Oakton pH Testr Basic
Overview
Oakton's ph Testr Basic is an entry-level digital pH meter manufactured by Oakton Instruments. The documentation says that it features a detection range from pH -1.0 to 15.0 (which interests me, as I've never heard of a negative pH before). It measures pH by using a calibrated electrode (probe) in your solution.
The ph Testr Basic is only one of many pH measurement devices manufactured by Oakton. It appears to target the entry level market. The package includes a the meter itself, plastic protective case, instruction manual, warranty information, and two sample packets of pH reference solutions.
The unit is calibrated using difference reference solutions, depending on the pH range that you intend to test. It uses a pH 7 reference solution for "general testing", which covers every hydroponic gardener that I know. It can additionally be used to test the more extreme ranges, if calibrated with either a pH 4 or pH 10 reference.
The calibration system on the Oakton meter is spectacular. It has it's own "auto-calibration" function. No screwdrivers are required, it works entirely at the push of a button. Here's the basic process:
- Immerse the tester in pH reference solution
- Press the calibrate button
- Wait about 10 seconds
The meter is powered by three tiny batteries (1.5V each). They reside in the rear compartment of the meter, which is sealed with an o-ring. The batteries are replaceable by the user, as is the electrode.
As with any pH meter, you should store the electrode in pH reference solution when it's not in use. We just fill the "cap" a bit when storing it.
Acquisition
We purchased the ph Testr Basic at market rate, though a normal hydroponics retailer. Nothing was provided as an incentive to review this product. We paid about $100 for our unit.
Observations
We have used the Oakton ph Testr Basic for a period of about six months (at time of writing). We like it so much that it's our primary meter.
Initial setup was a snap. Calibration is easy. If you're working in the "normal" pH ranges for hydroponics, you'll only need the pH 7 reference solution. The meter claims an accuracy of 0.2 (two-tenths) of a pH point, and the readings are always quite stable. We tend to calibrate our meter about once every two-three weeks, just to be safe. It never seems to need calibrating though, as the readings are always good. (We store it in pH 7 reference solution. When we power it up, it should always read "7.0").
Recommendations
We highly recommend this little tester. It's compact, very easy to use, and most importantly, it's accurate.
It's not the cheapest pH testing unit out there, but we feel that it's a very reasonable price for such a quality unit.
The pH Testr Basic is the "bottom of the line" unit that Oakton produces. The higher-end models are supposedly more accurate, with longer electrode life. Truthfully, we've been satisfied enough with this basic unit; we have yet to investigate the more expensive models.
Final recommendation: If you're willing to spend about $100 on a pH meter, the pH Testr Basic is a great unit.