Help with Ec pen

Mrbignugs

Well-Known Member
Hi guys I received my Ec pen today it’s a grow gadgets budget Ec but I don’t understand the reading the one I used to have would just say 1.5 or whatever but this one I tested nutes and it gives a 3 digit number like 100 for instance anyone able to help thanks a lot in advance
 

Mrbignugs

Well-Known Member
Says here a reading of 1900 would be 1.9 Ec I get that but there is only 3 digits on the lcd screen so would only read to 999 which I’m guessing would be 0.9.9 Ec :wall: heads gone
 

Billy the Mountain

Well-Known Member
Hi guys I received my Ec pen today it’s a grow gadgets budget Ec but I don’t understand the reading the one I used to have would just say 1.5 or whatever but this one I tested nutes and it gives a 3 digit number like 100 for instance anyone able to help thanks a lot in advance
It's simply micro vs millisiemens

1EC can be represented as 1μS or 1000 mS
 

PJ Diaz

Well-Known Member
That’s just plain tap water 186ppm just don’t understand the ec pen
It shows a 10 factor on the display, so your 186ppm is measuring 0.29 EC, which is fairly close in measurement. A display of 150, with the 10-factor in the display, should be 1.5 EC. Make up a batch of 750 ppm, and see if it measures 150 on your EC meter.
 

Mrbignugs

Well-Known Member
The black one in pics that says EC says 147 so is that 1.47 EC because if so I get that if not what does it meen I did have an essentials one but cannot find it so bought this quick that one just displayed 1.4-1.5 an so on so If the 147 does actually mean 1.47 ec I get that
 

1212ham

Well-Known Member
Hard to say whats going on. It appears your grey TDS-3 is using the middle scale on the chart in post #4, that or one or both meters are not accurate. Also, why do the instructions for a TDS meter call it "Budget PH Meter"? :o

I suggest checking both meters with calibration solution. After buying calibration solution I threw my two cheap meters (including a TDS-3) in the trash and bought two used HM Digital COM-80's off ebay for a about $10 each.
 

Mrbignugs

Well-Known Member
wow :o I didn’t even notice it said that:confused: I can ring the shop tomorrow to enquire about this budget pen…. Should’ve just paid the extra £15 an just replaced with the £40one in the first place:wall: oh well lesson learned I guess and sorry if I came across any kind of way back there I appreciate all the help guys even if I can be a bit slow after 15 joints:D:bigjoint: happy growing
 

PJ Diaz

Well-Known Member
Do you have calibration solution for either of your meters? What ppm weighting scale does the ppm meter use?
 

Jjgrow420

Well-Known Member
Instructions for using a budget TDS meter...
1: take the meter and find a door in your house that seems to swing open all the time.
2: take the meter and wedge it under the door so it holds it closed.
You now have the perfect doorstop.
3: go and buy a Hanna, or a bluelab
Works like a charm, everytime.
 
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