the pH readings are out of control

[d0lph1n]

Last week, I had a spike of ph readings so I had to recalibrate with ph7 &10 solutions.

The new values are: 560/820

Now, for the past 24h the pH readings have been out of control again, displaying a ph of 9.3. The pH kit test shows 8.2. I reloaded the software, disconnected the pH probe and still nothing.

Ohh, if I put the ph Min value to 700 then the pH drops to 8.35.

What should I do?

[d0lph1n]

Anybody?

[rimai]

Check for stray voltage from your pumps or float switch connections. Maybe even remove them from water and test to see if pH readings normalizes.
Unplug the USB cable too.
Let me know if none of these work for you.

[d0lph1n]

I don't have float swithces anymore..but I have 3 temp sensors. I will unplug those. Also, if I touch the pH proble..if I move the the cable next to the probe, the ph readings fluctuate like crazy

I think the probe is dying

update: ok, i unplugged the temp sensors..plugged them back and now i see error on t1-3 and it's the same crazy pH 9.3.

update: unplugged pH prebe...reset RA..ph still showing over 9 with the pH probe disconnected!! but all temps are back now.

[d0lph1n]

I don't have float swithces anymore..but I have 3 temp sensors. I will unplug those. Also, if I touch the pH proble..if I move the the cable next to the probe, the ph readings fluctuate like crazy

I think the probe is dying

update: ok, i unplugged the temp sensors..plugged them back and now i see error on t1-3 and it's the same crazy pH 9.3.

update: unplugged pH probe...reseted RA..ph still showing over 9 with the pH probe disconnected!! but all temps are back now.

If I reconnect the pH probe, the pH goes to 9.3. without the probe, it's 8.8.
Roberto, any more ideas?

[rimai]

What numbers do you see in the screen with this code:

Code: Select all

#include <Salinity.h>
#include <ReefAngel_Features.h>
#include <Globals.h>
#include <RA_Wifi.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <OneWire.h>
#include <Time.h>
#include <DS1307RTC.h>
#include <InternalEEPROM.h>
#include <RA_NokiaLCD.h>
#include <RA_ATO.h>
#include <RA_Joystick.h>
#include <LED.h>
#include <RA_TempSensor.h>
#include <Relay.h>
#include <RA_PWM.h>
#include <Timer.h>
#include <Memory.h>
#include <InternalEEPROM.h>
#include <RA_Colors.h>
#include <RA_CustomColors.h>
#include <RF.h>
#include <IO.h>
#include <PH.h>
#include <ORP.h>
#include <AI.h>
#include <ReefAngel.h>

void setup()
{
  ReefAngel.Init();  
}

void loop()
{
  ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,10,10,ReefAngel.PHMin);
  ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,10,20,ReefAngel.PHMax);
  ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,10,30,ReefAngel.Params.PH);
  ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,10,40,analogRead(PHPin));
  ReefAngel.Refresh();
}

[d0lph1n]

with the probe connected I see:
560
820
876
711

and with it disconnected:
560
820
441
335

when i reconnected again i saw:
560
820
8810
718

[rimai]

Are you sure your calibration numbers should be 560 and 820?

[d0lph1n]

I'm pretty sure, I re-calibrated it last week with ph7&10 solutions before it went nuts again. Do you think the probe is dying? I don't mind buying another one if you think the RA controller is fine.

[rimai]

I could be.
Doesn't look like there is nothing wrong with the controller.
It looks either calibration or the probe.

[d0lph1n]

I could be.
Doesn't look like there is nothing wrong with the controller.
It looks either calibration or the probe.

I think it's the probe, if I touch the cable on the top part of the probe, without moving the probe, the pH increases at least by 1.

I'm ready to buy the pH probe and I was wondering if you could sell also 2 pairs of calibration liquids. I'm know you don't have them online. I'll pay by paypal, as usually. Thanks

[d0lph1n]

The pH readings are more stable and more accurate with the new probe.

[carlii]

The pH readings are more stable and more accurate with the new probe.

Are you saying that you bought another of the same probe and it stabilized or that there is a new type of probe?

I have the same problem that you described except that my ph readings are too low.

[DrewPalmer04]

RA has a new style probe. The same happened for me. It's way more accurate.

[d0lph1n]

Yeah, this probe is black, and it seems to be better. Also, i discovered some issues with the temp connectors. Sometimes, if i move the temp cables, pH readings go to 10 or 2 even with the pH probe disconnected.