Hello everyone!

For those who grow in S/H and use a PH meter, what are your input about the
Hanna Checker PH meter!

Can be used for ponds, soil, hydroponics, swimming pools, spas, aquariums,
etc.

Features:


a.. Large Readout Display
b.. 0.01 pH resolution
c.. Fast and accurate calibration
d.. Battery Life: 3000 hours of continuous use
e.. Wide Range: 0.00-14.00 pH
f.. Replaceable pH Electrode
SPECIFICATIONS:


a.. RANGE: 0.00-14.00 pH
b.. RESOLUTION: 0.01 pH
c.. TYPICAL EMC DEVIATION: ± 0.1 pH
d.. CALIBRATION: Manual 2-point using Trimmers
e.. ELECTRODE: HI1270 (included)
f.. BATTERY: TYPE/LIFE: 2 x 1.4V / 3000 hours typical
Thanks


--
Claude

www.picturetrail.com/phalguy

Remove NOSPAM to reply

"PhalGuy" wrote in
s.com:

Hanna Checker PH meter

Hi Phalguy

With PH meters your first question is how much am I going to use this.
If you will be needing to use it on a daily bases then that's the best way
to go.
If your only going to use it once a week or less the cost becomes
questionable.
Once a month or less then PH strips are the best way to go.

Also PH meters require a 2 point calibration with 2 Calibration buffers
in order to be accurate. For example if your reading a PH between Ph7 and
Ph10 then you will need those two buffers to calibrate the meter. They also
need to be close to the same temperature of the sample you will be testing.

Calibration buffers come in 2 forms premixed and dry. Premixed has a
limited shelf life. The dry form has to be prepared using distilled water
and after mixed it also has a limited life.

Also PH electrodes cant be allowed to dry out and must be stored in pH
Electrode Storage Solution which also should be replaced on a regular bases
according to the manufacturers instructions.

The Hanna Checker PH meter has a nice feature that most portables don't
have, it's electrode is replaceable. Electrodes go bad over time and they
are easy to break.

I hoped this helps
Dusty

I don't see why pH is connected only to folks growing in semi-hydroponic culture - it should be of
interest to all growers who use fertilizers and pure water, and wouldn't hurt tapwaterers either.

Anyway, I have a Hanna TDS meter, and it's a well-made device that is very repeatable. Based upon
my experience with that, I would thing that the Checker would be a pretty good choice.

When I was shopping for a pH meter, I checked with fellow orchid grower John Talpa, who is a water
professional, and certified as such. He makes his living via home and commercial water treatment.
According to him, and he also checked with his instrument wholesaler about their biggest sellers,
the most popular among pros was the Oakton pH Testr 2. It even came with some buffer solution
standards (pH 4, 7, & 10), but I bought more of the 7's, as that's closest to the range we're
interested to. No matter what you buy, spring for the disposable packs, as they are stable until
opened, and are perfect for calibrations with no other container needed.

What I really like about it is that calibration is really easy: put the device in the buffer
solution, press the calibration button, wait for the meter to display a number near that of the
buffer - it blinks quickly when it thinks it's done), press another button to lock it in, and
voila', it displays the exact pH and you're done.
--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!

.. . . . . . . . . . .
"PhalGuy" wrote in message
s.com...
Hello everyone!

For those who grow in S/H and use a PH meter, what are your input about the
Hanna Checker PH meter!

Can be used for ponds, soil, hydroponics, swimming pools, spas, aquariums,
etc.

Features:


a.. Large Readout Display
b.. 0.01 pH resolution
c.. Fast and accurate calibration
d.. Battery Life: 3000 hours of continuous use
e.. Wide Range: 0.00-14.00 pH
f.. Replaceable pH Electrode
SPECIFICATIONS:


a.. RANGE: 0.00-14.00 pH
b.. RESOLUTION: 0.01 pH
c.. TYPICAL EMC DEVIATION: ± 0.1 pH
d.. CALIBRATION: Manual 2-point using Trimmers
e.. ELECTRODE: HI1270 (included)
f.. BATTERY: TYPE/LIFE: 2 x 1.4V / 3000 hours typical
Thanks


--
Claude

www.picturetrail.com/phalguy

Remove NOSPAM to reply

Thank you guys!

The Ph Meter I bought comes with 3 capsules of powder to be diluted in 100
ml of distilled water for calibration.
It`s 4.0, 7.0 and 10.0!
I got it on Ebay for 24.95 US which is a big deal since my hydroponic store
in montreal sell the same for 139.00 Can !

Bye

CLaude

"Ray" wrote in message
...
| I don't see why pH is connected only to folks growing in semi-hydroponic
culture - it should be of
| interest to all growers who use fertilizers and pure water, and wouldn't
hurt tapwaterers either.
|
| Anyway, I have a Hanna TDS meter, and it's a well-made device that is very
repeatable. Based upon
| my experience with that, I would thing that the Checker would be a pretty
good choice.
|
| When I was shopping for a pH meter, I checked with fellow orchid grower
John Talpa, who is a water
| professional, and certified as such. He makes his living via home and
commercial water treatment.
| According to him, and he also checked with his instrument wholesaler about
their biggest sellers,
| the most popular among pros was the Oakton pH Testr 2. It even came with
some buffer solution
| standards (pH 4, 7, & 10), but I bought more of the 7's, as that's closest
to the range we're
| interested to. No matter what you buy, spring for the disposable packs,
as they are stable until
| opened, and are perfect for calibrations with no other container needed.
|
| What I really like about it is that calibration is really easy: put the
device in the buffer
| solution, press the calibration button, wait for the meter to display a
number near that of the
| buffer - it blinks quickly when it thinks it's done), press another button
to lock it in, and
| voila', it displays the exact pH and you're done.
| --
|
| Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
| Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!
|
| . . . . . . . . . . .
| "PhalGuy" wrote in message
| s.com...
| Hello everyone!
|
| For those who grow in S/H and use a PH meter, what are your input about
the
| Hanna Checker PH meter!
|
| Can be used for ponds, soil, hydroponics, swimming pools, spas,
aquariums,
| etc.
|
| Features:
|
|
| a.. Large Readout Display
| b.. 0.01 pH resolution
| c.. Fast and accurate calibration
| d.. Battery Life: 3000 hours of continuous use
| e.. Wide Range: 0.00-14.00 pH
| f.. Replaceable pH Electrode
| SPECIFICATIONS:
|
|
| a.. RANGE: 0.00-14.00 pH
| b.. RESOLUTION: 0.01 pH
| c.. TYPICAL EMC DEVIATION: ± 0.1 pH
| d.. CALIBRATION: Manual 2-point using Trimmers
| e.. ELECTRODE: HI1270 (included)
| f.. BATTERY: TYPE/LIFE: 2 x 1.4V / 3000 hours typical
| Thanks
|
|
| --
| Claude
|
| www.picturetrail.com/phalguy
|
| Remove NOSPAM to reply
|
|
|
|

My 2 cent thoughts: again
I have used a lot of diff. brands of PH meters over the years. Of
course the lab quality ones do hold calib. the best. They are just not
practicle unless you are makin money with it. I tried the new Extech
PH and temp meter about two years ago. I have worked on many Extech
proc. and duplicating equip. for 20 plus years and have felt they were
a good product. So far the PH meter has worked well. I did manage to
kill one by not having the probe locking ring tight and leaving it
floating in a solution of fixer tank cleaning solution. Then I layed
it in the floor on a towel to dry and steped on it crushing the S#$$^T
out of the probe tip and the connector.
It has 3 point cal.
Temp.
LCD readout
It floats! (for my clumsy hands a very needed feature cause it sucks
diggin in four feet of developer lookin for a meter)
The probe is replacable and you can change it to a TDS as well.
The probe portion has a cap with a solution sponge built in so it
isn't a pain to keep the tip in solution when not in use.
The probe tip is flat with a covering so you can messure a flat
surface like skin or as small as one drop of water.
I think I paid about 80.00 for them. That was wholesale.
That's what I have seen so far and have used them pretty heavy
ITSALLUPTOYOU
NOOK




On Sat, 01 May 2004 02:34:26 GMT, "PhalGuy"
wrote:

Thank you guys!

The Ph Meter I bought comes with 3 capsules of powder to be diluted in 100
ml of distilled water for calibration.
It`s 4.0, 7.0 and 10.0!
I got it on Ebay for 24.95 US which is a big deal since my hydroponic store
in montreal sell the same for 139.00 Can !

Bye

CLaude

"Ray" wrote in message
...
| I don't see why pH is connected only to folks growing in semi-hydroponic
culture - it should be of
| interest to all growers who use fertilizers and pure water, and wouldn't
hurt tapwaterers either.
|
| Anyway, I have a Hanna TDS meter, and it's a well-made device that is very
repeatable. Based upon
| my experience with that, I would thing that the Checker would be a pretty
good choice.
|
| When I was shopping for a pH meter, I checked with fellow orchid grower
John Talpa, who is a water
| professional, and certified as such. He makes his living via home and
commercial water treatment.
| According to him, and he also checked with his instrument wholesaler about
their biggest sellers,
| the most popular among pros was the Oakton pH Testr 2. It even came with
some buffer solution
| standards (pH 4, 7, & 10), but I bought more of the 7's, as that's closest
to the range we're
| interested to. No matter what you buy, spring for the disposable packs,
as they are stable until
| opened, and are perfect for calibrations with no other container needed.
|
| What I really like about it is that calibration is really easy: put the
device in the buffer
| solution, press the calibration button, wait for the meter to display a
number near that of the
| buffer - it blinks quickly when it thinks it's done), press another button
to lock it in, and
| voila', it displays the exact pH and you're done.
| --
|
| Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
| Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!
|
| . . . . . . . . . . .
| "PhalGuy" wrote in message
| s.com...
| Hello everyone!
|
| For those who grow in S/H and use a PH meter, what are your input about
the
| Hanna Checker PH meter!
|
| Can be used for ponds, soil, hydroponics, swimming pools, spas,
aquariums,
| etc.
|
| Features:
|
|
| a.. Large Readout Display
| b.. 0.01 pH resolution
| c.. Fast and accurate calibration
| d.. Battery Life: 3000 hours of continuous use
| e.. Wide Range: 0.00-14.00 pH
| f.. Replaceable pH Electrode
| SPECIFICATIONS:
|
|
| a.. RANGE: 0.00-14.00 pH
| b.. RESOLUTION: 0.01 pH
| c.. TYPICAL EMC DEVIATION: ± 0.1 pH
| d.. CALIBRATION: Manual 2-point using Trimmers
| e.. ELECTRODE: HI1270 (included)
| f.. BATTERY: TYPE/LIFE: 2 x 1.4V / 3000 hours typical
| Thanks
|
|
| --
| Claude
|
| www.picturetrail.com/phalguy
|
| Remove NOSPAM to reply
|
|
|
|

I'm a biochemist, and in my experience even in a laboratory
environment it requires quite a bit of care to keep a pH electrode
working properly. They are fragile and sensitive to contamination
with organic materials. What I try to do is make my solutions up by
weighing
out the buffering acid or base and its salt so I know what pH I'm
getting, rather than the traditional HCl titration. Then you can
check for crass errors with a pH paper if you want to. This makes
for more consistent buffers. I wonder if a similar aproach could
work for nutrient solutions for orchid culture. Phosphate would be
the obvious buffer salt but you'd probably need 10 millimolar which
if my mental aritmetic serves is 310 ppm of P, perhaps higher than
you'd want. I wonder if organic buffer salts such as tris have been
tested for this purpose?

Another low tech approach used in mammalian tissue culture is to add a
low concentration of a pH indicator dye to the solution so you can see
right away when it goes too acid (in that example)

Leo

NOOK wrote in message . ..
My 2 cent thoughts: again
I have used a lot of diff. brands of PH meters over the years. Of
course the lab quality ones do hold calib. the best. They are just not
....

For what we are doing most of the time (as orchid growers) the pH paper
is probably sufficient. You can buy a good quality paper, if you want,
which is often marked in rather small increments. You can get different
ranges, but for orchid use something calibrated between pH 4 and pH8 is
sufficient. Spend a little extra, and get the high quality stuff.

This is probably good enough even for home flasking and other solution
making. Now, if you are doing serious scientific endeavours, then by
all means get yourself a real pH meter and learn how to use it properly.
Some things require exact measurements. But, frankly, for fertilizer
solutions and flasking media, you just have to be close. And in my
experience you don't even have to be all that close. pH paper is good
enough, and it is a heck of a lot easier to use.

Of course if you are using highly colored solutions, then all bets are
off... Hard to see the pH marking paper in a beaker of charcoal
solution.... This is where a meter comes in handy.

Rob

I'm a biochemist, and in my experience even in a laboratory
environment it requires quite a bit of care to keep a pH electrode
working properly. They are fragile and sensitive to contamination
with organic materials. What I try to do is make my solutions up by
weighing
out the buffering acid or base and its salt so I know what pH I'm
getting, rather than the traditional HCl titration. Then you can
check for crass errors with a pH paper if you want to. This makes
for more consistent buffers. I wonder if a similar aproach could
work for nutrient solutions for orchid culture. Phosphate would be
the obvious buffer salt but you'd probably need 10 millimolar which
if my mental aritmetic serves is 310 ppm of P, perhaps higher than
you'd want. I wonder if organic buffer salts such as tris have been
tested for this purpose?


--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit

After loosing my money on cheap pH meters, I,ve been using pH paper for ten
years: I use the German Macherey-Nagel pH-Fix 0-14. I indicates with four
simultaneous colors.
Ed Cormier
"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
For what we are doing most of the time (as orchid growers) the pH paper
is probably sufficient. You can buy a good quality paper, if you want,
which is often marked in rather small increments. You can get different
ranges, but for orchid use something calibrated between pH 4 and pH8 is
sufficient. Spend a little extra, and get the high quality stuff.

This is probably good enough even for home flasking and other solution
making. Now, if you are doing serious scientific endeavours, then by
all means get yourself a real pH meter and learn how to use it properly.
Some things require exact measurements. But, frankly, for fertilizer
solutions and flasking media, you just have to be close. And in my
experience you don't even have to be all that close. pH paper is good
enough, and it is a heck of a lot easier to use.

Of course if you are using highly colored solutions, then all bets are
off... Hard to see the pH marking paper in a beaker of charcoal
solution.... This is where a meter comes in handy.

Rob

I'm a biochemist, and in my experience even in a laboratory
environment it requires quite a bit of care to keep a pH electrode
working properly. They are fragile and sensitive to contamination
with organic materials. What I try to do is make my solutions up by
weighing
out the buffering acid or base and its salt so I know what pH I'm
getting, rather than the traditional HCl titration. Then you can
check for crass errors with a pH paper if you want to. This makes
for more consistent buffers. I wonder if a similar aproach could
work for nutrient solutions for orchid culture. Phosphate would be
the obvious buffer salt but you'd probably need 10 millimolar which
if my mental aritmetic serves is 310 ppm of P, perhaps higher than
you'd want. I wonder if organic buffer salts such as tris have been
tested for this purpose?


--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit

Edmond Cormier wrote:

After loosing my money on cheap pH meters, I,ve been using pH paper for ten
years: I use the German Macherey-Nagel pH-Fix 0-14. I indicates with four
simultaneous colors.


I think that is what I use too... I'm not sure where I got it
though. Someday I'll need more.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit