Oh Play Fair! - Hydrometer calibration

[EskiBrew]

Yep, there is a small adjuster - a drop of 20c water and your away :thumb:

Assuming your thermometer is calibrated or it's back round in circles !! :lol: :lol: :lol:

depends if your refractometer had automatic temp compensation - they you just need to get it about right :thumb:

 

[Frisp]

If the liquid is 20C in its container, and you place drops in the refractometer, surely with such small quantities the heat of the liquid will dissipate in the pipette ( or whatever you use to transfer your drips). The heat will dissipate yet further on contact with the refractometer. Unless of course your pipette and refractometer are also 20C

 

[jamesb]

I've found the SR ones are usually better and the Youngs ones are usually out 0.002. I had a Youngs one the other week though that was out .005.

That's a lot for an SR one to be out though.

Coincidentally enough, I was eyeing up refractometers on Fleabay yesterday. Those digital ones look the nuts - but too expensive.

 

[Screwy]

I have the same as young Wez and i'm so lazy now i don't even take out the hydrometer anymore except on it's birthday.

What no party, at least you could invite some of your other brew gear :shock:

 

[Aleman]

The 'problem' with these hydrometers is that the paper scales can slip and they then read 'out' the really expensive models have the scale engraved on the stem . . . but you are looking at close on 200 quid for one.

you can reposition the scale by 'very very very' gently tapping either the base or the tip of the stem on a firm surface to move the paper scale in the direction you want . . . If you try this at home and break your hydrometer don't come crying to me.

I have a 0.990 to 1.050 long stem hydrometer (0.0005 divisions - 10 quid from Hamsted Homebrew) which I use for the majority of my fermentation work (If I can be arsed), but have 'calibrated' my refractometer (0-20 Brix) against my hydrometer, and am happy with the Promash calculations for fermenting wort.

Both refractometers and hydrometers are useful tools . . . but . . . both have their pros and cons, and it is useful to know when to use one over the other.

 

[tubby_shaw]

You've got me at it with refractometers now

I've got my bid in on THIS ONE

Fingers crossed :pray:

 

[Screwy]

You've got me at it with refractometers now

I've got my bid in on THIS ONE

Fingers crossed :pray:

Tub, you'll love it, so easy. Looks zackary the same as mine. Nice price ATM too, good luck :thumb:

Screwy