Since water is the basis of life and we, due to the peculiarities of our physiology, have to consume it in without fail, it would be nice to have the opportunity, if not on a professional level, then at least at the household level, to evaluate its quality. An inexpensive device from a fairly well-known Chinese manufacturer - Xiaomi MI TDS Pen will help in this. What kind of tester is this and how it works - this will be our conversation.
What is being measured?
One of key indicators The quality of water is the degree of its mineralization. This term refers to the amount of various inorganic impurities - individual trace elements and their compounds, per unit volume of liquid. special case- the so-called hardness salts, which are commonly called calcium and magnesium compounds. When water is heated, they partially crystallize and are deposited in the form of scale, which we can see in the kettle and on the heating elements of boilers and washing machines.
Not only hardness salts, but also other mineral impurities, and these include the infamous heavy metals today, with an excess content, they have negative impact on the health of the consumer. One of the most striking examples is the formation of kidney stones and bladder. There are other violations:
- deterioration in the condition of the hair;
- tooth decay, etc.
Therefore, to have data on the degree of mineralization drinking water used for a long time is extremely important.
In our country, the content of mineral impurities is usually measured in milligram equivalents per liter (mg-eq / l). Abroad, this parameter is called Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which translates as "total content of dissolved solids." The TDS of water is measured in units of “Parts per million” (PPM), which translates as “parts per million”. Xiaomi TDS water tester described in this material, shows the degree of mineralization in these units. The ratio of domestic and "imported" units of measurement is as follows: 1 meq/l = 50.05 PPM.
What is considered normal
The requirements for the degree of mineralization of drinking water are prescribed in the SanPiN document ( sanitary rules and norms) No. 2.1.4.1074-01. According to him, the concentration of mineral impurities should not exceed 7 mg-eq / l, which is equivalent to 350 PPM. On the box in which the Xiaomi MI TDS Pen TDS water quality tester is packed, there is a “Water Quality” table with the following gradation:
- Up to 50 PPM: water that can be conditionally considered distilled. It is obtained using reverse osmosis plants and distillers. Some experts do not recommend drinking water with low mineral content, believing that it can greatly disrupt the electrolyte and salt balance in the body. But this point of view has not yet been proven and it has both supporters and opponents. We will not delve into the scientific jungle, but we note that a well-known propagandist drank distilled water and recommended drinking healthy lifestyle life of Paul Bragg. As you know, he drowned at the age of more than 80 years while surfing, which in itself indicates remarkable health.
- Between 50 and 170 PPM: pure water, which can be found in some natural sources or obtained using a charcoal filter.
- Between 170 and 300 PPM: hard water, which can be considered limited acceptable.
- Between 300 and 600 PPM: Extremely hard water not recommended for drinking.
- Between 600 and 1000 PPM: Not only is the water harmful, it also has a noticeable bad taste.
- Above 1000 PPM: the water is not suitable for continuous drinking.
Description of the device
The Xiaomi water tester looks like a marker or an electrothermometer. On the ends there are caps:
- a container for batteries is hidden under one of them;
- under the other - a temperature sensor and two titanium electrodes (they have anti-corrosion resistance).
The cap on the side of the sensors is designed in such a way that water can be scooped into it.
In the middle part of the body there are:
- small display;
- power button (on / off);
- button labeled "TDS" (taking measurements);
- a clip with which the device can be hooked onto a patch pocket.
The case itself is made of shiny plastic. These materials are known to scratch quite easily, so you would expect this TDS meter to wear out relatively quickly. But with its cost - from 5.3 USD on the official website to 7.7 USD in some online stores - this drawback can be considered quite tolerable.
In its action, the Xiaomi TDS water tester is similar to a conventional ohmmeter: it determines the electrical conductivity of water, for which a voltage of several volts is applied to the electrodes immersed in it. Pure distilled water is known to be a dielectric. And some impurities present in the form of ions give it the ability to conduct electricity. The higher the content of these impurities, the lower electrical resistance water.
The water analyzer detects the following substances:
- Salts of calcium, magnesium and other alkaline earth metals.
- ions heavy metals- lead, chromium, copper, zinc, etc.
- Some organic impurities, such as ammonium acetate.
As you can see, the list is quite modest, especially when compared with professional analysis: in Western European countries, drinking water is tested according to 60 parameters, in the USA - according to 90. Thus, the Xiaomi MI TDS Pen water tester cannot be considered as a means for a complete check of water quality - bacterial contamination, benzene, cadaveric poison and many other toxic substances they are not identified.
This device is a TSD factor meter. If you need to check the water, for example, from a well, you should contact a specialized laboratory.
ThoughXiaomi TDS water tester is equipped with a temperature sensor, it does not display the temperature. This sensor is needed in order to correctly determine the PPM indicator, because water with the same salt concentration at different temperatures will have different electrical conductivity.
The temperature accounting function is referred to as "Auto Temperature Compensation". If it were not there, then in order to obtain accurate readings, the water under study would have to be heated or cooled to a certain temperature, say, + 200C.
Read also
Specifications
Tester dimensions: 150x16x16 mm.
Weight: 27.4 g
Battery type: push-button, AG13 or LR44, with a voltage of 1.5 V and a total capacity of 160 mAh (2 pcs.).
Measurement accuracy: within 2%.
The temperature of the investigated water, at which the measurement error does not exceed 2%: from 0 to +800C.
How to use the device?
Using the TDS meter is extremely simple: turning it on, you need to immerse the sensors in water or scoop it into the cap, and then press the "TDS" button. At the same time, a number will light up on the display, showing the concentration of impurities in PPM units. The reading will fluctuate at first, but after a few seconds the final value will be set.
The matrix is designed for three digits, but if the indicator exceeds 1000 PPM, then the additional “x10” icon will light up (multiply by 10). Thus, the water tester can objectively display the degree of mineralization up to and including 9990 PPM.
If the device is idle for 2 minutes, it will turn itself off.
Who needs a water tester from Xiaomi
This device will help determine the suitability of water for:
- eating;
- filling the aquarium;
- applications in appliances such as irons (steamers), steam generators and ultrasonic humidifiers air.
It will come in handy both for people who do not use filters, and for those who have such installations: with the help of a water tester, you can accurately determine whether it is time to change the cartridges.
Video review
It is believed that if the mineralization of water after filtration is 8-10 times lower than before it, the cartridges are fully functional.
A separate issue is hardness salts. Many mistakenly believe that you can get rid of them by boiling. In fact, only magnesium and calcium bicarbonates turn into hard scale. Chlorides and sulfates remain in solution and enter the body. Therefore, even after boiling, the TDS of water is desirable to control.
You should not think that the problem of excessive mineralization is relevant only for residents of large cities, which are supplied with water from surface reservoirs. Any natural source, regardless of proximity to industrial regions, can be overmineralized.
Even artesian water in some regions contains a large number of some elements, for example, iron, which requires iron removal measures before eating. Water in a mountain stream may well have a TDS of over 1000 PPM (one of the Xiaomi MI TDS Pen users was convinced of this), so this device will also come in handy for tourists.
Do you need such a device? Leave your opinion in the comments!
Initially, Xiaomi was engaged in the release of software and smartphones, but very quickly realizing that different kind technology brings excellent profits, moved on to creating devices for the home. In today's review, I propose to consider an interesting contraption - a water tester. Alas, in our time, the possession of such a device can already be considered a necessity for residents of large cities.
What is the Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen for?
A water tester is required to measure the total mineralization of water (TDS indicator - total dissolved solids). This means that thanks to the device, you can find out whether and in what quantity the water contains:
- heavy metals (lead, chromium, copper, zinc);
- inorganic salts (magnesium, calcium);
- organic components (ammonium acetate).
- The total mineralization of water is measured in parts per million, or PPM (parts per million).
To clarify: if Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen measured 250 ppm for us, then millions of water particles contain 250 particles of unwanted substances. By the way, this is a normal result, relatively safe for the body.
The water analyzer can measure from 0 to 1000+ ppm. To decipher the measurement results, there is a special plate:
- 0-50 ppm - ultrapure water (possibly distilled);
- 50-100 ppm - pure (filtered) water;
- 100-300 ppm - ordinary (tap) water that has undergone initial treatment;
- 300-600 ppm - hard water;
- 600-1000 ppm - hard water, unsuitable for drinking, but you won’t get poisoned;
- more than 1000 ppm is a dangerous liquid.
Who is Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen suitable for?
Find practical use the water analyzer is pretty easy. The most obvious option is to use a tester to check the quality of the filtered water. That is, thanks to Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen, you can replace cartridges in a jug filter or reverse osmosis filter in time.
The fact is that cartridge manufacturers always give instructions when to replace this accessory, but practice (and a tester) shows that sellers care too much about their consumer pockets. Sometimes when using cartridges even twice their expiration date, Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen shows quite normal ppm water values. At the same time, the recommendations of filter manufacturers are clear: the more often you replace cartridges, the more money will fall into their accounts.
Can check with Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen regular tap water and from open water. In any case, the manufacturer positions the device as universal. But it is worth considering that if the water from the water supply initially undergoes some kind of purification and is conditionally considered drinking, then the life-giving moisture from wells, rivers, lakes and other sources may contain a bunch of organic and inorganic substances, bacteria, impurities that will not be determined by the analyzer. As a result, the tester will show you good result but the water will be undrinkable. For this reason, it is unfortunately impossible to consider Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen as a universal device.
Why and who else needs a water test with a device:
- those who live in areas with very hard water, the consumption of which leads to the formation of kidney and bladder stones;
- before pouring it into the iron;
- aquarists to add fish only correct water, purified from hardness salts.
Water tester device
Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen resembles an ordinary electronic thermometer, which is closed with caps on both sides. On the one hand, LR44 batteries are inserted into the device (they are included in the kit), and on the other, there are 2 special titanium probes. Titanium provides anti-corrosion resistance of the device and high measurement accuracy.
The analyzer turns on with one single button, and it turns off with it. For analysis, you just need to lower the device into a container of water with the side where the probe is located. The display placed on the side of the Mi TDS Pen will show the measurement result.
The device can be calibrated, they say that it is very easy and simple to do this. It seems to me that there is still a difficulty in this matter - the question remains, where to get the standard for calibration. The only thing that comes to my mind is water for injection from a pharmacy, it is by default ultra-pure, distilled, and therefore quite suitable for our purposes.
As you know, water temperature always affects the error in determining the mineralization index. To take into account this parameter, the analyzer can measure the degree of heating of the liquid. True, for some reason, manufacturers decided that users do not need to measure the water temperature, because the tester does not display it on the display, but simply “takes it into account”.
To keep you informed, I will give another example: if you take a hot and cold water from the same faucet in the same apartment, the difference in tester readings will be approximately 50-60 ppm. Naturally, hot water will show the worst result.
Most likely, the problem is not that Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen does not remove the temperature error well. Two pipes come to the tap - one with cold (drinking) water, and the second with hot (usually considered technical). In fact, we are talking about liquids with different mineral composition. It is not surprising that the device will show us different meanings TDS.
By the way, water after reverse osmosis filters shows the content of harmful substances in the region of 20-30 ppm. After filter jugs, water has a TDS of approximately 150-170 ppm (this normal value). Mineral water usually shows up to 300 ppm, but it is also mineral water, because sometimes you need to use salts that are healthy for the body.
Everything is cool in this device, but still it is far from being perfect. For those who want to carry out quality control of filtered water, Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen is suitable. First you need to measure the mineral-salt composition of water before filtration, then after. If the value has changed at least 8-10 times, then everything is fine and the cartridge does not need to be replaced.
Let's discuss what you think about the water tester, how necessary it is, and whether you think it makes sense. Write in the comments.
P.S. I would enthusiastically rush to buy another nitrate meter if the Chinese released it, but such that without error ... I have been dreaming for a long time, but so far to no avail.
Water purity tester
- Convenient shape
- Accurate results
- economical consumption batteries
The quality of the water we drink affects the functioning of the whole organism. Unfortunately, we cannot determine by taste, color and smell whether the water is drinkable. But the Xiaomi Mi Water Quality TDS Pen Tester will do it for you. It is similar in size and shape to a pen, so you can always carry the tester with you.
The device determines the TDS in water. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is the total mineralization or the total amount of dissolved particles. Its level should not exceed 600, but the lower the TDS, the better the quality of the water. High level mineralization means that inorganic salts, minerals and heavy metal ions are dissolved in the liquid.
TDS and water purity
0-50 _______________ Perfectly pure water
50-100 _______________ Water is considered relatively clean and drinkable
100-300 _______________ Satisfactory purity
300-600 _______________ Water contains a large amount of impurities
1000 or more _________ Drinking water is life-threatening
Check for three types of impurities
organic matter
heavy metal ions
Test water wherever you need it
Xiaomi Mi Water Quality TDS Pen Tester can be taken to work or on a trip to check the water quality. It is known that in different regions tap water has different indicators, you can never be sure that you are offered a quality drink. Even water filters sooner or later become clogged and cease to perform their function. You can only trust smart electronics!
By the way, customers who decide to buy Xiaomi Mi Water Quality TDS Pen Tester from us use it not only to test drinking water. For example, home plant lovers check the quality of the irrigation liquid - there the level of general mineralization should be high. Some control the purity of the water in the aquarium. In a word, the functions of this device are very wide.
tap water
Bottled water
Water in public institutions
Water for watering plants
Aquarium water
High technology for precise results
input
The body of the Xiaomi Mi Water Quality tester is protected from water, even if you drop it into a liquid, nothing bad will happen. At one end is a titanium probe, as well as the TDS measurement sensor itself. By the way, the device takes into account the temperature of the water in its measurements in order to eliminate errors.
The device runs on two batteries. In order to save energy, the tester turns itself off after 2 minutes after being turned on.
Runs on two batteries
Shows from 0 to 9990 PPM
Automatically turns off after 2 minutes of standby
Compact size
Takes into account water temperature
The probe is made of stainless titanium
Cap for sampling water
Housing protected from moisture
Energy Saving Technologies
Rapid water testing
Just click the button
To find out the level of water contamination, simply draw a small amount of liquid into the cap, insert the tester and press the button. A clear number will appear on the monochrome screen - this will be the TDS indicator.
Works perfectly in conjunction with the Xiaomi Mi Water Purifier
To always have clean water in your home, use Xiaomi Mi Water Purifier. With the help of a tester, you can check at any time that the cleaner is working correctly, and you will also understand in time that it is time to change the cartridge.
Hello, today we will talk about the hardness of water measured using a TDS meter or saline meter. This device has been repeatedly reviewed on the site, but since I live in the foothills of the Caucasus, I had an idea to go camping with this device and measure the hardness of water in a mountain river, mountain stream, forest spring. Therefore, I am going on a real trip and I invite you to a virtual one. Well, I will measure rain, store-bought mineral, bottled non-mineral and tap water. Interesting? Then we read further.
Water hardness is a combination of chemical and physical properties water associated with the content of dissolved salts of alkaline earth metals in it, mainly calcium and magnesium (the so-called "hardness salts"). (wikipedia)
That is why this device is also called a salt meter. TDS stands for and translates as Total Dissolved Solids - the total content of dissolved solids.
Water hardness is exactly what is responsible for the scale in the kettle and kidney stones.
Let's run a little on the device itself.
On the front there is an on/off button, a reading hold button and a reading display. 
At the bottom under the cap are two electrodes that are lowered into the water 
On the back there is a clip and a calibration screw 
The cap has a built-in battery compartment for two LR44 batteries 
The measurement is done like this: Turn on the device, it shows 000, lower the electrodes into the water and look at the value.
The indication is three-segment, if the value is greater than 999, then the x10 sign appears below.
The device measures ppm in American units, in Russia we have a unit of milligram equivalent per liter, mg-eq / l.
1 meq/l=50.05 ppm
According to Sanitary standards and rules under the number SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01
the maximum allowable concentration is 7 mg-eq/l. or 350ppm
we will rely on this value, I will also give you such a table, you can also trust it 
This instrument is calibrated with a special calibration liquid in which the value of the salt content is known in advance, this instrument is already calibrated by the seller.
The temperature of the water during measurements does not play a special role, since the following property is declared in the characteristics of the device:
Auto temperature compensation
Let's start with room glass measurements.
Drinking tap water 
She is boiled, as you can see a little less content salts, boiling softens the water. 
Rainwater, just went out to the balcony and collected water running down from the roof during the rain. 
Bottled water from the cooler, it is stated that it is melted, glacial, I do not specifically show the manufacturer. 
sparkling mineral water from the store, I don’t know why such indications. This water is extracted from a well, it is enriched with all sorts of elements, which may be why. 
Well, now on a hike, our first mountain river
this is what it looks like
Here are the testimonies 
In the process of measuring, I threw a bait a couple of times, hoping to catch trout, no luck.
But here is such a plotvichka.
The next one is a spring in the forest. It is believed that this spring has very clean water, many locals collect this water for drinking, and cook only from it. There is even a story that someone took water from it to some kind of scientific research institute, they did an analysis there and said that the water is unique, it can raise the dead, I personally don’t believe it.
I was distracted, so I forgot to take a picture, the readings were 60 ppm, there is this spring at the bottom of the video.
What is characteristic is almost the same as in the river in which I measured earlier, the river flows from the spring about half a kilometer, I have suspicions that this is the same water, only due to filtration through the soil, it looks crystal clear in the spring.
The next place in line is a small Mountain Creek with a small 2-meter waterfall.
Here are the views on the way to the waterfall
And here is the waterfall 
measurements 
there are splashes at the bottom, water scatters in all directions, so it was not convenient to take measurements, but nevertheless I measured it and the result was very surprising, I couldn’t take it normally in the photo, but in the end the result was over 1000 ppm, the inscription x10 blinked from the left. Why such high readings in this stream, I do not know, it flows higher from the cave, perhaps for this reason.
In conclusion, I will say that the device is mainly needed in everyday life by the owners of filter systems in order to determine when it is necessary to change the filter element.
Video of the trip through the reservoirs on my youtube channel, if you are interested, be sure to subscribe.
Also unboxing video.
Goodbye. I plan to buy +66 Add to favorites Liked the review +55 +109
General characteristics
Additionally
Check the water quality in your home
We cannot visually determine how pure the water we drink is. At first glance clean clear water may contain various impurities. TDS refers to the total amount of solids dissolved in water. The degree of mineralization to some extent affects the quality of water. The lower the TDS, the lower the concentration of heavy metal ions and soluble salts, and, accordingly, the better quality drinking water.
TDS tester from Xiaomi can accurately determine the degree of mineralization of water. According to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, drinking water should not exceed 600 mg/L TDS. At a mineralization level of 1000 mg/l and above, the taste of water changes.
Timely water quality check in your home
in different regions and even in different houses water quality may vary. TDS tester from Xiaomi will help you determine the exact content of impurities dissolved in water. You can test both before and after water filtration, thanks to which you can evaluate the quality of the water treatment devices. As a rule, with a low TDS, there is a low content soluble substances, which means that such water is pure and drinkable.
High-precision technologies - the key to high-precision results
Monolithic waterproof housing, low power consumption chip
The use of a TDS tester can significantly affect our water consumption. Responsible and striving for error-free measurements throughout the entire service life, we pay great attention to detail and use high-precision technologies.
The body of the tester is created using injection molding technology, and the measuring probe is made of stainless material (titanium). The device is also equipped with an external sensor for automatic temperature compensation (0 ~ 80°C). The design of the case is limited to the button and display and does not include any holes, which ensures water resistance and prevents the tester from breaking from splashing or water leaking into the case.
To conserve battery power, the TDS tester will automatically turn off if not used for more than two minutes. Two AG13 round batteries are used as a power source, which can be replaced at any time. The device weighs only 27.4 g and has a compact design in the shape of ballpoint pen making it convenient to take with you.
Instruction: Water Quality Tester
TDS tester is a device used to check the composition of water, namely the content of dissolved solids in it. After filtering the liquid in the RO filter, the solids level can be lowered.
The concept of TDS
TDS is an abbreviation for the content of dissolved solids in water. The indicator assumes the content of substances in milligrams in one liter of water. Unit of measure: mg/l. TDS also indicates the amount of organic elements, large solids and mineral salts.
Tester operation
- Remove the cap, activate the power key and fill the tester cap 2/3 with the water you want to test;
- Insert the device into the cap filled with water, shake it gently to remove air bubbles;
- Wait a few seconds, the screen will display indicators that show the quality of the water being tested.
Fluid quality values
Important! In the event that TDS values exceed 999, a multiple of x10 is applied.
- After testing the water, dry the cap of the device, then close the cap of the tester and turn off the power.
The lower the device shows, the less solids are contained in the water, which means that the water is clean and suitable for use.
Power supply
If the device does not turn on, the display does not show data, it is necessary to replace the batteries. To do this, open the battery pack, remove the used and install new batteries.
Operating rules
- Do not expose the device to direct sun rays and precipitation. It is not recommended to leave the tester in rooms where heat and increased levels of humidity.
- Carry the product carefully, avoid dropping it, which may cause malfunctions.
- Water is detrimental to the device.
- You should not try to repair breakdowns, change the design or disassemble the tester yourself.
- The device is not playable.
- Do not dispose of used batteries in fire.
- Incorrectly selected batteries (with low power) can adversely affect the operation of the tester. Thus, the determination of soluble solids in water is possible.
- The tester is not suitable for measuring water quality with temperatures over 80°C.
- The device is not able to accurately determine the quality of water that is not collected in a container. That is, the quality, for example, of water flowing from a tap cannot be determined.
Delivery in Moscow + 10 km from MKAD
Attention!
Delivery across Russia
The equipment is dispatched no later than the next day after receipt. Money to the seller's account
Attention!If you do not have an elevator, the rise to the floor is paid: from 50 to 200 rubles, depending on the dimensions and weight of the cargo. If the package does not pass through the door and stairs, the master will offer to lift / transfer in parts, having opened the package before that. Payment occurs BEFORE opening and before the start of lifting / transferring the package. After opening, it is necessary to check the equipment for external damage, the supervision of the accuracy of lifting after opening is the responsibility of the client.
The customer can carry out lifting work independently after paying for the simulator.
Do you have any questions? Call the toll-free number: 8-800-1000-682
Warranty repair and return
Right to warranty service and serviceEvery item purchased from our store is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Warranty and service maintenance takes place in specialized service centers, which you can find out in the warranty card, the basis for providing warranty service are documents that must be handed over to the buyer when purchasing any equipment by a specialist, courier, forwarder delivering the equipment.
WarrantyDuring warranty period The manufacturer provides free repair of manufacturing defects and defects that appeared during operation, provided that the Buyer complies with all the conditions and rules of transportation, storage, installation, configuration, maintenance and operation of the equipment established by the Supplier. Repair work performed by an authorized qualified representative of the Supplier.
The warranty is void if:Any damage to the equipment, its components, assemblies and mechanisms caused by non-compliance with the conditions and rules of the Supplier for transportation, storage, assembly, adjustment, maintenance or operation of the equipment. self repair, changes or upgrades to equipment, replacement of original parts, performed without the written permission of the Supplier. Damage to equipment due to force majeure, including emergency situations of a natural, man-made and social nature, illegal intentional and careless actions of persons aimed at causing damage to equipment.
Buyer Responsibilities:Keep the bill of lading cash receipt and warranty card. Transport, store, assemble, set up, maintain and operate the equipment in strict accordance with the Maintenance and Warranty Repair Manual, Operating Instructions and other recommendations of the Supplier. Notify the Supplier's service department of the detected malfunctions within 3 working days after the discovery of the defect
Instructions:
For this product no instructions.
There is no video for this product.