Digital pH tester

[Sabot]

Bring this thread back to life. I need to replace my Oakton Phtester 30 sensor due to improper storage over the years. It is still solid and working. I have been hard on it, letting it dry out... Replacement runs in $70 range. It served me well, along with the drop testing. While I don't need it, I geek out at every turn. I started my research here and then expanded it to Mr. Google. I started using the Atlas Industrial pH Probe, which is installed in the pool plumbing, giving me readings 24/7. (Possible future automation)
Regarding PH, I like a few methods: Drop test, Atlas Probe, and the Oakton tester. I overthink PH, I know. It's how I create enjoyment out of pool chemistry for myself. I don't like multi-tasking instruments, preferring tool that measures PH only when possible. I am thinking of a simple bench model if I go with a new meter.

I am interested in hearing feedback from users who have used products from the following manufacturers:
Apera Instruments (Lots of users here on the TFP)
Hanna Instruments
Milwaukee Instruments
Mettler Toledo
Oakton Instruments (I'm a fan)
Thermo Scientific (Orion)
YSI
Sper Scientific
Jenco Instruments

I am also researching a provider for the various required solutions. The Apera Sensor Care/Maintenance Kit looks interesting.

 

[HermanTX]

I have had the Apera pH60 for nearly 2yrs and have been very pleased with it. I need to recalibrate it every 3-4 months but it gets lots of use from March to November.

 

[AUSpool]

I’m not a fan of multi parameter meters either mostly because of the storage requirements. I have seen a double ender that’s a novel idea.

I use Hana for my solutions and a local (Aussie) instrument supply company. Quality solutions for calibration is a must. I have tested a few and some of the cheaper ones aren’t that good but may still be close enough given a broad range, ie. +/-200ppm for salt. I use a HM salt meter which works quite well when calibrated and looked after properly. I chose the HM for its variable calibration point but the Apera salt meter which can only be calibrated at 5000ppm is probably a little more accurate over the entire testing range. For salt I mostly use my meter but will reference it to the drop test occasionally.

I’ve been through a few pH meters and default back to my drop testing. I have not used the Apera pH60 but have heard a lot of positive reviews from that one. pH monitors and controllers always seam to be more stable then the meters, mostly because of variations in storage I guess. I used a Milwaukee pH controller for a few years without any complaints but can’t vouch for there meters.

Any electronic testing devise is nothing more than a random number generator without proper calibration care and use. Statements like “factory calibrated” should be ignored.