Taking mash ph readings

[Blackaddler]

I second that. Get a good PH Meter, I use a Hanna. Find a lab buddy to get buffer tablets from (PH 4 and 7). My wife keeps stealing mine to check the pool so that shows how foolproof it is! http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/product/2 ... 3godg1gAGg Sub

I've been looking at this one, but although the meter has 0.01 resolution, accuracy is only ±0.2 pH.

[Dave S]

I second that. Get a good PH Meter, I use a Hanna. Find a lab buddy to get buffer tablets from (PH 4 and 7). My wife keeps stealing mine to check the pool so that shows how foolproof it is! http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/product/2 ... 3godg1gAGg Sub

I've been looking at this one, but although the meter has 0.01 resolution, accuracy is only ±0.2 pH.

I can't see the one you mean as there is no link, but I saw one yesterday with that spec and quickly passed it by.

[djbadger]

The Hannah also says operating temp 0 - 50 degrees C. Do ph meter users normally stick them in the mash itself for a reading at normal mash temperature?

[Aleman]

The Hannah also says operating temp 0 - 50 degrees C. Do ph meter users normally stick them in the mash itself for a reading at normal mash temperature?

Best practice is to cool a sample to 20C and read that

Hot mash is a pretty harsh environment for pH meters.

[Blackaddler]

I just came across this one, Voltcraft PHT-02 ATC pH Meter Stick 0-14pH.

pH accuracy ±0,01pH

Seems pretty good for £37.99.

[djbadger]

[/quote]Best practice is to cool a sample to 20C and read that

Hot mash is a pretty harsh environment for pH meters.[/quote]

Thanks, yes that makes more sense.

[Blackaddler]

The future...

The award winning Senova pHit Handheld Scanner Kit is the world's first calibration-free pH meter, that also contains a non-glass design and can be stored dry.

Only just about to come to come on the market. No price on the website yet.

Start saving now...

[Dave S]

I just came across this one, Voltcraft PHT-02 ATC pH Meter Stick 0-14pH.

pH accuracy ±0,01pH

Seems pretty good for £37.99.

It claims to accurate to 0.01 also. If that's the case then it is well worth the money.

EDIT: It would be worth finding out if the electrolyte is replaceable.

[Blackaddler]

I just came across this one, Voltcraft PHT-02 ATC pH Meter Stick 0-14pH.

pH accuracy ±0,01pH

Seems pretty good for £37.99.

It claims to accurate to 0.01 also. If that's the case then it is well worth the money.

EDIT: It would be worth finding out if the electrolyte is replaceable.

Spare electrodes are £19.99.

Add £6.99 for delivery on both items.

Rapidonline have the meter for sale at £38.04, which includes delivery [on items over £30 ex VAT].

[Dave S]

I just came across this one, Voltcraft PHT-02 ATC pH Meter Stick 0-14pH.

pH accuracy ±0,01pH

Seems pretty good for £37.99.

It claims to accurate to 0.01 also. If that's the case then it is well worth the money.

EDIT: It would be worth finding out if the electrolyte is replaceable.

Spare electrodes are £19.99.

Add £6.99 for delivery on both items.

Rapidonline have the meter for sale at £38.04, which includes delivery [on items over £30 ex VAT].

I'd probably go for it.

[Blackaddler]

I've just ordered one.

One more left in stock...

[bigrichlock]

When taking your reading just remember that the pH at 20dec will be different than at 66deg or what ever your mash temp is.

something in the region of 0.2-0.3 ie at 20deg if the reading 5.5 at 66deg it is likely to be 5.2 ish and you are interested in the pH at mash temperature.

Rich

[Blackaddler]

The operating temperature range is 0-50C, so although it has automatic temperature compensation {ATC], you just can't dunk the probe in the mash. A sample needs to be taken, and allowed to cool a little before testing.

The meter should be calibrated at 25C.

[minesapint]

I have always had rough and ready results from test stips and the Johnsons Beer Test Strips always show a pH just below 5 for me no matter what grains or chemicals I prep the mash with. I wonder if there is a shelf life for pH strips?

Dave S gives the Voltcraft PH 100 ATC a good review and I am pondering buying one.

Just a few questions about using the Voltcraft and looking after the meter before I take the plunge and buy that particular model.


1 / I assume the calibration Fluid is a use only once item. How much is used for each calibration ?

2/ After cooling the sample, does the wort need to be filtered or strained before dipping the probe into it ?

3/ Washing the probe in deionised water. Is the cheap deionised water bought from car spares shops to top up car bateries OK to use ?

4/ Storage fluid. Is that replaced regularly or just topped up.

5/ If any one has had a meter long enough, what is the life span of the probe.


I am looking at the cost of running a pH meter to see if it is worth the expense for me.
I have done 20 allgrain brews in the last 12 months and would be working out the cost of running the meter on that figure.

If anyone can fill in the answers for the Voltcraft PH-10 ATC I will be a very happy chap.

Cheers All.

[Belter]

The operating temperature range is 0-50C, so although it has automatic temperature compensation {ATC], you just can't dunk the probe in the mash. A sample needs to be taken, and allowed to cool a little before testing.

The meter should be calibrated at 25C.

25C? Are you sure?