Extech PH50 PH Pen

[wildgrow]

Extech PH50 PH Pen

http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=69&prodid=432

What do you folks think? My grow partner wants to buy this pen - basically because its cheaper than Bluelab. Apparently this is made by FLIR.

Im just now trying to research it, so if anyones got some info Id appreciate it.

 

[Dilbert Do]

Does this thing use replaceable cartridges? I saw no mention in the owners manual, but I thought most pH pens did...

 

[wildgrow]

It does not but neither does the basic Bluelab ph pen.

Im trying to figure out when they started making them also. Website has a 2005 copyright date. So Im wondering - if its been out since 2005, why haven't I heard of it? Or is it just the site marked 2005 and this is a newer product?

Any experience, anybody? Anyone ever talk to tech over there?

 

[unregistered190]

Do not know about the pen, but I have had a Extech pH/mV/temperature meter for years now and am quite happy with it. It doesn't need frequent calibration as it doesn't drift far but I check it once every couple of weeks anyway. I keep the bulb wet at all times. Hope this helps

 

[wildgrow]

Do not know about the pen, but I have had a Extech pH/mV/temperature meter for years now and am quite happy with it. It doesn't need frequent calibration as it doesn't drift far but I check it once every couple of weeks anyway. I keep the bulb wet at all times. Hope this helps

Yes. Thank you 190! Ive noticed that they sell their own calibration fluids - I wonder if there is any difference between various companies' cal fluids. They also don't seem to sell a cleaning fluid. What do you use?

 

[wildgrow]

Ordered, used, works. Only 2 bottles needed, probe is closer to the bottom edge than a Bluelab. Don't know if that's a liability or not. It is protected by the casing and a plastic skeleton where the storage cap couples to the meter. This units storage cap is separate from end cap. Nice part about that is, you don't end up with a end cap full of storage solution. Bad part is, its a small piece - easily lost.

 

[wildgrow]

After 4-5 uses the batteries died. $10 for 4 of these coin cells, wtf! Replaced, would not calibrate. Closer inspection revealed that it isn't so waterproof as storage solution migrated into the probe 'bulb'.

Sent back, getting a Bluelab.

 

[Phatlewtz]

After 4-5 uses the batteries died. $10 for 4 of these coin cells, wtf! Replaced, would not calibrate. Closer inspection revealed that it isn't so waterproof as storage solution migrated into the probe 'bulb'.

Sent back, getting a Bluelab.

Wish I would have seen this post much sooner, I can't discourage people enough from using Extech meters, especially electrical, horrible battery life, large variance, not finite enough for true accuracy. Hopefully get your $ back and all goes well!

 

[wildgrow]

It was disappointing to say the least. My partner didn't think it was at all likely that the webmaster might have deleted bad reviews or even wrote good ones through dummy email addresses.

I told him theres probably a reason why Ive never heard of/seen these pens before.

I can only imagine how junky the $12 pen I talked him out of would have been.