Digital Test Strip Reader ---- opions?

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

Something new. Looks interesting



 Specifically developed for pool and spa owners, the AquaChek TruTest Digital test Strip Reader combines the ease and accuracy of AquaChek test strips with advanced digital technology. Now there’s no guesswork required to interpret color results – just dip a test strip in your pool or spa, insert in test strip reader and get fast, accurate digital results in seconds!

Easy to use:
• Fast, accurate results in 15 seconds without color matching
• Large, easy-to-read LCD screen that displays test results

Accurate:
• Uses technology developed specifically for pool and spa analysis

Features:
• Numerical test results for Free Chlorine/Bromine, pH and Total Alkalinity – “low”, “ok” or “high” indicators for each test parameter
• Water-resistant
• Memory function –stores the last 9 test results
• Power source: 2AA alkaline batteries (not included)
• Sixty (60) day limited manufacturer’s warranty

Kit Includes:
• TruTest Digital Test Strip Reader
• User’s guide in 15 languages
• Pool Care and Treatment Information
• 25 TruTest Digital Strips

With the kit at around $75, and replacement bottle of 50 test strips around $12, does it look like something of interest?

[In Canada eh]

Doc,


    That looks very interesting and I bet you could sell a ton of them at $75.  Personally,  I would like to see how accurate they are before buying one.  Maybe a side by side test with a Taylor kit.  OHHHHH....Vinny ,I think we have a new expierement for you  Seriously it looks like a great idea

[glfahlc]

would be very interesting to me seeing as how i'm colorblind... don't have a tub yet but i'm sure it would make life much simpler

[Vinny]

Here's my take on any electronic test equipment and please remember I work on medical equipment and look at the calibration of stuff for a living ...

I would question the acurracy of any test equipmet due to various factors.

How often does this thing get calibrated?
How old are the test strips? (not nessesarily from the dealer)
How were they stored?
Were the test strips handled properly and was the procedure followed exactly?
Will the readings get skewed by a weak battery?
How about the drop test of the electronic unit? (how many times can it bounce)

Now after saying that I will say that we are not talking medical equipment and how accurate do we really need the testing of pool and spa chemistries to be. Is a PH of 7.1 vs 7.2 a big deal or a chlorine reading of 3 vs 4, my answer would be no.

If it's accurate enough I think it could be a good idea for most people.

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

So you're saying if I offer you one to test, you're not interested?

[Vinny]

So you're saying if I offer you one to test, you're not interested?

Doc,

If you want someone to unbiasly test the product, I will do that for you!

I will test it vs the Taylor and give you a report.

I will also say that the Taylor and/or I have our limitations too! I can't read the difference between 1.5 PPM and 2 PPM of chlorine.

I screwed up my last order with you on the Taylor PH solution so I haven't been using my Taylor PH scale, I've been using an OTO kit scale and it doesn't have the same PH reading scale ... I'll gladly call you with my credit card and buy the correct one if you do decide to send this to me to test to have a more accurate scale. My brain must have been farting a lot that day!

I'll help out in the name of science! 8-)

[LtDan]

I don't see colors very well, usually take my daughter out with me to match colors on the test strip so I don't over or under chemical. At 75 bucks, I'd be very interested.

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

For science it is then  

PM me and I'll just mail out the reagent you need. Might be a few weeks till the test strip meters come in.

[MostlyLurkingGal]

As many problems as I have had trying to figure out my water....If you guys said this was a good thing...I would sure consider it!

[galen]

May I ask Dr. Spa, how the device interprets the results of the test strip? Is it done optically or chemically? I see that the results are displayed digitally. I have a tire gauge that not only displays the air pressure digitally, but also says the pressure from a tiny speaker on the device. It only cost 7 dollars at the auto parts store. So displaying test results digitally is not rocket science. I believe this test strip reader is only as accurate as the strip its reading. I have always felt that strips were ball park readings. I'm not saying that this thing has no value. For people that have a hard time seeing the color changes or are color blind, it would have great value.

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

All I've seen so far is an ad. And everyhting I know so far I pasted above.   I assume one opens the package, and follows the directions   My guess though is optically.

[Brewman]

Depending on how it tests out, I'd be potentially interested on owning one.  
I'd also assist with testing, should you need.

[barshnik]

Digital meter / test strips can be designed to be extremely accurate - 10's of millions of diabetic folks like myself rely on them many times a day, and get readings of our blood sugar level as accurate as a lab can do.

However, if they are using existing strip technology and just optically reading it, I doubt it could be any more accurate (unless you are colorblind) than regular AquaCheck strips.

John F
LV, NV

[Hammster]

I went to the Aquachek site and it looks like it's only for the chlorine based systems. Bromine can be calculated using the chlorine parameters, but it doesn't look like they have one for MPS yet.

[tony]

Depending on how it tests out, I'd be potentially interested on owning one.  
I'd also assist with testing, should you need.

 

Same here.  It sounds.....interesting.