Salt Test of Xikar hygrometer

[Rubix^3]

This is the second salt test I have done on this Xikar hygrometer. After 12 hrs on the first try, the hygrometer read 70%, so I calibrated it to 75% and let it rest in the bag for another 12hrs. Surprisingly, it climbed to 85%! So I took out the battery and reset it before doing another salt test. This time I placed two analog hygrometers in for the sake of comparison. After 12hrs the Xikar is at 82% while the analogs are in deviation of about 2% each, one low, one high. Should I let the Xikar sit in the bag longer then try to re-calibrate it to 75%, or does it seem to be defective? I just got a new humi and I am anxious to install a hygrometer to check its seasoning progress. Thanks for your help.

[montecristo#2]

I take it the Xikar is adjustable?

My guess is that you over adjusted it. Maybe when you took it out of the bag, it was changing while you were adjusting. I don't have any adjustable hygrometers, so I do not know how they recommend you adjust these.

I would probably record the difference from 75%, take it out of the bag, allow it to level off at the room RH then adjust it accordingly and try the salt test again.

I have also never been a fan of the salt test, I never know how much water to add.

[friz]

I have the same one. I did my salt test for about 36 hours and it has been at 68rh in my humi for the last 4 months

[Gone Dave]

Originally Posted by montecristo#2

I take it the Xikar is adjustable?

My guess is that you over adjusted it. Maybe when you took it out of the bag, it was changing while you were adjusting. I don't have any adjustable hygrometers, so I do not know how they recommend you adjust these.

I would probably record the difference from 75%, take it out of the bag, allow it to level off at the room RH then adjust it accordingly and try the salt test again.

I have also never been a fan of the salt test, I never know how much water to add.

There are a few variables, I always use a Boveda to check them, and let them set a day, for $3 you get a confirmed RH point, and you adjust the hygro, but make note of any +/- of reading actual from the manufacture paperwork, a +/- of just 1% is still 6-7 RH points..

F- it Just get beads and use the Hygro for "looks"

[BigCat]

I say put it in a better container for testing. I usually use my 15 ct. herfidor when I salt test something. I know it seals air tight. I've had less success with plastic bags. If you don't have a herfidor, any heavy-duty tupperware that seals air tight should work. Just a thought anyway...

[Rubix^3]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I just returned home today however to find the Xikar at --, which means off the charts. This obviously is a false reading and so I will return it to the store today to exchange for another. Thanks again.

[CBMC]

I also have a xikar hygrometer. I noticed mine would read accurate (tested in a boveda calibration bag) @ 70 degrees. I used another hygrometer in the bag that I know is accurate, they both would read 75 (after setting the xikar one to 75). As the temperature changed the xikar humidity would drop, at 65 degrees the xikar would read about 70 rh and at 60 degrees it would read about 67, the other hygrometer would stay around 75 rh the whole time. If the temperature raised above 70 the rh would increase also, at 75 degrees it would read about 77 rh, the other would stay almost perfectly stable at 75, I know. These were each left in the bag for several hours so I allowed plenty of time for the humidity to stablilize when performing these tests. I plan on ordering another and seeing if it does the same thing, if it does, both are going back, if not I will return the one that doesn't work. I would greatly appreciate if anyone else has similar problems with the xikar when the temperature changes.

[bigmanfromou]

I had the same weirdness when I attempted to salt test it. I ended up just placing both analog and digital hygrometers in the humidor for now. I going off an average until I run to the B&M tomorrow and get a Boveda pack.

[LastClick]

I'm not sure how true this is but, I read a few years ago that the salt test is only meant for analog hygrometers, not digital, because salt is corrosive to the electronic elements of a digital hygrometer and can ruin it.

I calibrate hygrometers by using a damp, not wet, washcloth to cover it and after a few hours it should read 100% if not adjust accordingly.

[CBMC]

Originally Posted by LastClick

I'm not sure how true this is but, I read a few years ago that the salt test is only meant for analog hygrometers, not digital, because salt is corrosive to the electronic elements of a digital hygrometer and can ruin it.

I calibrate hygrometers by using a damp, not wet, washcloth to cover it and after a few hours it should read 100% if not adjust accordingly.

I have heard that to, over time salt can corrode electronics, If I was using a $300 hygrometer I might be a little apprehensive, but at $15 I am not too worried. Xikar does recommend the salt test for their hygrometer, so it can't be too corrosive.

I am wondering if I replace the battery if that could help, I seriously doubt it, but a button cell ag13 battery should cost next to nothing.

Anyone else experience similar temp/humidity fluctuations?

[Wharf Rat]

Originally Posted by montecristo#2

I have also never been a fan of the salt test, I never know how much water to add.

You need to make the water "supersaturated" which means it cannot absorb any more salt no matter how hard you try. You could start with hot water to speed the process. Keep adding salt until it builds up in the container and won't dissolve.

The older gorillas will remember making rock candy - same principle.

Bob