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New PH tester?

muskymojo

muskymojo

This is the tester I currently have: http://www.milwaukeetesters.com/pH55.html

It seemed to work fine while it worked, but it no longer calibrates like it should. It's most likely user error on my part, but I've always kept it clean and never let it dry out. I was thinking about getting a replacement probe for it, but they cost almost as much as a whole new tester.

Anyways, I'm thinking about upgrading instead of trying to fix the one I have, and looking for some input. I know there are several threads about ph testers, but times change (especially when it comes to technology). Any advice on a quality model would be greatly appreciated. It doesn't have to be a "pen" style tester either. I just want something that will last longer, and be reliable. I can spend up to $150.

Thanks!

MM



Oh, and any advice or guesses on how I ruined my current tester, and how to not do it again are also appreciated. :P
 
Good question MM.
I've been looking for a while and checking many reviews and was having a hell of a time deciding on one to buy.
It seems most of the cheaper models have a hard time holding calibration and being consistent. I didn't want to spend a couple hundy on one since I'll be using it for personal use. I ended up buying the Oakton Ecotester PH2. Seemed like a good product and would serve my needs. I paid right at $60 for including shipping from Amazon.
I also haven't received it yet but will let ya know after I have a chance to try it out.
 
buy used imo.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Denver-Instruments-pH-mV-T-meter-No-Reserve-/290835977568?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b72cd560

3 things you need.
detachable probe. BNC connector.
auto calibration from 2 or better yet three buffers.
manual ATC settings.
 
From what I understand they only last 2 years or so.

Here is what I have and love.
http://www.sperdirect.com/cgi-bin/item/850051/pH/-pH-Pen%3A-Large-Display-with-ATC
 
I'll be following this thread with interest as this is on my list to purchase this year. I love making sauce and giving it away, but I sure don't want to kill someone.
 
Thanks for the replies! I guess I should have mentioned I use it mostly for water, but also hot sauce, and to get a rough idea of soil ph by mixing soil samples with neutral ph water.

queequeg152 said:
buy used imo.
http://www.ebay.com/...=item43b72cd560

3 things you need.
detachable probe. BNC connector.
auto calibration from 2 or better yet three buffers.
manual ATC settings.
Click to expand...

Hey queequeg152,

I was hoping you would reply, because I know you know quite a bit about this sort of thing just from reading your posts. I'm with ya on the detachable probe, but have no idea what a BNC connector is, or ATC settings. I'm mechanically inclined, but completely lost when it comes to this sort of thing. Any more hints for a dummy would be great.

Thanks!
 
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?itemId=160562316004&index=3&nav=SEARCH&nid=59055292684

That's what I have used for the past 2 seasons and it works fine. Simple but accurate/able to be calibrated and comes with calibration mixes. For $10 you could buy 1 for each different purpose and still have money in your pocket.
 
muskymojo said:
Thanks for the replies! I guess I should have mentioned I use it mostly for water, but also hot sauce, and to get a rough idea of soil ph by mixing soil samples with neutral ph water.



Hey queequeg152,

I was hoping you would reply, because I know you know quite a bit about this sort of thing just from reading your posts. I'm with ya on the detachable probe, but have no idea what a BNC connector is, or ATC settings. I'm mechanically inclined, but completely lost when it comes to this sort of thing. Any more hints for a dummy would be great.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

bnc connectos are just little twist locks connectors. i think they use them in radio antennas and for some other signal stuff like tv. just google it you will recognize it immediately.
ATC is automatic temperature correction. some ph electrodes have a thermistor inside them and can read temperature along with ph... those electrodes cost a grip tho.
anyway a good ph meter will have manual atc, which means you can tell the ph meter to adjust the reading to the temperature of your sample manually
 
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