Bluelab EC Truncheon V2

Product detailed description

Bluelab EC Truncheon V2 is an in-tank EC metre for anyone who mixes nutrient solution and wants to keep its strength under control without delay. You simply immerse the stick into the solution and immediately know its concentration - no calibration, no settings, no buttons. Clear LED lights instantly show the measured value.

Why it is worthwhile

Truncheon is among the few EC metres that require no calibration - this is one of its strongest advantages. There is no need to buy or store calibration solutions or perform regular adjustments; the stick simply works. It turns on and off automatically when immersed in the solution, so it has no buttons to worry about. The probe is sealed and the entire device is fully waterproof, so it withstands the growing environment and occasional drops into the tank. Automatic temperature compensation keeps measurements accurate even with fluctuating solution temperature. It is powered by three AA batteries and comes with a five-year warranty - a tool that will last you many seasons.

What Truncheon measures

Conductivity is read directly in four scales, so you do not have to convert anything depending on your accustomed value:

• EC: 0.2 - 3.6 (resolution 0.1; accuracy ±0.1 at 25 °C)
• CF: 2 - 36
• ppm 500 / TDS (US scale): 100 - 1800
• ppm 700 (EU/AU scale): 140 - 2520

Note the two ppm scales - ppm 500 and ppm 700 give different numbers from the same EC. Always check which scale you are reading to compare with the correct chart.

Standard or Commercial?

This standard version measures up to 3.6 EC, which is more than enough for typical home hydroponics, irrigation, and nutrient mixing for most growers. If you work with stronger solutions or on a commercial scale reaching higher values, there is also the Commercial Truncheon V2 version with a range up to 6.0 EC. More EC metres can be found in the EC metres category.

Specifications

• Measured parameters: EC, CF, ppm 500 (TDS), ppm 700
• EC range: 0.2 - 3.6
• CF range: 2 - 36
• ppm 500 (TDS) range: 100 - 1800
• ppm 700 range: 140 - 2520
• Resolution: EC 0.1
• Accuracy (at 25 °C): EC ±0.1
• Calibration: not required
• Power on/off: automatic by immersion in solution
• Automatic temperature compensation: yes
• Probe: sealed, non-replaceable
• Waterproof: fully waterproof
• Operating temperature: 0 - 50 °C
• Power supply: 3x AA alkaline batteries
• Warranty: 5 years
• Package contents: 1x Bluelab EC Truncheon V2

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to calibrate the Truncheon V2?

No. Truncheon is one of the few Bluelab EC metres that require no user calibration. You do not need to buy or store calibration solution - just immerse the stick into the solution and read the value. This makes it almost maintenance-free.

Does it need a replacement probe or storage solution?

No. The Truncheon probe is sealed and non-replaceable, so there is no need to buy a replacement probe or storage (KCl) solution as with glass pH probes. This eliminates regular maintenance and consumable costs.

What do ppm 500 and ppm 700 mean?

They are two different scales for converting EC to dissolved salts. ppm 500 is mainly used in the USA, ppm 700 in Europe and Australia. They give different numbers from the same EC, so always compare the value with the scale your fertiliser chart uses.

Why measure EC at all?

EC shows the concentration of salts, i.e. the strength of the nutrient solution. Regular monitoring protects you from overfeeding or underfeeding plants. Precise target values increase from germination to flowering and vary by fertiliser brand - follow the fertiliser chart. You mix the solution from fertilisers for hydroponics.