First, thanks to those who have replied to my questions that initiated this thread-- particularly for enlightening me to the difference in a TDS and PWT... makes sense (now). [The cooking analogy works for me-- cooking I know, thanks Mike... <g>] Sounds as though I should probably get a PWT one of these days, though my CS unit (one of Ode's) has an automatic cut-off, so I'm not as concerned about the ppm in the CS as I am about the purity of the DW I start with. I just want to get to the point where I know how to do the things I need to know and do.
Which leads me to a couple more clarifications, if someone can tell me... The TDS I have only has a range of 0-999, not 2000-- would that have any bearing? (Does it make any difference in its sensitivity, or in using it, or only that it is limited to measurements below 999ppm?) Also, how is the measurement represented? I noted in the discussion, some have used decimals, as in .06, etc., and Mike mentioned that DW for CS should be "between" 0 and 1 but the TDS meter I have has only whole numbers, and does not have a decimal point (at least not that I can see, even in good light with my glasses...), so I have no "betweens", so to speak (perhaps I should take what Mike said to mean *either* zero or one?). I was taking the reading to be whole units, or ppm, is that right? (Sorry... I'm really not good with the techie end of this...) I redistilled the second batch of DW, which read 011 on the TDS by that time (up from 006-- no idea why, was it still in the collection jar, so was not from handling). It registers a 009 now, with not much, if any, additional residue in the boiler, though logically it would probably be too small an amount to tell. George suggested removing the charcoal filter, so I've done that, and am running a new batch with fresh water to see if that brings the reading down. Will post the results when it finishes the cycle. Thanks again... this really is *the* list for CS-- I have learned so much here from lurking and reading (believe it or not, in light of my current dilemma <g>) . I heard about this list on another CS list several years ago, and had also heard that the brain trust here could be a little cranky with those lacking like expertise, but I've never found that to be true... and I've put it to the test on several occasions. <g> I just wish I had more to contribute, besides my gratitude. CS came up recently on another, totally unrelated, list and someone offering 'expert advice' gave directions for holding silver wire between one's fingertips in tap water for a few seconds to make CS... I kid you not. Reading that really made me appreciate ya'll all the more... =================Leigh -- "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us"... Ralph Waldo Emerson
