IP67-rated, ±1% F.S accuracy, BPB replaceable probe — EC, TDS, and salinity in one pocket kit.
The Apera AI314 EC60 is a waterproof pocket conductivity tester engineered for precise nutrient-solution management in commercial hydroponics and soil-based cultivation. It measures EC, TDS, salinity, and temperature simultaneously, with a replaceable Brush-resistant Platinum Black (BPB) probe and auto temperature compensation across the full 0–50°C grow-environment range.
The Apera AI314 is the EC60 model from Apera's 60 Series Premium pocket tester line — a 4-in-1 handheld instrument that measures electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, and temperature from a single probe dip. It's built to IP67 waterproof standards and floats if dropped in a reservoir, which matters on a busy feed deck.
The core of the tester is Apera's proprietary BPB (Brush-resistant Platinum Black) sensor. Unlike conventional stainless-steel electrodes, the platinum black processing minimizes electrode polarization across the full measurement range — which translates to more repeatable readings across the three EC sub-ranges (0–200.0 µS/cm, 0–2000 µS/cm, 0–20.00 mS/cm) without drifting between calibrations. The probe is field-replaceable, so you replace the sensor element, not the whole meter, when it ages out.
Any licensed cannabis or hemp operator running a fertigation program needs a reliable handheld EC meter at every water source and feed station. The AI314 is suited for operators who want bench-grade accuracy in a pocket form factor — growers doing manual checks at multiple tables, irrigation techs auditing run-off EC, or head growers who need a fast, trustworthy reference before pulling benchtop meter data.
It's equally practical for coco, rockwool, or living-soil programs where run-to-waste EC monitoring is part of daily SOP. The tester's one-tap mode switch between EC and TDS (with a user-configurable TDS conversion factor from 0.40 to 1.00) lets operators match the TDS reading to whatever reference scale their nutrient program uses, rather than being locked into a fixed 0.5 conversion.
Auto Temperature Compensation (ATC) runs continuously from 0 to 50°C (32–122°F), keeping readings accurate across the full temperature range of a commercial grow environment without manual offset corrections. The LCD backlight switches between two colors — blue during measurement, green during calibration — so the meter's current mode is immediately visible at a glance.
Calibration accepts up to 3 points with automatic standard-solution recognition, and the display confirms a completed calibration so there's no guesswork about whether the cal took. A stable-reading indicator tells you exactly when to record the measurement instead of eyeballing a settling value. The unit is CE and RoHS certified and manufactured under an ISO 9001:2015 quality system. The 2-year manufacturer warranty covers the meter body; the BPB probe carries a 6-month warranty and is independently purchasable as a replacement part.
The AI314 ships as a complete, ready-to-use kit. In the box: the EC60 tester, ready-to-use NIST-traceable calibration solutions, calibration vials, AAA batteries, a lanyard, and a portable carrying case. No need to source calibration standards separately before first use — the kit is calibration-ready out of the box.
For operators equipping multiple stations or running QC across several facilities, the kit format standardizes the calibration workflow: every tech gets the same solutions, the same process, and the same reference point. When the BPB probe eventually needs replacement, it installs without tools and without returning the meter body — minimizing downtime during an active production cycle.
| SKU | AI314 |
| Model | EC60 Premium Series |
| Measurement Parameters | EC, TDS, Salinity, Temperature |
| EC Range | 0–200.0 µS/cm / 0–2000 µS/cm / 0–20.00 mS/cm |
| EC Accuracy | ±1% Full Scale (F.S.); Resolution 0.01 mS |
| Temperature Range | 0–50.0°C (32–122°F) |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.5°C |
| TDS Conversion Factor | User-configurable, 0.40–1.00 |
| Calibration | 1–3 point auto-calibration with buffer auto-recognition |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 (floatable) |
| Probe Type | Replaceable BPB (Brush-resistant Platinum Black) |
| Power | AAA batteries (included) |
The BPB (Brush-resistant Platinum Black) probe uses a specialized electrode surface that minimizes polarization across a wide conductivity range. Compared to conventional stainless-steel probes, this results in more consistent readings across all three EC sub-ranges without signal drift, and the platinum surface is easier to clean and more physically durable under regular use.
Yes. The BPB probe is user-replaceable and installs without tools. Replacement probes are available as a separate part. When the sensor reaches end of life, you swap the probe element and continue using the same meter body.
The AI314 lets you set a custom TDS conversion factor anywhere from 0.40 to 1.00. Most nutrient manufacturers specify which factor their program is based on (commonly 0.5 for NaCl or 0.7 for 442). You match the meter to your program's reference scale once, and TDS readings display accordingly.
The EC60 is rated at ±1% of full scale with a 3-point auto-calibration system and NIST-traceable calibration solutions — that's a precision tier well above entry-level hobbyist testers. It won't replace a laboratory-grade benchtop instrument for analytical QA, but for daily fertigation checks, run-off monitoring, and irrigation audits in a commercial grow, it's a reliable, production-appropriate tool.
The kit includes ready-to-use conductivity calibration solutions that are NIST traceable. They are pre-measured and packaged for direct use — no dilution required. The tester automatically recognizes the standard solution type during the calibration procedure.
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