Need help reading my EC/TDS/TEMP Meter.

HigH people! At the risk of sounding like a dummy I need some help figuring out the readings on my meter. I am about to start my third grow(seeds in germ) first canna coco grow. I have a Hannah ph meter from my previous grow. No prob with that. But with my switch to coco and and canna a&b,rhizzotonic,cannazyme,hammerhead,bloombastic, and magical I decided to get another meter to test my tap water and mixing my nutes. This is the meter I bought from eseasongear for $58 with priority shipping. COM-100: Waterproof EC / TDS / Temp Combo Meter


UPGRADED! (See below) Ideal for all water quality testing, water purification applications, wastewater regulation, aquaculture, hydroponics, colloidal silver, labs & scientific testing, pools & spas, ecology testing, boilers & cooling towers, water treatment and more.
FEATURES
Measures electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and temperature.
UPGRADED: Four scales: µS, mS, ppm, ppt (mS and ppt are new)
Three different non-linear EC-to-TDS conversion factors (KCl, 442TM, NaCl).
Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) using three temperature coefficients
Waterproof housing (IP-67 rating)
Measurement Range: 0-9990 µS; 0-8560 ppm;*0-9.99 mS; 0-8.56 ppt
Digital Calibration (push button) to any point within the meter's range
Auto-off function, data-hold function and low-battery indicator
Display: large and easy-to-read LCD screen includes simultaneous temperature reading.
Replaceable Sensor (model SP-C1)
Factory Calibrated: The COM-100 meter is calibrated with a 1413 µS solution. The meter can be recalibrated with digital calibration using the push buttons, rather than a screwdriver.
Includes a cap, batteries and lanyard.
See how the COM-100 stacks up against the competition.
Need help deciding which meter is right for you?* View our TDS/EC Meter Selection Guide.*
SPECIFICATIONS
EC Range: 0 - 9990 µS; 0 - 9.99*mS*
TDS Range: 0 - 8560 ppm (mg/L); 0 - 8.56 ppt*
Temperature Range: 0-80 °C; 32-176 °F
Resolution: 0-99: 0.1 µS/ppm/mS/ppt; 100-999: 1 µS/ppm; 1000-9990: 10 µS/ppm. Temp. resolution is 0.1 °C/F
Accuracy: +/- 2%
EC to TDS Conversion Factor: Non-linear conversions for KCl, 442TM or NaCl solutions, selected by the user.
Calibration: Digital calibration by push button.
Probe: Detachable platinum electrodes
Housing: IP-67 Waterproof (submersible; floats)
Power source: 3 x 1.5V button cell batteries (included)* (model 357A)
Dimensions: 18.5 x 3.4 x 3.4 cm (7.3 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches)
Weight: 90.7g (3.2 oz)
*
**
442 is a registered trademark of the Myron L Company.

I just seen the same meter at the local shop for $80. Anyway I filled a bucket and tested my tap water. I have the meter set to measure ppm-442 which shows a reading of 42.6. When I switch to ppm-NaCI it reads 30.4. I have no clue what that means. Is it good or bad? When I switch it to PPT KCI it reads 0.03 PPT-442 0.04 and PPT NaCI 0.03. When I switch to micro-siemens I reads 65.8 and mS reads 0.06. Any help in understanding this would be greatly appreciated! A definate +rep! I just pulled my seeds(LSD&BlueMystic) from an overnight soak and are germinating right now.

I dont know how to use it but I thought of something, You have your old ppm meter right?
Measure the ppm with that then the new meter, I got a hunch you will take the ppm-NaCi number and multiply by four and it will be close.

If nothing else, its a bump.

cruzer101 said:

I dont know how to use it but I thought of something, You have your old ppm meter right?
Measure the ppm with that then the new meter, I got a hunch you will take the ppm-NaCi number and multiply by four and it will be close.

If nothing else, its a bump.

Click to expand...

Actually I only have a Ph meter from my previous grow. I'm totally new to using an ec/ppm meter. But you mentioned multiplying by four. Is that what Is. That the norm with these types of meters? Thanks!

No, Its just a guess after reading TDS Range: 0 - 8560 ppm (mg/L); 0 - 8.56 ppt*
I was thinking mg/L might mean milligrams per liter and you may need milligrams per gallon.

Hmm you could be right. That would make the ppms around 170 then I think. Anyone else have this meter?

If my tap water ppm is around 170 is that good or bad? Do I need to add magical to my water? Thanks for any help!

Nobody out there has this meter? Anyone else have any input they can give a rookie regarding ppm's and tap water. I think at this point I could use any info on using these types of meters would be beneficial. Thanks!