Help with Ec pen

[Mrbignugs]

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

 

[Nope_49595933949]

I don't use one but maybe it's giving the ppm reading?

 

[Mrbignugs]

Here’s what I have

 

[Herb & Suds]

https://manicbotanix.com/ec-to-ppm-conversion-chart-2/

 

[Mrbignugs]

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 heads gone

 

[Billy the Mountain]

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

 

[Mrbignugs]

 

[Mrbignugs]

That’s just plain tap water 186ppm just don’t understand the ec pen

 

[PJ Diaz]

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.

 

[blueberrymilkshake]

This thread is giving me flashbacks. I had this struggle recently. It took me weeks for it to click with me, charts be damned.

 

[Mrbignugs]

 

[1212ham]

That’s just plain tap water 186ppm just don’t understand the ec pen

See post #4.
The meters measure EC. PPM is a conversion from EC to ppm, but there are three different conversions!
That's why it best to go by EC.

 

[Herb & Suds]

This thread is giving me flashbacks. I had this struggle recently. It took me weeks for it to click with me, charts be damned.

I give the op a month lol

 

[Mrbignugs]

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]

View attachment 5174525View attachment 5174526View attachment 5174527

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"?

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.

 

[blueberrymilkshake]

It's a budget meter. They couldn't afford the decimal system.

 

[Mrbignugs]

wow I didn’t even notice it said that 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 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 happy growing

 

[PJ Diaz]

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

 

[Billy the Mountain]

No offense to OP, that's a terrible EC meter. None of the $10 Amazon/Ebay meters are worth a dollar

Get or make some 1EC calibration solution; you may be surprised

The two meters in the pics differ by ~25-30%

 

[Jjgrow420]

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.