Accuracy of salt test calibration

08-13-2010, 12:09 AM

I'm a newbie so please forgive me if this is so basic as to belong in the newbie section.

I performed the salt test as directed but only left everything in the bag for 12 hours as opposed to the 24 hours I've seen suggested in some places. My digital hygro registered 65%.

However, twice I've left the hygro outside over night and both time it was dead on with the local weather station's RH reading. What gives? Did I not perform the salt test long enough? Are different results to be expected when leaving the hygro outside?

This whole hygro accuracy/humidification level is necessary but it sure takes a lot of the fun out of this hobby.

HELP (and thank you, too)!

stewshi · 08-13-2010, 12:56 AM

24 hours is whats suggested and whats been proven to be the amount of time needed, you should try again with this amount of time it should read 75% .... also just because what the weather station suggests at their reading doesnt necessarily mean its that same as where you are.

If your still skeptical you can always just buy a boveda calibration pack for about $5 and use that. Best way and I believe its good for 3 months so you can calibrate a few hygrometers.

08-13-2010, 02:12 AM

I recommend using the boveda testing packs. Sure they are a few bucks, but the accuracy of them are well worth the trouble. Plus, they stay consistent for months, so you can test it later down the road if you would like to.

longknocker · 08-13-2010, 05:10 AM

I Agree With The Boveda Pack Test. Never Could Get The Salt Test To Work After Multiple Tries.

Wharf Rat · 08-13-2010, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longknocker

I Agree With The Boveda Pack Test. Never Could Get The Salt Test To Work After Multiple Tries.

Well, the Boveda Pak is just a premixed salt test. If you have trouble mixing your own, I'd go ahead and spend the money on a Boveda. If you're a do-it-your-selfer, save the money.

http://www.bovedadirect.com/products...cfm?ITEM_ID=12

bigdix · 08-13-2010, 07:10 AM

If you have any of the HumidiPacks that often come with shipped cigars, throw the hygro in there for 18+ hours at room temp. The packs are +/- 1%, but usually pretty spot on. It will at least get your hygro to within 1%. Worked for me...and it was free...if you don't count the cost of a box or two of cigars.

dwoodward · 08-13-2010, 02:57 PM

The whole problem with the salt test is that if the consistency of the salt is off just slightly between tests, your hygrometer could have readings as far apart as 10%... I use the Boveda packets. They are easy and you know for sure what the RH is going to be.

longknocker · 08-14-2010, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwoodward

The whole problem with the salt test is that if the consistency of the salt is off just slightly between tests, your hygrometer could have readings as far apart as 10%... I use the Boveda packets. They are easy and you know for sure what the RH is going to be.

01-27-2011, 07:22 PM

I know this was posted a while ago but is anyone willing to trade for a Boveda pack or link me to where I can buy one? Thanks

bobarian · 01-27-2011, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wallbright

I know this was posted a while ago but is anyone willing to trade for a Boveda pack or link me to where I can buy one? Thanks

http://heartfeltindustries.com/products.asp?cat=Boveda

T.G · 01-27-2011, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wallbright

I know this was posted a while ago but is anyone willing to trade for a Boveda pack or link me to where I can buy one? Thanks

Here you go...

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=boveda+pack

01-27-2011, 07:52 PM

Thanks Bobarian!

Haha and thank you oh wise Adam. The only reason I asked is to see where you guys get it from versus where would be a non reputable retailer or something.

76GTFan · 01-27-2011, 07:59 PM

Finally decided to do this vs the salt test. Got an additional Xikar hygrometer in route, so time to get it right. I trust my beads but tired of wondering if it is accurate or not. I had ZERO luck with the salt test, at least I still had my doubts.

ninjavanish · 01-27-2011, 08:05 PM

Not to discourage you... But I have very very serious doubts about the salt test. Not really the test itself but with hygrometers. Not trying to rain on Anyones parade here but I've never seen anything or any scientific source where the validity of the salt test has ever been proven accurate. And, even if I had seen such proof... It doesn't mean the hygros are reading properly. I've tried on more than one occasion (at least a dozen) to calibrate hygrometers using it with oftentimes terribly inaccurate or even impossibly false results... On several occasions testing up to 10 of the same exact model hygro... On others testing at least 7 different models of hygros... In the same test at once... Getting vastly different readings from each hygro even after calibrating.

The truth is... The only really reliable way (IMO) to tell if your cigars are at the right humidity is to feel your cigars. Feel them between your fingers... Smoke them, literally fondle them until you can pick up your favorite cigar and know by the way it feels if it is going to smoke the way you want it to.

01-27-2011, 08:14 PM

I keep doing the salt test and find that the outside ambient temp has a affect on the RH. So what is the ideal ambient temp for a salt test to get 75% RH?

bobarian · 01-27-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mscales

I keep doing the salt test and find that the outside ambient temp has a affect on the RH. So what is the ideal ambient temp for a salt test to get 75% RH?

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.

chand · 01-27-2011, 08:28 PM

Do yourself a favor and buy a Boveda calibration pack. The convenience, simplicity, and accuracy are well worth it.

76GTFan · 01-27-2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

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.

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?

Volusianator · 01-27-2011, 08:47 PM

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

01-27-2011, 09:04 PM

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?

08-13-2010, 12:09 AM	#1
lawman Guest Posts: n/a	Accuracy of salt test calibration I'm a newbie so please forgive me if this is so basic as to belong in the newbie section. I performed the salt test as directed but only left everything in the bag for 12 hours as opposed to the 24 hours I've seen suggested in some places. My digital hygro registered 65%. However, twice I've left the hygro outside over night and both time it was dead on with the local weather station's RH reading. What gives? Did I not perform the salt test long enough? Are different results to be expected when leaving the hygro outside? This whole hygro accuracy/humidification level is necessary but it sure takes a lot of the fun out of this hobby. HELP (and thank you, too)!

08-13-2010, 12:56 AM	#2
stewshi Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 407 Trading: (23)	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration 24 hours is whats suggested and whats been proven to be the amount of time needed, you should try again with this amount of time it should read 75% .... also just because what the weather station suggests at their reading doesnt necessarily mean its that same as where you are. If your still skeptical you can always just buy a boveda calibration pack for about $5 and use that. Best way and I believe its good for 3 months so you can calibrate a few hygrometers.

08-13-2010, 02:12 AM	#3
druturn Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration I recommend using the boveda testing packs. Sure they are a few bucks, but the accuracy of them are well worth the trouble. Plus, they stay consistent for months, so you can test it later down the road if you would like to.

08-13-2010, 05:10 AM	#4
longknocker Postwhore Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 11,174 Trading: (82)	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration I Agree With The Boveda Pack Test. Never Could Get The Salt Test To Work After Multiple Tries.

08-13-2010, 07:10 AM	#6
bigdix Cigarmurai Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Dan Location: Oki Posts: 669 Trading: (1)	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration If you have any of the HumidiPacks that often come with shipped cigars, throw the hygro in there for 18+ hours at room temp. The packs are +/- 1%, but usually pretty spot on. It will at least get your hygro to within 1%. Worked for me...and it was free...if you don't count the cost of a box or two of cigars. __________________ There's no secret handshake. There's an IQ prerequisite, but there's no secret handshake.

08-13-2010, 02:57 PM	#7
dwoodward Gentlemen, you may smoke! Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Derrick Location: South Dakota Posts: 1,868 Trading: (26)	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration The whole problem with the salt test is that if the consistency of the salt is off just slightly between tests, your hygrometer could have readings as far apart as 10%... I use the Boveda packets. They are easy and you know for sure what the RH is going to be.

01-27-2011, 07:22 PM	#9
Tyler Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration I know this was posted a while ago but is anyone willing to trade for a Boveda pack or link me to where I can buy one? Thanks

01-27-2011, 07:52 PM	#12
Tyler Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration Thanks Bobarian! Haha and thank you oh wise Adam. The only reason I asked is to see where you guys get it from versus where would be a non reputable retailer or something.

01-27-2011, 07:59 PM	#13
76GTFan Full Blown Section 8 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 503 Trading: (9)	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration Finally decided to do this vs the salt test. Got an additional Xikar hygrometer in route, so time to get it right. I trust my beads but tired of wondering if it is accurate or not. I had ZERO luck with the salt test, at least I still had my doubts.

01-27-2011, 08:05 PM	#14
ninjavanish Feeling at Home Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Trust me, your humi isn't big enough. Posts: 507 Trading: (16)	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration Not to discourage you... But I have very very serious doubts about the salt test. Not really the test itself but with hygrometers. Not trying to rain on Anyones parade here but I've never seen anything or any scientific source where the validity of the salt test has ever been proven accurate. And, even if I had seen such proof... It doesn't mean the hygros are reading properly. I've tried on more than one occasion (at least a dozen) to calibrate hygrometers using it with oftentimes terribly inaccurate or even impossibly false results... On several occasions testing up to 10 of the same exact model hygro... On others testing at least 7 different models of hygros... In the same test at once... Getting vastly different readings from each hygro even after calibrating. The truth is... The only really reliable way (IMO) to tell if your cigars are at the right humidity is to feel your cigars. Feel them between your fingers... Smoke them, literally fondle them until you can pick up your favorite cigar and know by the way it feels if it is going to smoke the way you want it to.

01-27-2011, 08:14 PM	#15
mscales Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration I keep doing the salt test and find that the outside ambient temp has a affect on the RH. So what is the ideal ambient temp for a salt test to get 75% RH?

01-27-2011, 08:28 PM	#17
chand Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jan 2011 First Name: Damian Location: Dover, DE Posts: 470 Trading: (22)	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration Do yourself a favor and buy a Boveda calibration pack. The convenience, simplicity, and accuracy are well worth it.

01-27-2011, 08:47 PM	#19
Volusianator Bikes, Babes & Cigars! Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Wade Location: Green Bay, WI Posts: 1,438 Trading: (17)	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration According to Boveda, and I called the company personally and spoke to a rep, their kits are +/- 2 points at 70 degrees. __________________ Overtime pays more because of what you're missing, money isn't everything.

01-27-2011, 09:04 PM	#20
mscales Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Accuracy of salt test calibration 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?