WATER ACTIVITY METER

EZ-200

Instruction Manual
Ver.1.43

How to switch language to English： page 11

 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Table of Contents

Application and Conditions for Use ・・・・・・・ 1

Name of Each Part ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 2

Precautions・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・3

Preparing EZ-200 for operation ・・・・・・・・・ 6

Measuring Aw of Samples・・・・・・・・・・・・13

Managing the Measurement Data ・・・・・・・・18

Maintenance ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・22

Dialog boxes・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・36

Alarm Display ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・43

How to Attach the Sensor Protection Filter ・・・45

Product Specifications・・・・・・・ ・・・・・・46

Optional accessories ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・47

Contact Details・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・47
 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Application and Conditions for Use

This water activity meter is used to measure the water activity values (hereafter abbreviated as

Aw) of food and other materials. Use this meter only for this application.

Place EZ-200 in a location that satisfies the following conditions:-

- Indoor.

- Temperature 15-35℃.

A place where temperature fluctuation is small (free from direct sunlight, free from air from an

air conditioner, no condensation).

* It is recommended that the water activity meter be placed in a thermostat. By reducing the

temperature difference inside and outside the thermostat chamber, it is possible to reduce

the temperature change during opening and closing of the thermostat chamber.

- Relative humidity 10-70%RH.

A place where the humidity is not drastically higher than the Aw of a sample to be measured.

* For example, when you measure a sample of 0.50 Aw, it is recommended that the water

activity meter be placed in a location where humidity does not exceed 50%RH (equivalent of

0.50 Aw).

- Altitude 2,000 m or less.

- Overvoltage category Ⅱ (AC adapter).

- Pollution degree Ⅱ. A place with low vibration.

- A place with little dust and few fine particles.

Note
Temperature affects the Aw. The Aw cannot be measured correctly in a location where

temperature fluctuates.

This water activity meter is calibrated at 25ºC. Although this water activity meter can be used at

the temperature range of 15 to 35ºC, for more accurate measurement, it is recommended that

Aw be measured at around 25ºC.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Name of Each Part

Top lid
Sample
chamber
resin
Sensor
Packing

Bottom of
the sample
chamber
Hinge

Fan
Touch panel

Standby mode of the touch panel

The screen automatically turns off when the screen is not
touched for 30 minutes, entering into the standby mode.
Touch the screen to cancel the standby mode.

DC plug
Inlet air filters DC power jack AC cable AC adapter

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Precautions
Danger
This symbol indicates that improper use of this water activity meter may cause a
possibly dangerous situation that could result in injury or severe property damage.

Power adapter (see page 2, 46)

- Use only the power adapter for EZ-200.

- EZ-200 is not compatible with previous models, EZ-100 and EZ-100ST.

- Do not insert the adapter into a socket of other than 100 to 240 V (rated voltage).

- Improper use of this water activity meter may cause fire or a failure.

Top lid
- The top lid of the water activity meter is designed to be heavy and to have a slightly loosened

hinge, since the top lid completely seals the sample chamber. Use both hands when opening

and closing the top lid of the water activity meter, and be careful not to get your hands

caught.

- Improper use of this water activity meter may result in injury.

Fan
- Be careful not to get your hair, etc. caught in the fan.

- Improper use of this water activity meter may result in injury or a failure.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Caution
This symbol indicates that improper use of this water activity meter may cause damage
or failure to the meter or a decrease in the accuracy of Aw measurement results.

- This water activity meter is a precision device. Application of strong shocks or disassembly

will cause a failure.

- Application of strong shocks on the touch panel may break the panel.

- If the packing that seals the sample chamber tightly is dirty, scratched, damaged, or

abnormalities such as contact failure to the bottom of the sample chamber, it cannot seal

the sample chamber completely. As a result, the elapsed time until completion of the

measurement (hereinafter called the measurement time) may be extended, and the

measurement accuracy may be reduced. If you recognize deterioration of the packing,

replace it (see page 31). Apply the supplied grease on the packing to seal the sample

chamber completely and check the contact condition of packing daily (see page 6).

- Be careful not to let samples (such as saturated salt solution) adhere to the fan. If any sample

adheres on the rotation shaft of the fan, it may break down.

- Be careful not to let samples adhere to the sensor. Do not move the water activity meter

while any sample are placed in the sample chamber. It may break down or the sensor may

deteriorate if any sample adheres in the sensor. If the sensor is covered with any sample, the

Aw cannot be measured correctly.

- Leaving any sample to stand as they are in the sample chamber for a long time will promote

deterioration of the sensor.

- Acid gas causes deterioration of the sensor. Measure the Aw of saturated salt solution daily

(see page 24) to check the status of the sensor. Check there is no abnormality in packing

and calibrate the Aw if there is a discrepancy between the result of Aw measurement of

saturated salt solution and the theoretical value (see page 25). Use of an optional sensor

protection filter (see page 45) is recommended if the sensor is deteriorated significantly.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

- Be careful not to apply strong shocks on the sensor when replacing the sensor or applying

the sensor protection filter. If the sensor is scratched, bent, cut, or otherwise damaged, the

sensor board will no longer be usable.

Sensor board

Humidity sensor

Temperature
sensor

- If the cable connected to the board is subjected to a load, such as pulling or twisting, during

replacement of the sensor, the cable may be broken.

- In the USB port, USB flash derive is for exclusive use. Do not be connected to the PCs with a

USB cable.

・Avoid using thinner, organic solvents, strongly acidic substances, and other substances for

cleaning. Using these chemicals may cause a failure, damage to the exterior, rust, and

deterioration of the sensor.

Note

This water activity meter is designed to perform measurement under the condition where the

humidity (Aw) inside the sample chamber is changed from low to high. Particularly for a

sample of approximately 0.60 Aw or less, drying the inside of the sample chamber with silica

gel before taking measurement is recommended (see page 17).

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Preparing EZ-200 for Operation

Turn the power ON to warm up the water activity meter. The water activity meter needs to be

stabilized before taking measurement. In addition, configure the necessary settings for the

measurement.

1. Place the water activity meter in a location where temperature fluctuation is small, to stabilize

the temperature of the water activity meter.

* It is recommended that the water activity meter be placed in a thermostat.

Note

For more accurate measurement, it is recommended that Aw be measured at around 25ºC.

2. Open the top lid to confirm that the packing attached to the sample chamber resin, and the

bottom of the sample chamber that contacts with the packing are not dirty. Apply grease on

the packing (grease is applied when delivered). The property quantity of grease is 0.1 g (the

one cutting with the small medicine spoonful of the attachment). Closes and press the top lid,

then recognize the grease stuck in bottom of the sample chamber. The state that the 2-3 mm

width stuck is suitable.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Danger
Use both hands when opening and closing the top lid of the water activity meter, and be

careful not to get your hands caught.

Caution
If the packing that seals the sample chamber tightly is abnormal, it cannot seal the sample

chamber completely. As a result, the measurement time may be extended, and the

measurement accuracy may be reduced.

3. Connect the AC cable to the AC adapter of the power adapter for EZ-200. After inserting the

AC cable into the socket and inserting the DC plug into the jack on the back of EZ-200, turn

the power ON.

AC adapter
DC plug

AC cable

Danger
Use only the power adapter for EZ-200.

4. After the opening screen is displayed for four seconds, display changes to the measurement

screen. The measurement screen displays the measured values of Aw and temperature.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

<Opening screen> <Measurement screen>

1.43

5. Leave the water activity meter to stand for 30 minutes with the top lid closed to complete the

warm up.

6. Touch the [Setting] button on the measurement screen to move to the setting screen.

Furthermore, move to various setting screens to configure necessary settings for the

measurement (this can be done while warming up). Touch the [Back] button to return to the

setting screen from various setting screens. Turning the power OFF does not reset the setting

details.

<Measurement screen> <Setting screen>

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Aw indication
Touch the [Aw indication] button on the setting screen to move to the [Aw indication] screen.

The water activity meter shows the Aw value with two decimal places. The rounding method of

the third decimal place can be selected from the following three methods: rounded, rounded

down, and rounded up.

* The value displayed in EZ-100ST is "rounded."

The factory default is "rounded," and the screen displays "rounded." Touch the "rounded

down" button to change to "rounded down."

<Aw indication screen>

Date & Time

To move to the Date&Time setting screen, touch the [Date&Time] button on the setting

screen.

The date and time is displayed in the following format: the last two digits of A.D./Month/Day

Hour:Minute (in 24-hour mode).

To change the value, touch the part that you want to change to display the numeric keypad

input screen. Enter the value with the numeric keys and touch the [ENT] key to complete the

change in value.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

<Date&Time setting screen>

Buzzer
To move to the buzzer setting screen, touch the [Buzzer] button on the setting screen.

Set the ring time (0 to 99 seconds) and the buzzer volume (with four levels from OFF, Small,

Medium, to Large).

The factory default of the ring time is 5 seconds and that of the ring volume is Medium.

To change the value, touch the value of the ring time to display the numeric keypad input

screen.

The volume can be checked by the buzzer test.

<Buzzer setting screen>

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Language
To move to the language change screen, touch the [Language] button on the setting screen.

Language can be switched between Japanese and English.

The factory default of the language is Japanese.

<Language switching screen (Japanese)> <Language switching screen (English)>

Measurement Mode
To move to the measurement mode setting screen, touch the [Meas. mode] button on the

setting screen.

The factory default of the measurement mode is Normal; [Normal] is indicated on the button,

and the left bar is in green.

Switch to the dedicated mode when using the sensor protection filter (optional).

Touch the [Normal] button to indicate [Sensor protection filter] in the button. Switching is

completed when the left bar becomes red.

For the application method of the sensor protection filter and the measurement method, see

page 45.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

<Measurement mode setting screen>

The currently set measurement mode can be checked in the measurement screen.

<Measurement screen <Measurement screen

(Normal mode)> (Sensor protection filter mode)>

That is the preparation of the water activity meter. Carry out the Aw measurement of saturated

salt solution (see page 24) before taking the Aw measurement of the samples if necessary. If

there is a discrepancy between the result of Aw measurement of saturated salt solution and

the theoretical value, check there is no abnormality in packing and calibrate the Aw (see page

25).

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Measuring Aw of Sample
1. Prepare sample.

Place an appropriate amount of sample in a sample container as illustrated below.

Close the lid and store until the container reaches the same temperature as the water activity

meter.

Small Appropriate Large

Caution
Aw cannot be measured correctly if the amount of sample is small. Sample may adhere to the

sensor if the amount of sample is large.

2. Remove the lid of the sample container and open the top lid of the water activity meter. After

placing the sample in the sample chamber, close the top lid of the water activity meter.

Danger
Use both hands when opening and closing the top lid of the water activity meter, and be

careful not to get your hands caught.

Caution
Incomplete sealing of the sample chamber may extend the measurement time and reduce the

measurement accuracy.

Note

For a sample with 0.60 Aw or less, it is recommended to dry the inside of the sample chamber

with silica gel before taking measurement. (See page 17 "How to dry inside the sample

chamber using silica gel").

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

In sensor protection filter mode, it is recommended to start measurement after drying,

regardless of Aw.

3. To start the measurement, touch the [START] button on the measurement screen.

The [START] button is replaced with the [STOP] button, and the elapsed time (*) counter will

start.

The displays of the Aw and the temperature (both of them are measured values) blink during

the measurement.

Note

There is a tendency that the higher the Aw of the sample, the longer the elapsed time (*) until

the measurement is completed. If the measurement time is significantly long, suspected

reasons include reduced sealing of the sample chamber, unstable temperature during the

measurement, or change in the status of the sensor (status where calibration or sensor

replacement is required).

About stopping the measurement

To stop the measurement, touch the [STOP] button during the measurement. When the [STOP]

button is touched, the screen displays "Measurement Stop" together with the measured values

of Aw and temperature. The elapsed time counter also stops.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

The [STOP] button is replaced with the [RESET] button.

The data when the measurement is stopped are not stored in the history.

About checking change in the Aw (measured value)

during the measurement

To check the state of change in the Aw (measured value) and the temperature (measured

value) from the graph during the measurement, touch the [Graph] button on the measurement

screen during the measurement or after completing the measurement (see page 20).

<Graph display screen>

4. The buzzer signals the end of measurement (the buzzer does not sound if "Ring time of the

buzzer to inform completing the measurement" is set to "0 seconds" or "Buzzer volume" is set

to "OFF"). On the screen, a message is displayed as "Measurement Completed." along with the

measured Aw value and temperature. The elapsed time counter also stops.

The [STOP] button changes to the [RESET]

button.

The water activity meter records the data of the

measurement result along with the date and

time of completion of the measurement. (See

page 18).

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Note

This water activity meter provides a correction function to measure the Aw with high accuracy

and in a short time, and displays the Aw value that is corrected when the measurement is

completed. The temperature displayed is the measured value when the measurement is

completed.

About saving the graph (log) data in a USB flash drive

Only one measurement of the graph data can be saved in this water activity meter. To save the

graph data in a USB flash drive, save the data before taking the next measurement (see page

20).

5. When touched, the [RESET] button is replaced with the [START] button to allow measurement

of the next sample. The elapsed time is cleared and shows “0m: 0s.” The displays of Aw and

temperature return to the measured values, and the measurement result (corrected Aw value)

will be cleared.

6. To measure the next sample, remove the sample already measured from the sample chamber

(go to 2 of page 13).

7. Make sure to remove sample from the sample chamber when finished with measurements and

turn the power OFF.

* You can extend the life of the sensor by storing the silica gel in the sample chamber with the

top lid of the water activity meter closed.

Caution
Leaving any sample to stand as they are in the sample chamber for a long time will promote

deterioration of the sensor.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

How to dry inside the sample chamber using silica gel

For sample with 0.60 Aw or less, it is recommended to dry the inside of the sample chamber

with silica gel before taking measurement.

In sensor protection filter mode, it is recommended to start measurement after drying,

regardless of Aw

1) Put silica gel in the sample container. With the lid closed, store it under the same

temperature environment as the water activity meter.

2) Place silica gel in the sample chamber, close the top lid of the water activity meter, and dry

inside the sample chamber in accordance with the "Drying conditions" in the table below.

3) Open the top lid of the water activity meter to remove the silica gel. Place sample and then

close the top lid of the water activity meter.

4) Touch the [START] button on the measurement screen to take the measurement.

Measurement Mode “Normal”

Aw of samples Drying conditions

0.10～0.40 Dry until 0.2 Aw

0.41～0.60 Dry until 0.3 Aw

Measurement Mode “Sensor protection filter”

Aw of samples Drying conditions

0.10～0.60 Dry until 0.1～0.3 Aw

0.61～0.98 Dry until 0.1～0.5Aw

Note

The moisture absorption capacity of silica gel is reduced if dropping of Aw is slow even with

the silica gel placed in the sample chamber. Replace the silica gel with new silica gel.

Among silica gels supplied as accessories, the green one turns to pink and then to orange as it

absorbs moisture. The time to replace silica gel is when the green silica gel turns to pink.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Managing the Measurement Data

Look through the measurement data
Touch the [History] button to look through the recorded measurement data. The history can save

up to 100 data sets. <History screen>

Save the measurement (history) data in a USB flash drive

All history data can be saved in a USB flash drive at once (it is not possible to select particular

data sets and save them). The data saved in the USB flash drive can be managed in a personal

computer. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port located in the back of the main unit, and

touch the [Save] button on the history screen.

Saving the data on the USB flash drive is completed when a dialog box, "Saved successfully to

the USB flash drive.", appears.

Caution
In the USB port, USB flash derive is for exclusive use. Do not be connected to the PCs with a USB

cable.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

A folder "SAMP01" is created in the USB flash drive. The history data are saved in CSV file format

in the "SAMP01" folder.

(P20)

What the CSV file looks like

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Delete the measurement data

All history data can be deleted at once (it is not possible to select particular data sets and delete

them). When the [Clear] button is touched on the history screen, a dialog box, "All data will be

deleted. Is that OK?", appears.

Touch the [OK] button to delete all data.

Save the log data

The data of date, time, Aw (measured value), and temperature (measured value) are recorded

every 8 seconds during the measurement (the data saved are referred to as log data). The screen

is replaced with the graph display screen by touching the [Graph] button on the measurement

screen during the measurement or after completing the measurement. The change in the Aw

(measured value) and the temperature (measured value) during the measurement can be

checked from the graph. Only one measurement of the log data can be saved in this water

activity meter. The log data are reset at the time of taking the next measurement.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

The log data can be saved on a USB flash drive for each measurement. Insert the USB flash drive

into the USB port, and touch the [Save] button on the graph display screen. Saving the data on

the USB flash drive is completed when a dialog box, "Saved successfully to the USB flash drive.",

appears.

Caution
In the USB port, USB flash derive is for exclusive use. Do not be connected to the PCs with a USB

cable.

<Graph display screen>

A folder "SAMP02" is created in the USB flash drive. The log data are saved in CSV file format in

the "SAMP02" folder (see page 19).

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Maintenance
Prepare saturated salt solution
Prepare four types of saturated salt solution as described in the table below.
Aw of Weight of the Weight of
Reagent of saturated salt solution* saturated salt reagent water
No.
(accessories) solution (g/sample (g/sample
（25.0℃） container) container)
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate
C-1 0.328 12.3 1.2
MgCl2･6H2O
Magnesium nitrate hexahydrate
C-2 0.529 10.6 1.2
Mg(NO3)2･6H2O
Sodium chloride
C-3 0.753 10.0 2.2
NaCl
Ammonium dihydrogenphosphate
C-4 0.930 9.6 2.6
NH4H2PO4
＊ Guaranteed Reagent

Add water (purified water, ion exchanged water, or distilled water) to each reagent, and mix well.

The reagent is in a proper state when it becomes like sorbet and most of the reagent appears

over the liquid level (slightly covered with liquid). Adjust the weights of reagent and water

appropriately.

* Purified water can be purchased at a pharmacy.

Before using the saturated salt solution, close the lid of the container and leave it to stand as is

for over an hour under the environment of 24.0 to 26.0ºC, since the Aw of just prepared

saturated salt solution fluctuates.

The saturated salt solution absorbs moisture if it is placed under an environment where the

humidity is higher than the Aw theoretical value, and dries if it is placed under an environment

where the humidity is lower than the Aw theoretical value. Thus, make sure that the lid of the

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

container is closed firmly when storing it. If the saturated salt solution has absorbed moisture or

dried, take the following measures to reuse it:

- For moisture absorbed saturated salt solution, empty supernatant fluid, add a small amount of

the reagent, mix well, and leave to stand as is for an hour or more.

- For dried saturated salt solution, add water (add the reagent if necessary), mix well, and leave to

stand as is for an hour or more.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200
Measure the Aw of saturated salt solution (daily maintenance)
For checking the status of the sensor, routine measurement of the Aw of the saturated salt

solution is recommended.

Measure in an environment where the sample chamber temperature (panel display temperature)

is 24.0 ° C to 26.0 ° C. Measure the Aw without applying the sensor protection filter (optional).

Check there is no abnormality in packing and calibrate the Aw if there is a discrepancy between

the result of the Aw measurement and the theoretical value listed in the table below.

For example, if your allowable accuracy is ±0.01 Aw, calibrate the Aw when the discrepancy

between the result of the measurement and the theoretical value is ±0.02 Aw or greater.
Theoretical values of Aw of each saturated salt solution at a
temperature between 24.0 and 26.0ºC
Temperature C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4
（℃） MgCl2 Mg(NO3)2 NaCl NH4H2PO4
24.0 0.331 0.535 0.755 0.932
24.1 0.331 0.534 0.755 0.932
24.2 0.331 0.534 0.755 0.932
24.3 0.330 0.533 0.755 0.932
24.4 0.330 0.532 0.754 0.931
24.5 0.330 0.532 0.754 0.931
24.6 0.329 0.531 0.754 0.931
24.7 0.329 0.531 0.754 0.931
24.8 0.329 0.530 0.753 0.930
24.9 0.328 0.529 0.753 0.930
25.0 0.328 0.529 0.753 0.930
25.1 0.327 0.529 0.753 0.930
25.2 0.327 0.528 0.753 0.929
25.3 0.327 0.528 0.752 0.929
25.4 0.327 0.528 0.752 0.929
25.5 0.326 0.527 0.752 0.929
25.6 0.326 0.527 0.752 0.928
25.7 0.326 0.527 0.752 0.928
25.8 0.325 0.527 0.752 0.928
25.9 0.325 0.526 0.752 0.927
26.0 0.325 0.526 0.751 0.927
The values in the above are corrected values by taking the temperature characteristics of the
sensor into consideration.
This table lists the values with three decimal places, since the water activity meter shows the
value with two decimal places, and offers three rounding methods that you can choose from,
"rounded," "rounded down," and "rounded up."

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

1) Place the water activity meter in a location where temperature fluctuation is small, to stabilize

the temperature of the water activity meter.

* It is recommended that the water activity meter be placed in a thermostat.

2) Among the four types of saturated salt solutions, prepare the one that is close to the Aw value

of the sample (prepare all four types if the Aw value of the sample is unknown). Put the

saturated salt solution in the sample container, and store it under the same temperature

environment as the water activity meter with the lid closed.

3) Measure the Aw of the saturated salt solution by the same method as the Aw measurement of

the sample (see page 13).

For the saturated salt solutions C-1 and C-2, before taking the measurement, dry the inside the

sample chamber using the silica gel (see page 17).

Calibrate the Aw (regular maintenance)

This section describes calibration of the Aw as a measure for regular maintenance.

(See page 33 for calibration of the Aw after replacing the sensor.)

The Aw cannot be measured correctly if the status of the sensor changes. Calibrate the Aw if

there is a discrepancy between the result of the Aw measurement (daily maintenance) of the

saturated salt solution and the theoretical value.

To calibrate the Aw, use the four types of saturated salt solutions, C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4

(calibrate four points). To measure the sample of the limited Aw range, use two or three types of

the saturated salt solutions as listed in the table below in accordance with the range of Aw

(calibrate two or three points).

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Range of the Aw of Necessary calibration points

Time required
samples（25℃） C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4
0.10～0.98 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 6 hours
0.10～0.53 ✓ ✓ 2 hours
0.10～0.75 ✓ ✓ ✓ 4 hours
0.53～0.75 ✓ ✓ 3 hours
0.53～0.98 ✓ ✓ ✓ 5 hours
0.75～0.98 ✓ ✓ 4 hours

Calibrate the Aw in an environment where the sample chamber temperature (panel display

temperature) is 24.0 ° C to 26.0 ° C.

Calibrate the Aw without applying the sensor protection filter (optional).

1) Place the water activity meter in a location where temperature fluctuation is small, to stabilize

the temperature of the water activity meter.

* It is recommended that the water activity meter be placed in a thermostat.

2) Prepare the saturated salt solution to use.

3) Touch the [Maint.] button on the measurement screen to move to the maintenance screen.

Touch the [Aw cal.] button on the maintenance screen to move to the Aw calibration screen. The

Aw calibration screen displays the voltage value of the humidity sensor (a measured value, the

unit is V) along with the measured value of the Aw and the temperature (the higher the Aw, the

higher the voltage value). The voltage values during the calibration carried out so far are

recorded in "Initial" and "Current." "Initial" is the voltage value before delivery or at the

calibration after replacing the sensor. "Current" is the voltage value at the latest calibration.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200
<Maintenance screen>

<Aw calibration screen>

Voltage value (measured value)

[To calibrate Aw using the saturated salt solution of C-1]

4) Place the saturated salt solution of C-1 in the sample chamber, close the top lid of the water

activity meter, and leave it to stand as is for an hour or more until the Aw becomes stable (the

time to leave it to stand varies depending on the saturated salt solution).

5) Touch the [START] button on the Aw calibration screen to take the measurement.

6) The buzzer sounds when the measurement is completed at the elapsed time of 1m 00ss

(measurement time of 1 minute) (the buzzer does not sound if "Ring time of the buzzer to

inform completing the measurement" is set to "0 seconds" or "Buzzer volume" is set to "OFF").

The screen displays the measured values of the Aw, the voltage value, and the temperature

along with a message "Measurement Completed."

The [STOP] button is replaced with the [RESET] button.

The data of the measurement result on the Aw calibration screen are not saved in the history.

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7) Touching the calibration button of [C1 0.328], voltage corrected based on the voltage value

(measured value) is recorded in "Current." The calibration of C-1 is completed.

8) Touch the [RESET] button to calibrate C-2, C-3, and C-4 in the same manner. Time to leave the

saturated salt solutions of C-3 and C-4 to stand is two hours or more.

Reagent of the Aw of saturated Time to leave the saturated

No.
saturated salt solution salt solution salt solution to stand

C-1 MgCl2 0.328 1 hour or more

C-2 Mg(NO3)2 0.529 1 hour or more

C-3 NaCl 0.753 2 hours or more

C-4 NH4H2PO4 0.930 2 hours or more

Replace the sensor

Replace the sensor when a dialog box, "The sensor should be replaced." (see page 40), appears

on the Aw calibration screen.

Replace the sensor, including the sensor board. The replacement sensor board is sold as an

optional accessory (see page 47). It is recommended that the packing be replaced at the time of

replacing the sensor (see page 31). Use the new packing included in the replacement sensor

board.

After replace the sensor and packing, confirm the contact condition of the packing, perform

temperature calibration and calibration (see page 32).

A thermometer for calibration is needed for calibrating the temperature. It is recommended that

the standard bar thermometer be used with the inspection report.

(1) Replace with new sensor

1) Turn the power of the water activity meter OFF.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

2) Open the top lid and remove grease adhered to the packing of the sample chamber resin.

3) Turn the sample chamber resin counterclockwise, and remove the sensor board from the top

lid (putting on rubber gloves will make it easy if it cannot be turned with bare hands).

4) Pull the sensor board towards you.

Caution
If the cable connected to the board is subjected to a load, such as pulling or twisting, the cable

may be broken.

Caution
Be careful not to apply strong impact on the sensor.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

5) Remove the cables from the sensor board. Pull the cables in the B direction with pressing

the A part of the connector.

6) Insert the cables into the new board. Insert the connector in the C direction until it clicks.

7) Fit the connector part with the sensor board rotation preventive groove and fix the sensor

board to the top lid securely.

Sensor board rotation

preventive groove

Make sure to calibrate the temperature and the Aw after replacing the sensor.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

(2) Replace the packing

Replace the packing if deterioration, such as scratches, damage, discoloration, deformation or

hardening, is found on the packing. The replacement packing is sold as an optional accessory

(see page 47).

1) Remove the deteriorated packing (if it cannot be removed with hands, using tweezers helps

remove it).

2) Clean the groove where the packing is attached using waste cloth, and make sure that no

dirt or dirt is left.

3) Check that no dirt or dust is left on the packing.

4) Apply plenty of grease on the groove side of the packing to attach the packing.

5) Push the packing on the grooves side with the fingers as a whole and fix it securely.

(3) Check the contact condition of packing

Check the contact condition of packing not only after replacing packing but as routine

maintenance.

1) Remove grease and dirt on the packing and the bottom of the sample chamber that

contacts the packing with a waste cloth

2) Apply a small amount of grease to the packing.

3) Close the top lid slowly with both hands (do not press downwards), if the trace of grease has

a uniform width on the bottom of the sample chamber, the contact is normal. If there is an

abnormality, check again whether the sensor board and packing are securely fixed. If

abnormality cannot be corrected, check with the contact details (see page 47) because

inspection is necessary.

4) If packing contact is normal, apply normal amount of grease. The property quantity of

grease is 0.1 g (the one cutting with the small medicine spoonful of the attachment). Closes

and press the top lid, then recognize the grease stuck on bottom of the sample chamber. The

state that the 2-3 mm width stuck is suitable.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

(4) Calibrate the temperature (after replacing the sensor)

Make sure that the sensor board is fixed securely and confirm there is no abnormality in

packing.

Calibrate should be done under the condition at 24.0 ~ 26.0ºC.

Calibrate the temperature without applying the sensor protection filter (optional).

1) Place the water activity meter in a location

where temperature fluctuation is small to

stabilize the temperature of the water activity

meter.

* It is recommended that the water activity meter

be placed in a thermostat.

2) Turn the power ON and let the device warm up

for 30 minutes with the top lid of the water

activity meter opened. Place a thermometer for

calibration beside the water activity meter (do

not place it near the outlet of the fan).

3) When the warm up is completed, touch the [Temp. cal.] button on the maintenance screen

to move to the temperature calibration screen.

4) When the numerical value of the calibration thermometer is touched, the numeric keypad

input screen is displayed and you can change the numerical value within the range of 24.0 to

26.0.

5) Enter the temperature indicated by the calibration thermometer.

6) Check that temperature of "Panel display" and the temperature indicated by the

thermometer become the same (±0.1℃), and leave it to stand as is for 10 minutes.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

7 ) Confirm that the temperatures indicated by "Panel display" and the temperature indicated

become the same. The calibration is completed if the temperature difference is within

±0.1ºC.

＜Temperature calibration screen＞

If the temperature difference is ±0.2ºC or greater, calibrate the temperature again from step

4). If the temperature difference does not become within ±0.1ºC even after steps 4) to 7 are

carried out three times, it is suspected that the temperature changes of the environment are

large. Take measures such as shielding the water activity meter and the thermometer that

becomes the standard with wind protection, or turn the power of the air conditioner off

temporarily.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

(3) Calibrate the Aw (after replacing the sensor)

After replacing the sensor, make sure to perform Aw calibration after calibrating the

temperature. Calibrate the Aw without applying the sensor protection filter (optional).

1) Clear the "Initial" voltage value displayed on the Aw calibration screen. A dialog box, "Clear

initial” should be operated only in the cal. after replacing the sensor. Is it OK if the initial

values are reset?", appears by touching the "Clear initial" button. Touch the [OK] button to

clear the "Initial" voltage value.

2) Calibrate four points by the same method as the Aw calibration for daily maintenance (see

page 25). In the calibration after clearing the initial, the same voltage value is recorded in

"Initial" and "Current."

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Remove dust and dirt accumulated in the inlet air filter

Frequently remove dust and dirt accumulated in the inlet air filter located in the bottom of the

water activity meter. Take out the inlet air filter and wash it in water regularly. Turn the power of

the water activity meter OFF when taking out the inlet air filter. Dry the filter with air sufficiently,

and attach it again.

How to Clean Exterior and Touch Panel

Turn the power switch OFF before cleaning the exterior and the touch panel. Wring out a waste

cloth dampened with water or neutral detergent diluted with water to wipe off dirt.

Caution
Avoid using thinner, organic solvents, strongly acidic substances, and other substances for

cleaning.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Dialog boxes
This water activity meter is designed to display various dialog boxes.

From this section, dialog boxes other than those described above are explained.

<Measurement screen>
(1) "History memory has been exhausted. The oldest data will be deleted. Is that OK?"

This dialog box appears when you touch the [START] button while 100 history data sets are

saved. Touch the [OK] button to take measurement. The oldest data set is deleted when the

measurement is completed, and the new data set is recorded.

If not deleting the history data, this dialog box appears every time you touch the [START]

button. Once the history data are deleted, this dialog box does not appear until the number of

history data sets reaches 100.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

(2) "Aw cal. should be done in the maintenance screen."

This dialog box appears when you move to the measurement screen without calibrating the

Aw and touch the [START] button after carrying out "Clear initial" on the Aw calibration screen.

Calibrate the Aw (calibrate four points) on the maintenance screen. Touch the [OK] button to

close this dialog box.

History screen / Graph display screen

(3) "The USB flash drive is not inserted."

This dialog appears when you touch the [Save] button without inserting the USB flash drive.

Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port before touching the [Save] button. Touch the [OK]

button to close this dialog box.

Caution
In the USB port, USB flash derive is for exclusive use. Do not be connected to the PCs with a USB

cable.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

(4) "Writing error."

This dialog box appears if a writing error occurs when saving the data in the USB flash drive.

Make sure that the USB flash drive has space, insert the USB flash drive again, and touch the

[Save] button. If the same dialog box appears, use a different USB flash drive. Touch the [OK]

button to close this dialog box.

(5) "USB flash drive error."

This dialog box appears if an error other than (3) or (4) occurs when saving the data in the USB

flash drive. For example, this window appears when the USB flash drive is removed from the

USB port before saving is completed. Reinsert the USB flash drive, and touch the [Save] button

again. If the same dialog box appears, use a different USB flash drive. Touch the [OK] button to

close this dialog box.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Aw calibration screen
(6) "Cal. should be done under the condition at 24.0～26.0ºC in the sample chamber."

This dialog box appears if the temperature is not between 24.0 and 26.0ºC when you touched

the [START] button.

Set the temperature in the sample chamber between 24.0 and 26.0ºC, and then take the

measurement again. Touch the [OK] button to close this dialog box.

（7）"Humidity in the sample chamber is not stabilized. It should be stabilized before

restarting."

This dialog box appears when the voltage value detected during the measurement changes

more than a certain value. Extend the time to leave it to stand as is, and take the measurement

again, since the humidity (Aw) in the sample chamber may not be stabilized. Touch the [OK]

button to close this dialog box.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

(8) "Check if the button is right for the cal. solution."

This dialog box appears if there is more than a given difference between the measured voltage

value and the initial voltage value when you touch any of the [C-1 0.328], the [C-2 0.529], the

[C-3 0.753], or the [C-4 0.930] button. This screen allows you to check whether the touched

calibration button corresponds to the measured saturated salt solution.

Touch the [OK] button to close this dialog box.

(9) "Check the condition of packing."

This dialog box appears when touching the same calibration button again after touching the

[OK] button in (8). This window also appears if there is a given range of difference between the

measured voltage value and the initial voltage value regardless of the above.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

(10) "Check the condition of packing."

"The sensor should be replaced."

"The packing should be put right before restarting."

A dialog box, "Check the condition of packing.", appears in order to determine whether the

sensor needs to be replaced or not. Confirm there is no abnormality in packing. If no

abnormality is found in the packing, a dialog box, "The sensor should be replaced.", appears

(see page 28 for replacing the sensor). If an abnormality is found in the packing, a dialog box,

"The packing should be put right before restarting.", appears. Take the measurement again

after the packing put right. Touch the [OK] button to close this dialog box.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

(11) "Aw cal. should be done."

This dialog box appears when touching the [Back] button without calibrating the Aw after

carrying out "Clear initial" (see page 34). The Aw cannot be measured without calibrating the

Aw.

This window also appears when touching any of the [C-1 0.328], the [C-2 0.529], the [C-3

0.753], or the [C-4 0.930] calibration button without measuring the saturated salt solution.

Touch the calibration button after measuring the saturated salt solution.

Touch the [OK] button to close this dialog box.

(12) "Calibration is not completed."

This dialog box appears when touching any of the [C-1 0.328], the [C-2 0.529], the [C-3 0.753],

or the [C-4 0.930] calibration button while stopping measurement of the saturated salt by

touching the [STOP] button.

Touch the calibration button after measuring the saturated salt solution.

Touch the [OK] button to close this dialog box.

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Alarm Display
The measurement screen or the Aw calibration screen displays "Measurement Completed" when
the measurement is competed normally. If, however, any error occurs, an alarm listed in the
following table is displayed.
Alarm
Err. Change of temp.
(Normal ±1.0ºC)
Over measurement time
Err. Environmental temp.
(Normal 15～35ºC)
WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200
Contents of abnormality
and action after the occurrence of the alarm
It is in a state where a temperature change that exceeds ±1.0ºC
is found after taking the measurement and the measurement is
suspended. Check the following items:
- Whether the water activity meter is placed in a location where
the temperature change is small.
- Whether the temperature of the water activity meter is stable.
- Whether the time for warming up is sufficiently secured.
- Whether the temperature of the sample is the same as that of
the water activity meter (within ±1.0ºC)
Measurement time exceeds 30 minutes, measurement is
stopped. Check the following items.
·- Whether the water activity meter is placed in a location where
the temperature change is small.
- Whether the temperature of the water activity meter is stable.
- Whether the time for warming up is sufficiently secured.
- Whether the temperature of the sample is the same as that of
the water activity meter (within ±1.0ºC)
- Whether the packing is normal.
It is in a state where the measurement cannot be taken or the
measurement is suspended because the temperature is not
within 15 to 35ºC. Adjust the temperature of the environment, or
move the water activity meter to a location where the
temperature is between 15 and 35ºC. Take the measurement
again after the temperature of the water activity meter becomes
stable.
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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200
It is in a state where the measurement cannot be taken or the
measurement is suspended because the Aw is not within 0.10 to
0.98. The former case may occur because the inside of the
sample chamber is dried excessively by using silica gel. In this
Err. Meas. Range
case, place the sample in the sample chamber and touch the
(Normal 0.10～0.98 Aw) [START] button after the Aw indicates 0.10 or greater. If there is
no problem with the drying method, the measurement cannot
be taken because the Aw of the sample is out of the
measurement range.
It is in a state where the temperature is not within 24.0 to 26.0ºC
on the Aw calibration screen after the measurement is taken, and
Err. Cal. temp.
the measurement is suspended.
(Normal 24.0～26.0ºC) Take the measurement again under an environment where the
temperature of the sample chamber is between 24.0 and 26.0ºC.
It is in a state where the measurement cannot be taken because
the sensor board and the cable are not connected, or the cable is
Sensors are not broken. Make sure that the connector of the cable is inserted
securely. If the screen displays the same alarm again, the cable
connected.
may be broken. Repair is needed. See page 47 for contact details
and contact us.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

How to Attach
the Sensor Protection Filter
Acid gas causes deterioration of the sensor. Use of the sensor protection filter is recommended if

the sensor is deteriorated significantly. The sensor protection filter is sold as an optional

accessory (see page 47).

1) Prepare one sheet of the sensor protection filter.

2) Open the top lid of the water activity meter to attach the filter to the sensor as shown in the

pictures below (using tweezers helps in attaching it. The power switch can be ON or OFF.):

Caution
Be careful not to apply strong impact on the sensor.

3) Set the Meas. mode to "Sensor protection filter" (see page 11) to measure the sample. When

the sensor protection filter is attached, the measurement time becomes longer than when the

filter is not attached.

Refer to “How to dry inside the sample chamber using silica gel”(see page 17) for drying

conditions after measurement

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Product Specifications
Product name Water Activity Meter

Model EZ-200

Sensor Electrical resistance type

Measurement range 0.10～0.98Aw*1

Measurement accuracy ±0.01Aw（25±0.3℃）

Measurement time On average 10 minutes/sample*2

Calibration 4 points（0.33、0.53、0.75、0.93Aw） 25℃

AKA-24016（ATS040T-A240）

AC adapter Input：100-240V 50-60Hz

Output：DC24V

Main unit rating DC24V 0.65A

Dimensions 165(W)×130(H)×270(D)mm

Weight 4.3kg

Power adapter, sample containers (5), reagent of

Accessories saturated salt solution for calibration (4 types)*3,

silica gel*4, grease, dispensing spoon, pipette

*1: When the third decimal point is "rounded."
*2: When the sensor protection filter is not attached
*3, *4: With matching container

If any reagent of saturated salt solution for calibration finished up, purchase the
guaranteed Reagent.

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 WATER ACTIVITY METER EZ-200

Optional accessories
Sample container 10 units

Sensor protection filter 10 sheets

Inlet air filter 2 units

Replacement packing 2 units

Grease 50 g

Replacement sensor board

(with packing, grease and saturated salt solution 1 set

for calibration)

Contact Details
http://www.freund.co.jp/english/

Sales Division, Tokyo Head Office:

FREUND Bldg., 6-25-13 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
TEL +81-3-6890-0826 FAX +81-3-6890-0875
May 2019

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