Fixing My Truncheon EC Meter

My Truncheon EC meter wasn't working. This video describes how I fixed the instrument.

[@ipwee]

So, I have had my truncheon since 2008. I grabbed it today to check out my drinking water (I could fill a novel on that subject) anyway it was not working. Since mine is older, it's slightly different in its design. Instead of just having the solder joint at the top of the unit for the negative polarity, mine is made of a brass tube. Low and behold the entire contact point where the tangs on the cap and the top of the tube were slightly corroded. Not bad, just enough to prevent contact. I used a set of jewelers files to buff it down to shining brass. Then did the same with the remaining contacts. Now to keep the tool in top shape, besides rinsing the contacts after every use, I added some dielectric grease to all the contacts. That and some soft scrub to clean the business end of the truncheon. It should last another 14 years. Again thanks for the inspiration.

[@growkratky5558]

Thanks for sharing. I will bet a lot of instruments are thrown away due to corroded electrical contact points.

[@AdityaMehendale]

Prof Kratky, supporting _Right to Repair_ by demonstration :)

[@alexandrevaliquette1941]

I've started hydroponic 2 years ago because of your easy method. I share your work with my friends. People think hydroponic is expensive and complicated, or only for cannabis sativa! I don't own an housse, I only have enough money to afford a room with 3 roommates. Still, my large window is full of edible plants. It's peaceful and it's a source of high value food (spinach, lettuce, bokchoi, spearmint). It's always a pleasure to feel your positive energy in your video. Dr Kratky, you are a living legend. I'm 44 and I'm afraid to get older. But when I see a role model like you, it help me a lot. It gives me the little courage that I need to stand up and make the best I can with whatever time is left to my existence. With all my LOVE, Alex from Montréal

[@growkratky5558]

Thank you for your kindness. I am happy to hear that you are growing plants and reaping benefits from them.

[@mawamatakama5150]

Wait, Mr Kratky, you ended the video with "bye" and not with "Aloha" - LE HORROR! _* me flips table *_ _* chaos intensifies *_

[@growkratky5558]

You missed my attempt at dry humor. "Now I'm good ---- Bye" = Goodbye!

[@mawamatakama5150]

@@growkratky5558 OH MY GOD! Dumb me. Sorry about that. _* me unflips table *_

[@ChrisB-ki9ch]

Got my 08 unit working. Thanks.

[@MattGarver]

Great to see you are still making videos! Nice fix, those meters are not cheap to replace. How's the home garden doing?

[@growkratky5558]

Hi Matt. Yes, I have video footage for a few more videos, so I just need to get around to making them.

[@Magnus_E]

Thank you! :)

[@JebGardener]

I was waiting for you to say to soak it in something... scraping seems a lot easier though

[@growkratky5558]

Yes Jeb, scraping with a screw driver was quick, easy and effective!

[@ymjdea]

[@mr.cc97]

I really hope there is list how much water need per plant for many type of plant

[@tangobayus]

I've had my Bluelab for a couple of years. Monthly calibration is easy.

[@carlosarango7210]

Easy fix too😁. I had to open my meter at the probe end and it was all corroded including half of the electronics 😭.

[@ymjdea]

NUTRIENT METER WAND （YM-2005A）

[@TrueBlueAustralian]

Well that was no help to me, Mine is near new and giving a bad reading each time, very very low reading