Digital Hygrometer Question - Is one salt test enough?

[gary106334]

Originally Posted by montecristo#2

I LOVE Boveda packets. . . actually, I really do need to buy some more 65% packets I am out.

That's the nice thing about beads. You don't have to keep buying them.

[montecristo#2]

Originally Posted by gary106334

That's the nice thing about beads. You don't have to keep buying them.

Definitely true. That is probably why I have 1.5 lbs in my vino and another 1 lb in my two humidors.

But I still use packets in my tupperware type containers, they take up less room, require no water and have lasted a couple of years.

I even have a packet in my 100 count desktop that has a couple of ounces of beads as well. I figure if I forget to add water, the packet will keep it stabilized until I get around to it

[gary106334]

Originally Posted by montecristo#2

Definitely true. That is probably why I have 1.5 lbs in my vino and another 1 lb in my two humidors.

But I still use packets in my tupperware type containers, they take up less room, require no water and have lasted a couple of years.

I even have a packet in my 100 count desktop that has a couple of ounces of beads as well. I figure if I forget to add water, the packet will keep it stabilized until I get around to it

Touche

[s15driftking]

Bringing back from the dead....

I noticed... after salt testig each one of my digi hygros (all idfferent brands, but that realyl doens't matter as long as they are relative)... and each salt test (per each one) has been off and different...

IS the boveda extremely accurate? proof? ebcause i salt tested my most expensive hygro 3 tiems and one was off -4, the next tiem off -2, and now its +3.... so that is inconsistent as all heck!

[SeanGAR]

Originally Posted by s15driftking

IS the boveda extremely accurate? proof? ebcause i salt tested my most expensive hygro 3 tiems and one was off -4, the next tiem off -2, and now its +3.... so that is inconsistent as all heck!

Boveda for testing hygros is simply saturated sodium chloride inside a vapor (but not liquid) permeable package. So it is exactly the same as using saturated sodium chloride the way we normally use it (in a shot glass or bottle cap) except the resistance to vapor transfer across the plastic membrane makes equilibrium take longer. So accurate? Yes .. as long as you wait for equilibrium.

Proof? Well, the humidity produced in an enclosed environment by a saturated salt solution at equilibrium at a given temperature and pressure is a constant. For sodium chloride it is 75% and change (not 75.00).

With the boveda packages, you need to ensure you reach equilibrium, as the plastic slows equilibrium within the system (your baggie). As long as you reach equilibrium the Boveda should be very accurate (within a tenth or so of % humidity). Make sure you feel liquid inside the Boveda package as they will dry out if left outside in low humidiity environment long enough.

I expect battery power is one thing that will affect long term accuracy, silver oxide will produce a more stable current voltage than alkaline cells over time ... this has been widely discussed for camera light meters when the mercury cells became unavailable and the choice was between silver oxide, zinc air or alkaline. So, I'd recommend silver oxide cells over alkaline if you can get them for your hygros. Zinc air are very stable but have short lifespans, alkaline change in voltage rapidly and this should affect the output of the humidity sensors in the hygros.

[hotreds]

Originally Posted by bazookajoe

For me there are too many variables with the salt test, and some digital hygrometer manufacturers say not to use it as it can cause corrosion on the electronics. The easiest and IMO the most accurate test is the Boveda One-Step Calibration Kit. The $5 is worth the peace of mind.

Absolutely!

[s15driftking]

thanks for the insight boys... im always the paranoid humidity guy...

[Big A]

My hygrometer went up to 74% after being in the bag for only an hour, left and came back 8 hours later and was dead set at 75%. I got a cheap one off ebay and tried to salt test it and after 12 hrs it was at 64%. I put them both in my humi and the first one tested came in at 70% and the ebay one came in at 69%.....

Originally Posted by s15driftking

thanks for the insight boys... im always the paranoid humidity guy...

Same here, even more so when you just get a new humi set up. I have had my new one and have been checking it several times per day.

[PipesandGOP]

I know I stick pretty much to the pipe side of thing but I just wanted to throw this article out there as I've been dealing with the same stuff over the past week or so with worrying to death over mixing up a little salt and water.. yea go figure lol.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Prevent-Mold!-Hygrometer-Calibration--Tips-from-a-Bellingham-WA-Home-Inspector&id=602308
The article pretty much lays out all the basic principles that're always covered but he clarifies a few things that I found to be true as I reached 75% rh my first and second time (couldn't believe I got it on my first try lol) and that can help to ease the stress of knowing "hey did i use too much/not enough salt/water??".
Thanks for all the info you guys give, it's definately a big help to this piper who's slowly building his cigar collection.
Zack

[s15driftking]

Originally Posted by Big A

Same here, even more so when you just get a new humi set up. I have had my new one and have been checking it several times per day.

exactly... its like... DOES THIS THING HAVE A LEAK!!!!???