digital pH tester won't calibrate properly... How to fix it!

 Help!

 I was so excited to get my digital pH tester - I ordered the Hanna 99104 - and went to calibrate it with the little packets of the Hanna solution.  First, I used the 7.0 solution.  I submerged the end, twisted the little screw thing, and just like that, it was calibrated to 7.0.  Easy!  Hooray!  But, of course, things are never that easy.  When I went to calibrate to the 4.0 solution, it read 5.25.  No problem, I thought... I'll twist.  So I twisted, and twisted, and twisted.  I even tried twisting the other way.  But, even after all of that twisting, the meter will only read numbers somewhere between 4.85 and 5.85.  Does anyone out there know what in the world is going on with my gadget?  Is it the operator?  Why won't it adjust to 4.0? 

I'm bummed!

I had the exact same problem, and somebody suggest switching the battery.  I haven't tried that yet, I think I will hang out and hope you get some more answers on how to fix it.

 same thing happened to me. I contacted Hanna and they had me send them the electrode and they mailed me another one. unfortunately, that didn't work out either so I had to wait until they sent me a different tester. they sent the 98103 which I loved! sorry you're having problems!

 Thanks for your reply!  You inspired me to call the company, and they were very easy to work with - they just had me email a copy of my receipt (showing that I bought it recently) and are going to send me a new electrode to try.  The gentleman I spoke to said that sometimes a bad electrode will act in that manner.  We'll see!  I'll update this post at a later time - hopefully the new electrode will work, and if not, I'll contact the company again for a replacement.

Chloe:

I had the exact same problem, and somebody suggest switching the battery.  I haven't tried that yet, I think I will hang out and hope you get some more answers on how to fix it.

I called the US branch at 1-800-426-6287.  They were very willing to help - I hope that you find the answers you are looking for, too! 

this is great info and will help lots of people!  I will make it a sticky then move it to faq later

loveydovey:

I called the US branch at 1-800-426-6287.  They were very willing to help - I hope that you find the answers you are looking for, too! 

wonderful!  Thank you!

 * UPDATE *

First of all, let me just start by saying that the Hanna company is wonderful.  Not only do you a get a real person when you call, but they are so willing to work with you.  I called on Monday, and they immediately sent out a new electrode.  It arrived via UPS on Thursday.  I replaced the old one, but found that my meter continued to have the same calibrating problem.  So, I called and spoke with technical support again.  He offered to send me a brand new meter.  He's sending me an upgrade, in fact.  He said that the next model up is a little more "sturdy" and they have fewer problems with that one vs. the 99104 model I had originally purchased.  I offered to send back my original plus the new electrode, but he said it wasn't necessary.  I love great companies that stand behind their products!!     

 that's exactly the same thing that happened to me. They sent me the red one. much better!!!

 Sunshineslp -

 I wish I would have written the number down, but I didn't.  But, Rebirtha named the model number that she received earlier in this thread.  Since she had the same experience I did, I would bet that they are the same.  Hope this helps and best of luck to you!

sunshineslp:

can you please tell me the model number of the upgraded one? maybe i will get that one instead...

Thanks for the info. The very same thing happened to me and I called the company and they were wonderful to deal with. All I had to do is send them a copy of the receipt where I purchased the hanna and they are going to send me a new electrode at no charge. Wonderful company, glad they stand behind there products!