The Milwaukee CD600 Digital TDS Meter is a compact, economical tester designed to measure total dissolved solids (TDS) in water. With a measurement range of 0–1,990 ppm, it provides a convenient way to monitor dissolved-solids levels in aquariums, hydroponic nutrient solutions, horticultural systems and water-treatment applications.

Easy to operate and small enough to carry in your pocket, the CD600 is ideal for routine water checks where a quick TDS reading is required. Its automatic temperature compensation helps account for temperature differences, while simple one-point calibration allows the meter to be recalibrated when necessary.

Whether you are checking aquarium water, monitoring nutrient solutions or assessing the performance of water filtration systems, the Milwaukee CD600 offers a straightforward approach to everyday TDS testing.

Key Features

• 0–1,990 ppm measuring range – suitable for low-to-moderate TDS applications.

• 10 ppm resolution – displays readings in practical 10 ppm increments.

• ±2% full-scale accuracy – provides dependable measurements for routine monitoring.

• Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) – compensates for temperature variation from 5 to 50°C.

• Simple one-point calibration – manual calibration using the adjustment trimmer.

• Factory calibrated – ready for use, with the option to recalibrate when required.

• Pocket-sized design – lightweight and convenient for portable water testing.

• Battery powered – uses four 1.5V alkaline batteries.

Why Measure Total Dissolved Solids?

Total dissolved solids (TDS) describes the concentration of dissolved substances in water, including dissolved salts and minerals. TDS measurements are commonly used to monitor water composition and identify changes over time.

Regular testing can help:

• Monitor dissolved-solids levels in aquarium and freshwater systems.

• Check nutrient-solution consistency in hydroponic applications.

• Compare water quality before and after filtration.

• Monitor changes in water sources.

• Maintain consistent water conditions as part of a wider testing routine.

For aquariums and aquaculture systems, TDS can provide useful supporting information about water composition. It should not be used as a substitute for testing individual parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate or dissolved oxygen.

Automatic Temperature Compensation

Temperature can influence conductivity measurements and, consequently, calculated TDS readings.

The Milwaukee CD600 features automatic temperature compensation from 5 to 50°C, helping to account for temperature variation during measurement.

This makes it practical for routine testing where samples may not always be at the same temperature.

Simple One-Point Calibration

The CD600 is factory calibrated and can be recalibrated manually using a suitable TDS calibration solution.

For this model, Milwaukee specifies the M10032B 1382 ppm TDS calibration solution.

Calibration is performed using the adjustment trimmer and a small screwdriver. Regular calibration helps maintain confidence in readings, particularly when the tester is used frequently.

Understanding TDS and EC

TDS and electrical conductivity (EC) are closely related, but they are not the same measurement.

EC measures how readily water conducts electricity, while TDS meters use conductivity to estimate the concentration of dissolved solids and display the result in parts per million (ppm).

Different conversion scales are used, including the 500, 650 and 700 scales. As a result, two TDS meters using different conversion factors may display different ppm readings for the same water sample.

For consistent monitoring, use the same measurement scale when comparing readings over time.

Care and Maintenance

To help maintain reliable performance:

• Rinse the sensing area with clean tap or deionised water after every use.

• Remove any nutrient or mineral residue from the sensing area.

• Avoid touching the metal sensing elements.

• Replace the protective cap after use.

• Recalibrate periodically or whenever readings become questionable.

• Use fresh calibration solution and avoid contaminating the solution during calibration.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	Milwaukee CD600
Measurement	Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Measuring range	0–1,990 ppm
Resolution	10 ppm
Accuracy	±2% full scale
Calibration	Manual, one point
Recommended calibration solution	Milwaukee M10032B, 1382 ppm
Temperature compensation	Automatic, 5–50°C
Operating environment	5–50°C, maximum 95% RH
Power supply	4 × 1.5V alkaline batteries
Battery life	Approximately 300 hours
Dimensions	150 × 30 × 24 mm
Weight	85 g

Supplied with

• Milwaukee CD600 digital TDS tester

• Protective cap

• Four 1.5V alkaline batteries

A Convenient TDS Tester for Everyday Water Monitoring

The Milwaukee CD600 combines simple operation, automatic temperature compensation and a practical 0–1,990 ppm range in a compact pocket-sized instrument.

It is a useful choice for aquarium keepers, hydroponic growers and anyone who needs a straightforward way to monitor dissolved-solids levels in water.