TRI Electronics Gold Testers - Special User Instructions

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE

These special instructions are the result of both TRI Electronics and Users' experience with the Gold Tester and are offered as additional information to new purchasers and users of our products.

FIRST READING - The machine is not infallible and from time to time, for a variety of reasons, you may get a reading, high or low, which is inconsistent with your understanding of the expected karatage.

ALWAYS make additional readings in other locations on the jewelry with special attention to cleaning and gel dispersal to verify unusual readings.

FINE GOLD - Very fine (thin) chains are very susceptible to crushing by the dispenser. Always avoid pressing the dispenser against the chain when testing fine gold chains while assuring gel contact. Two of three tests are recommended.

AIR GAP - Occasionally an air bubble will make its way to the tip of the dispenser causing a low or not gold reading. Retest when the result is suspect.

CLEAN TIP - If the tester has not been used recently, then clean the tip with the plastic cleaner provided by inserting the tip into the nozzle end of the sensor to remove any dried or used gel in the sensor tip. Accumulated dried gel will clog the sensor tip and cause the gel to bypass the plunger in the gel cartridge. If gel drops are not dispensed by rotating the twist cap immediately, clean the sensor using TRI Electronics SC-10 Cleaner Accessory Kit available from your Authorized Distributor or TRI Electronics. To avoid clogging it is good practice to clean the sensor each time the gel cartridge is replaced using the SC- 10 Cleaner Kit.

SOLDER/HEAVY CASTINGS - Solder joints and certain spots on heavy castings may give erroneous readings due to the solder composition or non-homogeneous gold. Retest new area if result is suspect.

ITALIAN GOLD - Many Italian gold chains and necklaces are coated with a wax like material. If the readings are suspect, clean area to be tested by heavy erasing, or with a drop of nitric acid. If the karat value increases with heavy erasure, you may be sure the gold is coated. In all cases, nitric acid has removed the coating.

SKIN OILS - In heavily worn/used pieces, clean the testing item thoroughly with the eraser or non-acetone nail polish remover.

PLATED GOLD - Often a pin prick or small scratch on suspected plated pieces is sufficient to allow gel penetration to the base material.