Calibration of a Hygrometer...would this work

[T.G]

Originally Posted by montecristo#2

The hygrometer kit actually works pretty well if you leave it unopen for the time is says to on the package. I once used it to calibrate 5-7 Western Digitals over a period of a week and they were all surprisingly close to each other. But you have to leave it for the full 24-36 hours, after 7-8 hours it is still all over the place.

I am not sure I would trust the larger packets though as the kit uses a really small volume. Also, if you have the smaller 69% packets they use for shipping, I would not trust those as they dry out really quickly.

Aaron, just out of curiosity, did you ever cross-check any of those hydrometers with a salt test?

Reason I'm asking is that they do appear to have the ability to determine the accuracy of the packs after manufacturing and mark them. I have a number of packs that came out of Fuente boxes and the packs have their specific RHs printed on them. I don't recall seeing this level of detail on the larger over the counter boveda packs. So, I'm wondering if they might shuttle the more accurate packs over to the hygrometer calibration kits.

[montecristo#2]

Originally Posted by T.G

Aaron, just out of curiosity, did you ever cross-check any of those hydrometers with a salt test?

I think you mean hygrometer.

I am actually salt test illiterate. I wish I was kidding, but I am not. After doing research for 10 years you would think I could follow a protocol, but I never seem to be able to get the salt mixture correct. I need exact quantities.

Boveda has lot of different size packets:

1. They have the large ones for humidors (65, 69, 72, 75... 84 for seasoning) - I think they say these are +/- 4% on the package. I assume they make these a little wet with the idea that most humidors need moisture and they want them to last at least 3 months. Plus they cannot account for the quality of the humidor. In a good sealing plastic container, I have had Boveda packets last for 2+ years. (I didn't realize they now make these at 62%.)

2. Then they have the large-thin packets they put in Fuente boxes or at least they used to have this size. I have not bought a box of Fuentes in a long time. I think these are 69 or 72 and I doubt these would work in a humidor with how thin they are.

3. They have the small packets they sell in jars for shipping with cigars. I think these are 69%.

4. Then they have the calibration kit. The packet is the same size as the small ones they ship with cigars, but it is set to 75%. The kit says it is accurate to +/- 0.3%.

They say the kit is only good for three months after it is open and I assume that is because the packet loses moisture over time. That is the reason I would not use the small 69% packets to try to calibrate a hygrometer as you have no idea how fresh they are. Plus, the plastic bag they use for the kit is pretty thick with a nice seal.

Are you sure the packets you have from the Fuente boxes have actual RHs on them instead of just a generic printed value?
As I said, I have no issues using the calibration kit. I know the salt test is free, but when you spend as much as some of us do on cigars you start losing count.