Bluelab Truncheon Nutrient Meter

Overview 

The Bluelab Truncheon Nutrient Meter is a mid-range EC (Electrical Conductivity) / PPM (Parts-Per-Million) meter.  This type of meter is used to evaluate the amount of "stuff" floating in your water.  Typically, this is used to gauge how much nutrient solution is in the water, and if adjustments are required.  Testing the water is the only way to really know the level of solids in your water at any given time.

The Truncheon is capable of measuring a range of 100 - 1800 PPM (American Scale EC x 500), and 140-2520 (European Scale  EC x 700).  This is limited range, but it's the entire spectrum that will be necessary for hydroponic gardening.  As a reference, our strawberry plants typically receive a 1200 ppm nutrient concentration.  The Truncheon measures your solution using the amount of electrical conductivity in the water.  The salts in the water increase the amount of conductivity, and in turn, can be used to figure out the solution's concnetration.

Bluelab manufactures several different testing products, but the Truncheon (and Truncheon Commercial) are their most well-known products.  The Truncheon includes the "wand" itself and brief instructions.

Each Truncheon unit is calibrated at the factory, and features automatic temperature correction.   Typically, calibration by the user is not required.

The process of using the Truncheon is quite straighforward. 

• Immerse the tip of the "wand" into your solution.  Wait for the temperature to acclaimate (if your reservoir is a different temperature than your environment).
• Remove it from your solution, then quickly immerse it again.
• Read the number next to the flashing LED on the "wand".

The Truncheon meter is very easy to use, and the results are very consistent. Simply wash off the tip of the "wand" when you are finished using it. It does not require any special storage. 

Additionally, the Truncheon makes a wonderful "stick" for stirring your nutrient solution.  The "wand" shape is a great idea.  It's long enough to reach into a reservoir without getting your hand wet.

The meter is powered by three AA batteries.  They are stored in the body of the "wand".

Acquisition

We purchased the Truncheon Nutrient Meter at market rate, though a normal hydroponics retailer.  Nothing was provided as an incentive to review this product. We paid about $120 for our unit.

Observations

We have used a Truncheon meter for a period of about 5 months (at time of writing).  We like it so much that it's our primary meter.

It's very easy to use, accurate, and convenient.  We use it often, and it's always treated us well.  The automatic calibration is a great feature.  Admittedly, it's not the cheapest meter on the market, but we feel that it clearly justifies its price.  We have no complaints.

Recommendations

We like this meter a lot.  We use it frequently, and have had no problems at all.  It's durable, water-sealed, and makes a wonderful "stir stick" when you're mixing your nutrients.

Final recommendation:  If you're going to spend your money on a nutrient meter, the Truncheon is an excellent choice.