Pinpoint PH Monitor ... need some help

[Kevin1000]

My pinpoint ph monitor is giving me fits.

If I place the probe in the front of the tank (where I don't want it) the Ph reading is fine ... place it in the back of the tank and the PH reading drops to 6.5 which is obviously wrong. Unit has been calibrated and probe appears to have ample fluid in it.

Not sure what the problem is ... perhaps electrical interferance from some of the electrical devices in the rear of the tank? Maybe something wrong with the wire attached to the PH probe .... beats the heck out of me.

Did not see anything explaining this problem on the America Marine Website and they don't seem to have a technical support feature.

Appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks.

[tdwyatt]

Originally Posted by Kevin1000

My pinpoint ph monitor is giving me fits.

If I place the probe in the front of the tank (where I don't want it) the Ph reading is fine ... place it in the back of the tank and the PH reading drops to 6.5 which is obviously wrong. Unit has been calibrated and probe appears to have ample fluid in it. ...perhaps electrical interferance from some of the electrical devices in the rear of the tank? Maybe something wrong with the wire attached to the PH probe ?

Many Electronic ballasts can sometimes become issues with most sensitive equipment that depends on voltage from a sensor to determin a value for measurement. If you have a sump, place the probe there, as you don't want the robe anywhere where there is enought light to cause algal growth on the probe anyway. If you don't have a sump, you might try shielding the wiring, or just reposition the direction of the wire and remove any loops (infamous for causing this type of error).

You will need to email American Marine at info@americanmarineusa.com if the issue remains and you don't have a sump, as there could be an issue with the meter, but I suspect that it involves the induction issue.

More contact info:

American Marine Inc.
54 Danbury Rd. Suite 172
Ridgefield, CT 06877 USA

Tel. 800.925.4689
FAX 914.763.5367

HTH

[Kevin1000]

Thanks Tom

On the wire shielding idea ... any thoughts on what to shield it with?

[tdwyatt]

Originally Posted by Kevin1000

Thanks Tom

On the wire shielding idea ... any thoughts on what to shield it with?

Check out a local electronix hardware store and ask for the shielding. I used to be able to get it in a roll at Radio shack as the woven steel fiberm you couod run maybe a pair or two of wires through the core, but it seems like it was the Devil to get, I dunno if it is still available, and I believe that the cable is already shielded when I think about it, seems that it is already a high supression (to RF) cable. You might consider a shielded extension for the BNC for the probe, but I believe it will require that you recalibrate the meter.


Best to contact the guys at American Marine if repositioning the cable to the sump doesnt work, you might also get some velcro strips (adhesive type) that you can attach to the meter and place on a vertical surface like the inside of the doors for the stand or on the front of the stand for constant monitoring.


I hope you find a simple fix, try moving it around some before resigning to purchasing the cable stuff.


BTW, what kinds of lighting do you use, and what brand of heaters?