YSI Pro20 / Pro20i Review & Complete Reference (2026): Dissolved Oxygen & Temperature Meter

Source: YSI Pro20/Pro20i User Manual Document #605597 Rev C (September 2016) • IP67 • 3-year instrument warranty

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L, %, ppm) • Temperature • Internal barometer • One Touch Calibration • 50-point data log • 400-hour battery life • Polarographic or galvanic sensor

YSI Pro20 dissolved oxygen meter being used at a wastewater aeration basin — field monitoring in an activated sludge process Operator holding YSI Pro20 with cable probe submerged in aeration basin at municipal wastewater treatment plant
Verdict: The Field Standard for Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring
The YSI Pro20 has been the reference instrument for dissolved oxygen measurement in environmental monitoring, wastewater treatment, aquaculture, and industrial process control for decades. The design is deliberately straightforward: IP67-rated body, a six-button keypad, and a single-key One Touch Calibration that eliminates the most common source of field measurement error. The internal barometer is what separates it from lesser DO meters — altitude compensation happens automatically rather than requiring operator lookup tables. The polarographic vs galvanic sensor choice is the key decision point, and it is often misunderstood. This reference covers everything from first power-on through electrode resurfacing.
YSI Pro20 Dissolved Oxygen & Temperature Meter
IP67 • One Touch Cal • Internal barometer • 50-point log • 400-hr battery • 3-year warranty. Pro20 (field cable) and Pro20i (integral cable) configurations available.
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DO Range
0–50 mg/L • 0–500% sat
DO Accuracy
±2% of reading or ±0.2 mg/L
Temp Range
−5 to 55°C (±0.3°C)
Barometer
400–999.9 mmHg (±5 mmHg)
Data Log
50 data sets (non-volatile)
Battery Life
400 hours (2×C alkaline, no backlight)
IP Rating
IP67 Waterproof
Sensor Options
Polarographic (#2003) or Galvanic (#2002)
Calibration
One Touch (air sat.) or manual %/mg/L
Cable options
1, 4, 10, 20, 30, 100 m (Pro20)
Instrument warranty
3 years
Polaro sensor warranty
1 year

Pro20 vs Pro20i — Which Configuration to Buy

FeaturePro20 (6050020)Pro20i
Cable typeReplaceable field cable — user-swappableIntegral (built-in) cable — fixed length
Available cable lengths1, 4, 10, 20, 30, and up to 100 m1 m (607120-1), 4 m (607120-4), 10 m (607120-10)
BOD probe compatibilityYes — ProBOD self-stirring assembly (605780)No
Instrument bodySame IP67 bodySame IP67 body
Sensor interchangeabilityYes — polarographic or galvanicYes — polarographic or galvanic
Best forVariable depth deployment; ProBOD BOD testing; multi-site useSingle-depth routine monitoring; simpler setup; lower cost

Polarographic vs Galvanic Sensor — The Most Important Decision

Both sensor types measure dissolved oxygen by electrochemical reduction at a cathode through a semi-permeable membrane. The difference is in electrode chemistry, warm-up requirements, consumable life, and warranty coverage.

POLAROGRAPHIC vs GALVANIC — COMPLETE COMPARISON
Polarographic — Model 2003 (Black)
Part #605203 (includes 5908 membrane kit)
Anode: Silver • Cathode: Gold
Electrolyte: KCl (white label)
Warm-up required: 5–15 minutes
Applied voltage required: Yes
Membrane change interval: Every 30 days
Sensor warranty: 1 year
Sensor lifespan: Longer
Best for: Scheduled compliance monitoring, lab use, infrequent field use
Galvanic — Model 2002 (Grey)
Part #605202 (includes 5913 membrane kit)
Anode: Zinc • Cathode: Silver
Electrolyte: NaCl (blue label)
No warm-up — instant-on
Applied voltage required: No (self-generating)
Membrane change interval: Every 60 days
Sensor warranty: 6 months
Sensor lifespan: Shorter (zinc consumes continuously)
Best for: Daily field monitoring, aeration basins, rapid spot-checks
Critical note: Galvanic sensors consume zinc continuously even when the display is off. Never leave a galvanic sensor installed and inactive for extended periods — the zinc anode depletes even without active measurement.
Sensor type must be configured before first use. The System Setup menu Sensor Type setting MUST match the sensor installed. Configuring polarographic when a galvanic sensor is installed (or vice versa) can permanently damage the sensor and voids the warranty. The instrument steps you through this on first power-on, but verify after any sensor change.

Keypad Reference

#KeyShort Press / Single PressHold 3 Seconds
1CalibrateOpens Calibrate menu (when One Touch Cal is disabled)Initiates One Touch Calibration (when One Touch Cal is enabled)
2Up ArrowNavigate menus; navigate Run screen bottom boxes; increase numerical inputs
3Power / BacklightFirst press: power on. Second press: backlight on. Third press: backlight off.Power off (from any screen)
4MenuEnter System Setup menu from Run screenAlternate contrast adjustment (hold + Up/Down arrow)
5EnterConfirm selections and entries
6Down ArrowNavigate menus; decrease numerical inputs
Backlight auto-off: turns off after 2 minutes of no key press, or when pressed a third time. Battery life without backlight: ~400 hours. With backlight on continuously: significantly shorter.

First Power-On — Initial Configuration

The Pro20 steps through three selections the first time it is powered on. These must be set correctly before any measurement.

1

Select Language

English, Spanish, German, or French. Note: the bottom-of-screen function boxes always display in English regardless of language selection.

2

Select Sensor Type — Polaro (black) or Galvanic (grey)

Match to the physical sensor installed. This is the most critical setup step — incorrect selection can damage the sensor. Confirm by the sensor body color and the model number engraved on it: 2003 = polarographic (black), 2002 = galvanic (grey).

3

Select Membrane Type — 1.25 mil PE (Yellow) or 2.0 mil PE (Blue)

Match to the membrane cap color installed on the sensor. Yellow cap = 1.25 mil PE (faster response, more flow-dependent). Blue cap = 2.0 mil PE (slower response, less flow-dependent).

Membrane Type Selection — Performance Trade-Offs

MembraneColorThicknessFlow Dependence (4 min)Min Sample MovementT-95 Response
5908 / 5913 (Yellow)Yellow cap1.25 mil PE25%6 in/sec (15 cm/sec)~8 seconds
5909 / 5914 (Blue)Blue cap2.0 mil PE18%3 in/sec (8 cm/sec)~17 seconds
5908/5909 = polarographic membrane kits. 5913/5914 = galvanic membrane kits. T-95 response = time to reach 95% of final reading. Flow dependence = accuracy degradation if the probe is not moving through the sample at minimum speed.
Choosing a membrane: Use the 1.25 mil yellow membrane when response time matters and you can maintain adequate sample movement (probes in flowing streams, aeration basins with mixers). Use the 2.0 mil blue membrane when sample movement is limited or unpredictable (stagnant ponds, tank profiles, slow-moving streams) — the reduced flow dependence prevents underreading in still water.

Barometer Calibration — Do This Before DO Calibration

The Pro20’s internal barometer is factory-calibrated and accurate for most conditions. However, altitude, temperature changes, and time may require recalibration. Barometer calibration must be performed before any dissolved oxygen calibration because percent DO calibration uses the barometer value as its reference.

Do not use weather service barometric pressure. Weather service readings are corrected to sea level and will produce systematic DO errors if used directly. Use true (uncorrected) barometric pressure from a laboratory barometer. If only sea-level corrected pressure is available, use this formula:

True BP = Corrected BP − (2.5 × Local Altitude in ft ÷ 100)

Example at 500 ft elevation with 1013 mbar (corrected): True BP = 1013 − (2.5 × 5) = 1013 − 12.5 = 1000.5 mbar (750.4 mmHg)
1

From Run screen: highlight Barometer box (bottom row) — press Enter

The barometer box shows the current barometric pressure reading.

2

Use Up/Down arrows to adjust to true local barometric pressure — press Enter to save

Hold Up or Down arrow to change value rapidly. The instrument will not allow large adjustments far from its measured value — this is a built-in safeguard.

One Touch Calibration — Primary DO Calibration Method

One Touch Calibration (the default, enabled in System Setup) is the fastest and most reliable DO calibration method. It calibrates to air saturation using the moist calibration sleeve — no buffer solutions or sample titration required.

1

Moisten the sponge in the grey calibration/storage sleeve — install over sensor guard

The sponge must be moist but NOT have standing water that could contact the membrane. If water droplets get on the membrane, remove the sleeve, dry the membrane, and restart. The goal is 100% relative humidity air surrounding the membrane, not liquid water contact.

2

Wait 5–15 min (polarographic) or 5–10 min (galvanic) for chamber to saturate and sensor to stabilize

Set Auto Shutoff to Off or at least 20 minutes before starting. A polarographic sensor that has just been powered on requires the full 5–15 minutes for the applied voltage to equilibrate. Do not try to shorten this — premature calibration is the leading cause of calibration failures and DO reading errors.

3

Verify barometer reading is accurate

Recalibrate barometer if needed before proceeding.

4

Press and hold Calibrate key for 3 seconds

Display shows “Calibrating %DO.” The Pro20 automatically calibrates to the barometer and salinity compensation values. Takes up to 2 minutes. “Calibration Successful” confirms completion.

One calibration covers all DO units. Calibrating in % simultaneously calibrates mg/L and ppm. There is no need to calibrate separately in each unit. YSI recommends calibrating in % for both ease and accuracy.

DO Local% — Altitude and Barometric Pressure Mode

DO Local% changes how the percent saturation value is calculated and displayed. With DO Local% off (default), the calibration value decreases with altitude — at 841 ft elevation (737 mmHg), you calibrate to 96.97%, not 100%. With DO Local% on, the calibration value is always 100% but the barometric pressure correction is applied to each individual measurement instead.

Both modes produce identical mg/L readings. The difference is only in how %DO is expressed. Enable DO Local% when your application needs a 100% calibration setpoint for documentation or QC, or when comparing samples collected at the same altitude.

Taking Measurements — Field Procedure

1

Calibrate before measuring — allow 5–15 min warm-up for polarographic sensors

A galvanic sensor is instant-on; a polarographic sensor requires the warm-up period from first power-on.

2

Install sensor guard — place probe in sample — give probe a quick shake to release air bubbles

Bubbles on the membrane produce falsely low readings. A quick shake at initial immersion clears them.

3

Maintain minimum sample movement: 6 in/sec (yellow membrane) or 3 in/sec (blue membrane)

Both membrane types are flow-dependent. In still water, the sensor depletes oxygen at its tip faster than natural diffusion can replenish it, causing readings to slowly drift down. Move the probe continuously through the sample, or allow the sample to stir around it. In flowing streams, orient the sensor perpendicular to the current — not facing into the flow.

4

Allow temperature to stabilize — then stir until DO value plateaus — record or save

Temperature stabilization is required for accurate ATC. Once temperature is stable and DO has plateaued, use Down/Up arrow to highlight SAVE on the Run screen and press Enter to store the reading.

Aeration basin measurements: Bubbles bursting on the membrane cause unstable, erratic DO readings in aeration tanks. To prevent this, orient the sensor upward (facing skyward) and curve the cable so the probe hangs with the membrane facing up. Bubbles travel up and away from the membrane surface rather than bursting on it.

Salinity Compensation

The Pro20 applies a user-entered salinity value (0.0–70.0 ppt) to compensate dissolved oxygen mg/L values for salt content. Higher salinity reduces DO solubility — saltwater holds less dissolved oxygen than fresh water at the same temperature. The factory default is 0.0 ppt (fresh water).

Adjust the salinity compensation value on the Run screen (highlight Salinity box, press Enter, adjust with Up/Down, press Enter to save) to match the salinity of your sample. The salinity compensation can be adjusted at any time without recalibration.

Data Logging — 50-Point Memory

FunctionProcedure
Save a readingFrom Run screen, highlight SAVE box (bottom row), press Enter. Data set number confirms storage. “Memory Full” displays if all 50 sets are saved.
View saved dataHighlight DATA box, press Enter to enter Data mode. Use Up/Down arrows to scroll through data sets 01–50. Press Enter to access erase functions.
Erase one data setIn Data mode, press Enter → highlight Erase → press Enter → highlight Erase Data Set → press Enter. Remaining data sets renumber sequentially.
Erase all data setsIn Data mode, press Enter → highlight Erase → Erase All Sets → Enter. Clears all 50 records.
Exit Data modePress Enter → highlight ESC-Exit → press Enter to return to Run screen.
Data is stored in non-volatile memory and retained through power-off cycles and battery changes. A Factory Reset does NOT erase saved data.

System Setup Menu — Complete Parameter Reference

ParameterOptionsDefaultNotes
Sensor TypePolaro (black) / Galvanic (grey)Last confirmed settingMust match sensor installed. Incorrect setting can damage sensor.
Membrane Type1.25 mil (Yellow) / 2.0 mil (Blue)Last confirmed settingMust match membrane installed. Incorrect setting causes inaccurate readings.
One Touch CalEnabled / DisabledEnabledWhen enabled: hold Cal key 3 sec to calibrate. When disabled: manual % or mg/L calibration from Cal menu.
DO Local%Enabled / DisabledDisabledEnabled: always calibrates to 100% at any altitude. Disabled: calibration value decreases with altitude/lower barometric pressure.
DO Unitsmg/L, ppm, %mg/L and %Multiple units can display simultaneously. mg/L and ppm are equivalent.
Temperature Units°C / °F°COnly one unit at a time.
Pressure UnitsmmHg, inHg, mbar, psi, kPammHgOnly one unit at a time. Used for barometer display.
LDS (Last Digit Suppression)Enabled / DisabledDisabledWhen enabled: rounds DO to nearest tenth (e.g., 8.25 → 8.3 mg/L). Auto-disabled during calibration.
Auto Stable0.0–1.9% DO change over 3–19 secOff (0.0% change, 10 sec)When enabled: AS symbol blinks during stabilization, displays steadily + 2 beeps when stable. Disable by setting DO% Change to 0.0.
AudioEnabled / DisabledEnabledWhen enabled: beeps on key press and double-beeps on Auto Stable confirmation.
ContrastAdjustableMid rangeUp arrow = darker. Down arrow = lighter. Alternate: hold Menu key + Up/Down arrows from any screen.
Auto Shutoff0–60 minutes30 minutesSet to 0 to disable. Disable or set to ≥20 min before calibration to prevent instrument shutoff during warm-up.
LanguageEnglish, Spanish, German, FrenchEnglishBottom-of-screen function box labels always display in English regardless of language setting.
Reset to Factory DefaultYes / NoNoResets all settings to defaults. Does NOT erase saved data. Requires barometer and DO recalibration after reset.

Electrode Maintenance — Membrane & Electrolyte

Membrane Replacement Procedure (Both Sensor Types)

1

Remove sensor guard — remove old membrane cap by unscrewing counterclockwise

Hold the sensor body with one hand while unscrewing the membrane cap with the other. Discard the used cap and electrolyte.

2

Rinse sensor tip with distilled or deionized water

Remove any electrolyte residue from the electrode surface.

3

Prepare electrolyte solution per bottle instructions — allow to sit 1 hour before use

Allowing the mixed solution to rest for 1 hour releases dissolved air that would otherwise form bubbles under the new membrane, which would require another membrane change. KCl = polarographic. NaCl = galvanic. Do NOT interchange electrolytes between sensor types.

4

Fill new membrane cap 3/4 full with electrolyte — tap to release bubbles — do NOT touch the membrane

Even fingerprints on the membrane surface can affect its permeability. Handle the cap by the sides only.

5

Thread cap onto sensor — finger tight — do NOT use tools

Some electrolyte overflow is normal. Replace sensor guard. For best results, allow the new membrane to equilibrate overnight before calibrating.

Electrode Resurfacing — When and How

Resurfacing is not routine maintenance. Do not sand the electrodes every membrane change. Only resurface if the sensor fails to stabilize or calibrate after a fresh membrane installation. Visual tarnish alone does not require sanding — the sensor may still perform accurately.

Gold cathode (polarographic sensors only): Wet the 400-grit sanding disc provided and place face-up in palm. Hold sensor vertically, tip down, and place on the disc. Twist 3–4 times in a circular motion — goal is a matte finish indicating the build-up has been removed. Rinse thoroughly before installing a new membrane.

Silver anode (both sensor types): Two options:

Sensor Storage

Storage DurationMethodNotes
Short-term (<30 days)Grey calibration/storage sleeve with moist sponge over sensor guardKeep sponge moist with tap water. Creates humid air environment — sensor should NOT be submerged in water.
Long-term (>30 days)Remove membrane cap, rinse sensor, air-dry completely, install a DRY protective capDO NOT leave the electrolyte-filled membrane on during long-term storage. Rinse, dry, cap with a clean dry cap. Long-term storage temperature: −5 to 70°C.
Return to serviceInstall new membrane with fresh electrolyte, allow overnight equilibration, recalibrateConditioning a sensor that was stored dry is essential before accurate measurement.

Troubleshooting Reference

SymptomLikely CauseResolution
Calibration fails — "Calibration Over," "Calibration Under," or "Unstable Reading"Multiple possible causes1. Verify barometer reading. 2. Verify correct Sensor Type and Membrane Type in System Setup. 3. Ensure calibration sleeve sponge is moist (not dry, not dripping). 4. Ensure adequate sample movement for mg/L or ppm calibration. 5. Allow full stabilization time; wait ≥3 seconds before confirming. 6. Replace membrane and electrolyte. 7. Clean electrodes. 8. Return for service.
Instrument will not turn on / battery symbol / "Critical Shutdown"Low or incorrectly installed batteries1. Replace both C-cell alkaline batteries. 2. Check polarity alignment. 3. Return for service if batteries are correct.
Barometer reads Over/Under — DO/Temp display Over/Undr — Cal key gives barometric pressure errorBarometer hardware failureReturn system for service — barometer cannot be recalibrated past this point.
Inaccurate readingsMultiple possible causes1. Verify Sensor Type and Membrane Type settings. 2. Recalibrate; check barometer and salinity. 3. Verify temperature readings are accurate. 4. Sample temperature above 45°C exceeds ATC range. 5. Calibration sleeve was not 100% humidity during calibration — remoisten and recalibrate. 6. Replace membrane and electrolyte. 7. Clean electrodes. 8. Return for service.
DO displays "Over" or "Undr"Out-of-range reading or configuration error1. Verify Sensor Type and Membrane Type settings. 2. For polarographic: allow 5–15 min warm-up. 3. Sample DO is above 50 mg/L (500%) or below −0.02 mg/L. 4. Verify barometer and salinity; recalibrate. 5. Replace membrane; recalibrate. 6. Clean electrodes. 7. Return for service.
Temperature displays "Over" or "Undr"Sample temperature out of rangeSample temperature below −5°C or above +55°C. Bring sample within operating range. If temperature is within range, return for service.
DO reading drifts downward in still waterInsufficient sample movement — sensor depleting O₂ at membraneIncrease probe movement to minimum 6 in/sec (yellow membrane) or 3 in/sec (blue membrane). Consider switching to the 2.0 mil blue membrane for lower flow dependence.
Unstable, erratic readings in aeration basinAir bubbles bursting on membraneOrient sensor upward (facing skyward); curve cable so probe hangs with membrane facing up. Bubbles travel up and away from the membrane rather than bursting on it.

Factory Default Reset Values

ParameterAfter Reset
Temperature Units°C
Dissolved Oxygen Unitsmg/L and %
Pressure UnitsmmHg
Sensor TypeLast setting confirmed — does NOT reset. Verify after reset.
Membrane TypeLast setting confirmed — does NOT reset. Verify after reset.
Salinity Compensation0.0 ppt
DO Local%Off
One Touch CalOn
Display ContrastMid range
Auto Shutoff30 minutes
Auto StableOff (0.0% change, 10 sec)
LDSOff
AudioOn
LanguageEnglish
DO CalibrationReset to factory default — recalibrate immediately after reset
Barometer CalibrationReset to factory default — recalibrate barometer immediately after reset
Saved dataNOT affected by factory reset

Specifications

ParameterRangeResolutionAccuracy
Temperature−5 to 55°C / 23 to 113°F0.1°C / 0.1°F±0.3°C / ±0.6°F
DO (% saturation, 0–200%)0–200% air sat.1% or 0.1% (user selectable)±2% of reading or ±2% air saturation, whichever greater
DO (% saturation, 200–500%)200–500% air sat.1% or 0.1% (user selectable)±6% of reading
DO (mg/L, 0–20 mg/L)0–20 mg/L0.1 or 0.01 mg/L (user selectable)±2% of reading or ±0.2 mg/L, whichever greater
DO (mg/L, 20–50 mg/L)20–50 mg/L0.1 or 0.01 mg/L (user selectable)±6% of reading
Barometer400–999.9 mmHg0.1 mmHg±5 mmHg within 5°C of calibration temp*
*At operating temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C, the barometer must be recalibrated to maintain accuracy specification. ATC range: −5 to 45°C.

Part Numbers & Accessories Reference

Part NumberDescription
6050020Pro20 instrument (field cable sold separately)
607120-1 / -4 / -10Pro20i with 1m / 4m / 10m integral cable (DO sensor sold separately)
607125Pro20i with 4m integral cable + polarographic DO sensor included
60520-1, -4, -10, -20, -30Field cables for Pro20 (1m through 30m)
605203Polarographic DO sensor (black, model 2003) — includes 5908 membrane kit
605202Galvanic DO sensor (grey, model 2002) — includes 5913 membrane kit
605780ProBOD self-stirring BOD sensor assembly (Pro20 only)
5908 / 6053061.25 mil PE membrane kit, 6-pack, polarographic (yellow cap)
5909 / 6053072.0 mil PE membrane kit, 6-pack, polarographic (blue cap)
5913 / 6059131.25 mil PE membrane kit, 6-pack, galvanic (yellow cap)
5914 / 6059142.0 mil PE membrane kit, 6-pack, galvanic (blue cap)
603074 / 603075Carrying case: hard-sided (603074) or soft-sided (603075)
601205O-ring grease
603070Shoulder strap

Warranty Summary

ComponentWarranty PeriodException
Pro20/Pro20i instrument3 years from end user purchase dateBatteries and battery damage excluded
Pro20/Pro20i cables2 years from end user purchase date
Polarographic sensors (2003)1 year from end user purchase date
Galvanic sensors (2002)6 months from end user purchase date
When purchased by rental agencies90 days (instrument, cables, and probes)
Warranty service: YSI Customer Service • 1725 Brannum Lane, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 • 1-800-897-4151 • ysi.com
YSI Pro20 / Pro20i — Dissolved Oxygen & Temperature Meter
IP67 • One Touch Cal • Internal barometer • 50-point log • 400-hr battery • 3-year warranty • Polarographic or galvanic sensor.
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