Accuracy of salt test calibration

Originally Posted by bobarian

Temps in Celcius but easily converted. http://www.omega.com/temperature/z/pdf/z103.pdf

Clayton, the chemistry of aqueous solutions of various salts has been a laboratory standard for a very long time. The reason for variability is results is in the test method not the chemistry.

Originally Posted by 76GTFan

I believe the scientific validity, but I fear there are too many variables in the common setting. Like others have stated, specific amounts of water to salt would be very helpful. And do different forms of salt make a difference?

Table salt is sodium chloride. A little iodine in it is not going to make any difference. Room temperature is 20-25 C. Not much variance there. A saturated solution is when no more solid can be dissolved. Covering the salt just a little higher with water will give you this. A totally sealed container will reach equilibrium in time. The table Bob posted shows 75.2-75.5% with NaCl.
All that said, I use my hygrometer as a baseline for seeing changes. I use the feel of the cigar to judge smokability.

[Volusianator]

According to Boveda, and I called the company personally and spoke to a rep, their kits are +/- 2 points at 70 degrees.

All I know is I have had a Walmart digital running in a salt test since before Xmas along with a couple hygrometers. The digital RH moves more depending on the ambient outside temp. Colder outside the lower the humidity in the test container. The mechanical hygrometers have a little less change but they still change. So, I don't know what ambient temp is best for the salt test. Maybe it is 75 degrees?

[silkstring]

I managed to calibrate a Lifestyle Ambient synthetic hair large size hygrometer from Germany using a German technique of wrapping it up in a damp tea towel. This was supposed to bring it to 100% humidity. I was dubious but tried it out. The adjustment levers in this hygrometer are hard to locate at first, being accessed through the side vents. Another dificulty I experienced was in adjusting it quickly enough, because the hygrometer reacted immediately and dramatically to having the tea towel moved enough away to access the adjustment levers. However, I got it where I hoped it was at 100% which took about 20 minutes rather than the 12 hours for the salt test. To check it though, I ran a salt test the next night with "wet sand" consistency salt in a small jar lid about 3cm wide filled 3/4 full with salt and only enough water to get the wet sand consistency. The next morning it was almost dead on, reading what looked to be something like 74.99% RH. I don't know if this works for others, but it seems to have worked for me. I use the hygrometer for fragile musical instruments, so this is reasonably critical for me too.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by silkstring

I managed to calibrate a Lifestyle Ambient synthetic hair large size hygrometer from Germany using a German technique of wrapping it up in a damp tea towel. This was supposed to bring it to 100% humidity. I was dubious but tried it out. The adjustment levers in this hygrometer are hard to locate at first, being accessed through the side vents. Another dificulty I experienced was in adjusting it quickly enough, because the hygrometer reacted immediately and dramatically to having the tea towel moved enough away to access the adjustment levers. However, I got it where I hoped it was at 100% which took about 20 minutes rather than the 12 hours for the salt test. To check it though, I ran a salt test the next night with "wet sand" consistency salt in a small jar lid about 3cm wide filled 3/4 full with salt and only enough water to get the wet sand consistency. The next morning it was almost dead on, reading what looked to be something like 74.99% RH. I don't know if this works for others, but it seems to have worked for me. I use the hygrometer for fragile musical instruments, so this is reasonably critical for me too.

Do you smoke cigars?

[T.G]

I calibrate all my hygrometers by dropping them in the toilet. I set them to 100% then fish them out and sleep soundly at night knowing they are dead nuts accurately set at that point.

[Bill86]

Originally Posted by T.G

I calibrate all my hygrometers by dropping them in the toilet. I set them to 100% then fish them out and sleep soundly at night knowing they are dead nuts accurately set at that point.

Very interesting I've yet to try this, I've got a few spares around the house....Let me see if that will work.

EDIT T.G is right except I've notice to completely calibrate it you'll need to flush the toilet. It really gets the bugs out of those touchy little hygro's. It now properly reads " " which is far more accurate then it did before the flush test.

Sheesh. I just put a few drops of water in a bottlecap of salt and always get exactly 75% - every time. I guess I'm crazy because I'm apparently also the only guy that can get analog hygrometers and foam humidifiers to work flawlessly too.

[76GTFan]

Originally Posted by Nathan King

Sheesh. I just put a few drops of water in a bottlecap of salt and always get exactly 75% - every time. I guess I'm crazy because I'm apparently also the only guy that can get analog hygrometers and foam humidifiers to work flawlessly too.

Mr perfect called. He wants his Tshirt back. JK. I haven't had the same results. With that said my cigars smoke fine and I am confident the beads are doing well. Just would be nice to have the peace of mind.

[Drez]

I've salt tested all 7 of my hygro's and with the exception of one being off 2% high and one 1% low I've never had a problem with the test not working. My house stays at about 74 degrees and my test always seem to work.

I have 2 more of the walmart hygro's testing as we speak and after about 14 hours they were at 75% both when I left for work. Also the temp was also reading 74.

When I put the meters in my cooler or vino with the beads the all read between 66 and 69 so I know they are reading just about right and my beads are doing there job.

I do however use a stick of beads once ever couple of months and put all the meters in a large Tupperware for a day or two just to kind of spot check.

Btw my meters are a mix or humicare, xikar, walmart and 2 no name brand so it has worked for different brands for me.

Btw what I use is the mortons salt that comes in the blue paper can thing. I use a soda cap filled till it's level then add enough water to change the color of the salt from white to just clear ( my guess is about 5 or 6 drops) then I stir it around with a tooth pick to make sure it's evenly damp and not overly saturated. I then use a rubber made container (about 4 inchs tall and 6x6 square).

Maybe I'll do a little test and break it down to how much salt to use and drops of water. Maybe that way we can all get better results.

[76GTFan]

Sounds like a good plan. Thanks!!

Sounds good to me too thanks! Also what amount of time do you guys leave it in there? One hygro instructions said 4 hours another said 8 hours while online says 12 to 24 hours.

[Volusianator]

Originally Posted by Wallbright

Sounds good to me too thanks! Also what amount of time do you guys leave it in there? One hygro instructions said 4 hours another said 8 hours while online says 12 to 24 hours.

When you see it stop changing...you're done.

[Zeuceone]

Will a humidipak work?

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Zeuceone

Will a humidipak work?

As long as it is accurate.

[Zeuceone]

It says relative humidity 69%. I tried the salt test but not sure if I did it correctly.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Zeuceone

It says relative humidity 69%. I tried the salt test but not sure if I did it correctly.

G, I am just saying that just because the humidpack says it is a 69% RH does not mean that it actually is accurate in and of itself.

[Drez]

I leave mine for 24 hours. Most of the time after 10 to 12 hours it will read 75%.

I don't know if the humi would work cause I don't really have any but I don't see why it wouldn't as long as the pack is working like it should as stated above.

I know it works with beads like I said above I spot check all of mine every 2 or 3 months with the beads.

[ninjavanish]

Felt like posting on this again...

I'm in no way saying we should completely ignore technology... But I can't help but feel like we've become so reliant on digital hygrometers that some of the old ways have been lost.

How did people check the humidity of their cigars before digital hygros came about?!

I have digital hygrometers in all of my humidors. However, when it comes down to it... My bottom line test of humidity is literally picking up and feeling my cigars.

Just do it! And stop worrying about stupid salt tests and hygrometers that may or may not be working correctly!

Cigars are a hobby for all of the senses... And touch is one of the most important if not one of the most neglected ones... We should all take a little more time to simply feel our beloved smokes... Yes... It sounds dirty... But caress them. Be gentle with them... Take the time to get to know them by touch. And I guarantee you you never NEED another hygrometer or salt test ever again.

[shilala]

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

Felt like posting on this again...

I'm in no way saying we should completely ignore technology... But I can't help but feel like we've become so reliant on digital hygrometers that some of the old ways have been lost.

How did people check the humidity of their cigars before digital hygros came about?!

I have digital hygrometers in all of my humidors. However, when it comes down to it... My bottom line test of humidity is literally picking up and feeling my cigars.

Just do it! And stop worrying about stupid salt tests and hygrometers that may or may not be working correctly!

Cigars are a hobby for all of the senses... And touch is one of the most important if not one of the most neglected ones... We should all take a little more time to simply feel our beloved smokes... Yes... It sounds dirty... But caress them. Be gentle with them... Take the time to get to know them by touch. And I guarantee you you never NEED another hygrometer or salt test ever again.

I agree and disagree, NJ.
If a person has no frame of reference on how wet or dry a cigar "should be", it's dang near impossible for them just to go on their gut. The worry will drive them insane.
I think it's an evolution. Bear me out...
Once a guy gets the salt test under control, then gets good hygros, then gets their cigars where they like them, then they have gathered lots of valuable experience. That whole process takes time. Maybe a year, maybe a couple years, maybe less.
Through that process, they'll have tried cigars stored at many different levels of wetness, and they'll figure stuff out. Important stuff like "it appears my cc's smoke a lot better at 55% than 70%" and "it appears my nc's smoke better at 65% than 55%".
I can pick up a cigar and smell it and feel it and know if it's too wet or too dry for my liking, but I have some time in. A guy who has just started in the hobby may not have someone with experience to teach them in person, which would be a lot better. So they rely on the next best thing, which is our brothers online.
In time, the new hobbyist isn't going to rely or obsess on hygrometers.
Or at least this is how it all progressed for me.