What am i doing wrong???

[rgrecco]

I don't know what my problem is...

I purchased this Humidor a while back and have since stocked it up... I made the mistake of putting in a VERY BIG Humidifier for a short period of time... When I realised that the humidity was running VERY HIGH I took it out and bought a Cigar Mechanic Humidifier...

Now I know that it is for 100 stick and the humidor is a 75 stick I just figured that would have been better then running the 250 stick humidifier that I had... Also it runs on "beads"

My humidity after a week is still running up in the 80% area at temps of 72 degreese... What can I do???

I open it up and let it sit to air it out daily so I don't screw up my smokes...

Hope someone here can help me out...

THANKS

RON

[rgrecco]

By the way... I am running a Caliber III Digital Hygrometer...

[BradNC]

Are you sure the temp and humidity readings are correct?

[rgrecco]

The temp I know for sure is spot on... as for the humidity... I dunno...

But... This is what the site says...

Features of the Caliber III Digital Hygrometer:
*Never requires calibration
*Features easy to read large display, slim profile design, and magnetic mount
*Accuracy +/- 1% humidity, +/-1 degree temperature
*Dimensions: 3.5 x 1.25 x .25
*Full 5 years guarantee

[TXRebel]

Salt test your hygrometer and dry your beads out. I have no experience with that brand of beads, but I read their directions and if all beads are clear they can’t absorb excess humidity. I recommend getting some Shilala Beads or Heartfelt Beads.

[big a]

Originally Posted by TXRebel

Salt test your hygrometer and dry your beads out. I have no experience with that brand of beads, but I read their directions and if all beads are clear they can’t absorb excess humidity. I recommend getting some Shilala Beads or Heartfelt Beads.

Have to agree, salt test the hygro. Search here and find out how to, its easy. Than get those beads. i have had both and like both very well. Having more beads that required is fine too. I always like to have more so the humidity bounces back faster after opening it.

[yourchoice]

The beads you have may (and I stress may) be okay. But, my understanding is optimally when you hydrate your beads you should aim for 1/2 opaque and 1/2 white......better yet, if your running high now, dry them completely out and put them in dry (all white). If your humidor is higher than the bead's preset RH, they should pull the moisture to them.

I'm not a bead expert, but that's my understanding of how they work. Here's a post by someone who knows a lot more about beads than me. LINK

And definitely calibrate your hygrometer just to be sure! Here's a post by the same member...Mark's a good guy. LINK

BTW - both of the links are stickies. Read up on them and a lot of questions may already be answered.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by rgrecco

The temp I know for sure is spot on... as for the humidity... I dunno...

But... This is what the site says...

Features of the Caliber III Digital Hygrometer:
*Never requires calibration
*Features easy to read large display, slim profile design, and magnetic mount
*Accuracy +/- 1% humidity, +/-1 degree temperature
*Dimensions: 3.5 x 1.25 x .25
*Full 5 years guarantee

Don't believe that for a minute -- in any case as others have suggested you should salt test it.

[rgrecco]

Here Is My Issue With The Salt Test:

[dwoodward]

Beads are meant to be used ALONE...

Really, just pick one or the other, use beads, or use the humidifier. Don't complicate it by using different systems.

[bobarian]

Take out the beads. Let it sit for 24hours and take a reading. If you dont trust the salt test you can get a Boveda Test kit for under $10 at your local shop or online. If after calibrating and reading your Rh without the beads if its still too high then dry out 90% of the beads and then put them back in. It will take 7-10days for the beads to absorb the excess Rh and you want it to go slowly. Too fast and you may damage some more delicate wrappers. The only problem I see with those beads is they do not state the Rh that they have been set at, other than that they should be fine.

[bigdix]

Originally Posted by bobarian

Take out the beads. Let it sit for 24hours and take a reading. If you dont trust the salt test you can get a Boveda Test kit for under $10 at your local shop or online. If after calibrating and reading your Rh without the beads if its still too high then dry out 90% of the beads and then put them back in. It will take 7-10days for the beads to absorb the excess Rh and you want it to go slowly. Too fast and you may damage some more delicate wrappers. The only problem I see with those beads is they do not state the Rh that they have been set at, other than that they should be fine.

---Wise words. I would listen if I were you...just my

Your hygro may indeed be off. I have the exact same hygro in my humi and when I tested it with a boveda pack, it turned out to be about 4 points too high. Instead of sending it in, I just take in the 4 points into account when setting the humidity. Although they advertise it as being perfect, it is merely a ploy from preventing you from actually testing it and seeing how off it is. Once you find out how off it is, it will stay that way. Mine has been perfectly 4 points off since buying it over a year ago.(I have tested it numerous times and it resulted in the same 4 point differential)

[d'am]

Regarding the salt test, I can't imagine why it would hurt a hygrometer. I suspect that the manufacturer is worried about loose salt finding its way in your hygro and the subsequent warranty request.

That said, if you don't test either by salt or the boveda pack, you're in for a lot more headaches down the road. Your hygro's error will drift plus or minus over time.

[Ashcan Bill]

How are your cigars smoking?

Are they spongy and hard to draw? Any signs of mold? Dry as a bone and crack when handled?

Or are they smoking okay and looking good?

Hygrometers are nice, but don't get into a position where you can't see the forest for the trees. What's important is how your cigars smoke and their condition.

I have four or five hygrometers, none of which I've paid any attention to in years. My cigars tell me what condition they're in, and I make adjustments based on that. Watching the numbers is good as you're gaining experience, but try to listen to your cigars as well. They'll tell you the true story.

[Volt]

I have to say, I agree with Bill. I have Scott's beads set for 65% (way more than recommended, but I like a auick bouce back from playing cigar Tetris). My smokes burn almost in a perfect circle for me.

I have several analog and digital hugrometers. They all suck equally. Most lose their "accuracy" in 6 months due to the batteries getting weak. I trust my beads and use the hgrometers for temp only as my humis sit close to the tv in the entertainment console. In the summer time I have to move them due to the heat from the tv. Use the force Luke, trust your beads and how the cigars smoke are smoking.

Originally Posted by Ashcan Bill

How are your cigars smoking?

Are they spongy and hard to draw? Any signs of mold? Dry as a bone and crack when handled?

Or are they smoking okay and looking good?

Hygrometers are nice, but don't get into a position where you can't see the forest for the trees. What's important is how your cigars smoke and their condition.

I have four or five hygrometers, none of which I've paid any attention to in years. My cigars tell me what condition they're in, and I make adjustments based on that. Watching the numbers is good as you're gaining experience, but try to listen to your cigars as well. They'll tell you the true story.

Originally Posted by bobarian

Take out the beads. Let it sit for 24hours and take a reading. If you dont trust the salt test you can get a Boveda Test kit for under $10 at your local shop or online. If after calibrating and reading your Rh without the beads if its still too high then dry out 90% of the beads and then put them back in. It will take 7-10days for the beads to absorb the excess Rh and you want it to go slowly. Too fast and you may damage some more delicate wrappers. The only problem I see with those beads is they do not state the Rh that they have been set at, other than that they should be fine.

Solid advice. I think the key is having patience while things hit equilibrium.

[NCRadioMan]

I've got 4 of those hygrometers and have had them about 5 years. I salt test them twice per year. It's just another typical liability disclaimer they have to use.

The Cigar Mechanic's beads are set for 70%. Dry them completely, with a hair dryer, so they can soak up the excess moisture. Then chuck them and get 65% beads from Heartfelt.

[rgrecco]

Thanks for the help Guys... The cigars seem to be smoking right...

I am still new to this whole cigar world... 99% of the cigars are burning evenly, some are dryer then others... Prob because some are on the bottom and some are on top... ( I prefer top... ;-) )

I will let the humidor sit without a humidifier for 24 hours and see where it gets me... I will do that on Sunday...

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE HELP!!!

RON