if this function is to be used.

5. Exit - Press MENU to exit the calibration options

mode.

C Contrast – Press the MENU key to enter and the Up/

Down keys to adjust display contrast.

D IR Linkup – To use this function the optional Docking

Station (13951000) must be used. This feature

allows for downloading of stored values, up to 225 of

the most current readings and up to 5 point current

calibration log.

E Set Clock – Allows for setting of the time in 12 hour

am/pm or 24 hour military and the date in MDY

format.

F Select Channel – This feature is visible only when at

least one custom channel has been added to the

AR200. Entering this feature allows the operator to

switch between available channels/scales.

G Reading Mode – Allows for changing between nD,

nD-TC, Brix or Brix-TC reading modes. TC modes

are Temperature Compensated based upon Sucrose

data in channel 1.
Page 12

10.0 DAILY SINGLE POINT CALIBRATION

1. Turn the instrument on by pressing the “CAL” key.

2. At the displayed message to apply sample, press the

“Cal” key again.

3. Apply Distilled Water sample and Press the “CAL”

key.

6. Set point cal successful message will appear if the

AR200 is functioning properly.

 Exit Menu

Apply water

 CAL = Calibration

 MENU = Cancel

Set point cal

 successful
Page 13

10.0 MULTIPOINT CALIBRATION

The AR200 can be calibrated with up to 5 points using

distilled water and 4 user definable points (note that

these are set at the factory to match available NIST

certified standards). Performing a 2 point calibration will

provide the required accuracy needed, using distilled

water and a high refractive index NIST certified standard.

The AR200 has 3 points available as points that can be

chosen through the calibration mode menu. Two

additional points are available and modification of the

existing points can also be done through the “Add/

Delete/Edit” option in the calibration menu. When

entering this screen a message will appear “Warning,

Incorrect use of this function can corrupt your

instrument”. It is advisable to contact the technical

support group before using this feature. The 3, 4 and 5,

point calibrations is made available to allow the user to

precisely calibrate the instrument to certified standards

near the refractive index range where the measurements

are being made. Reference the procedure below to

perform the multipoint calibration. Always clean and dry

the prism surface between the application of samples

and be sure to proceed starting from the distilled water

up to the sample with the highest refractive index.

 A. Turn the AR200 on by pressing the “MENU” key.

 B. Press the “MENU” key again after the startup screen

appears to enter the Menu.

C. Press the “UP” key until Calibration is read on the

display and press the “MENU” key.

D. When Set (Water) appears press the “MENU” key and

follow the instructions on the display to add water and

press the “CAL” key.

E. Continue calibration process by repeating steps A

through C and proceed to the next step.
Page 14

F. When Set (Water) appears press the “UP” key several

times to advance to the Span 1.51416 value, this value

is given as an example and may be different, although

close to the value on your AR200. Press the “MENU”

key, other points exist.

G. Follow the on screen instructions to apply “1.51416”

sample, allow time for the sample to equilibrate and

press “CAL” key.

H. To perform calibration of any additional points follow the

procedure outlined in steps A through G making sure

that you always start with the lowest refractive index

sample and moving up to the highest refractive index

sample.

I. Clean and dry the prism surface and the AR200 will be

ready to take readings.

Span 1.51416

 Apply 1.51416

 CAL = Calibration

 MENU = Cancel

11.1 CALIBRATION OILS

The recommended Extended Precision Standard Calibration

Oils are manufactured by Cargille Labs, Cedar Grove, NJ

07009-1289 USA, Phone 201-239-6633. To our knowledge

they are the only domestic USA source of extended precision

standard calibration oils with six significant figures in index.

The characteristics of these oils are:

• NIST traceable.

• Stated accuracy at +/-0.00005 nD, shelf life in years.

• Temperature coefficients (TC) are guaranteed at their

specified reference temperatures, usually 20 or 25o

C.
Page 15

12.0 CHANNELS

12.1 CHANNEL 1 – ICUMSA BRIX

The AR200 is preprogrammed at the factory with

channel 1 to read % Sucrose or “Brix” scale per

the International Commission for Uniform

Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA).

Temperature Corrected (TC) readings in channel

1 are valid for Brix Solutions only!

12.2 CHANNEL 2 – 4, USER PROGRAMABLE

User programmable scales or custom channels

may be programmed at the factory or by using the

optional IR communications package. Custom

channels allow the user to use measurments

specific to a solution to measure that solution and

deliver readings with temperature correction

factors that relate to that solution.

13.0 ACCESSORIES

Catalog No. 13951000 – IR Communications

 Package

The IR Communications Package includes a

docking station and the software required to

connect the AR200 to your PC. It is useful for

down loading stored readings, up to 225 of the

most recent readings and up to 5 point current

calibration log.

Catalog No. 13K41330 Calibration Oil, 1.51432

Catalog No. 13K41340 Calibration Oil, 1.40229

Catalog No. 13K41350 Calibration Oil, 1.45755

Catalog No. 13K41360 Calibration Oil, 1.48989

Above values may vary due to supplier of oil.
Page 16

Reichert Analytical Instruments

Reichert, Inc.

3362 Walden Ave

Depew, NY 14043

USA

Toll Free: 888-849-8955

Phone: 716-686-4500

email: info@reichert.com

www.reichert.com

Reichert GmbH

Hubertusstrasse 4

D-82229 Seefeld

Germany

Tel: +49-8152-993530

ISO-9001 Certified

13950000-100 Rev. F