Caliber III vs. Radio shack DIGITAL hygrometer

[dyj48]

I thought you weren't suppose to salt test the Western caliber III, do you really need to do this? The package insert says you void the warranty if you salt test the machine (not that I care about the warranty). Do most people salt test their caliber III?

I am using activator solution to start since I have only had my humidor about two weeks and with it empty the caliber reads 70%, as I put more sticks in it deeps to 65% and gradually goes back to 70%. Is it worth salt testing? When I seasoned my humidor, using the boveda seasoning packets (yeh yeh I know, there are cheaper ways to season a humidor), after 7-8 days, the gauge was between 70-73%.

I'm getting a second caliber III for my second humi, I suppose if they read the same I should be fine.

Hi Aaron,

Yeah, I did it anyway. I think the concern was that the salt might damage the CIII if any of it spilled on it. I placed a small glass bowl (actually used for salt while cooking) with the salt and water in it and put the whole thing in a small tupperware container. I didn't do the baggie number since the potential for spills was greater. I left it there for four days to insure that the humidity was accurate. It stablized after two days. I used this same technique for all my RS wireless hygros as well.

 

[txmatt]

Any of the recommended options will work. I have the Radio Shack one and it does the job. I think it was off a couple percent, can't remember if it was plus or minus though, doesn't matter IMO.

After you have had your humidor going a few years, you will be able to tell if it is properly humidified when you put your face in for that wonderful whiff of air..

A hygrometer is just a crutch or double check IMO, it isn't going to stop your cigars from getting dried out whether you buy a $6 one or a $500 one. It is your media that is important; put extra money into extra beads instead of a fancy hygrometer.. Originally, I was using 1/2 pound of beads in my 60 quart humidor. I am now using 1.5 pounds, and I have to fill the beads a lot less often.. I might add another pound yet.


:2
-Matt-

 

[Isombitch]

Has anyone ever mentioned the idea of a Hygro-template test. In other words, salt test ONE hygro and then use it as a template for subsequent/other ones. It would be much quicker and, if done right, just as accurate. If you have one known why not use it?

 

[montecristo#2]

Hi Aaron,

Yeah, I did it anyway. I think the concern was that the salt might damage the CIII if any of it spilled on it. I placed a small glass bowl (actually used for salt while cooking) with the salt and water in it and put the whole thing in a small tupperware container. I didn't do the baggie number since the potential for spills was greater. I left it there for four days to insure that the humidity was accurate. It stablized after two days. I used this same technique for all my RS wireless hygros as well.

Got a second caliber III today and with my luck it reads different from my first. The temperature is pretty close (within one degree), however, the RH is off by 3-4. It is actually lower than my first, so if it is correct, my sticks have been closer to 61-62% than 65-66%. They still seem fine, so I don't think it is a real problem.

To solve the problem, I decided to setup the salt test, I'll see how close they are when I get home tonight. At least I will know if they are off in the future.

 

[stogie_kanobie_one]

I just went to Home Depot and got some self-stick Velcro fasteners and put my sensor in the lid. Gets it out of the way, and it's pretty much the the same depth as my humidification element that I keep my beads in which is also mounted in the lid.

It's a good idea for the mounting in the desktop humis. I have one in my 75 ct desktop and it has never really bothered me since I keep it only about 1/3 full with bundles. But this gives me back some space I would not have otherwise had! Good idea......

And duh on my part

 

[montecristo#2]

Did the salt test on my two western caliber III's and when I opened the lid after 9 hours, both read 73% RH. The temperature was also within a degree. Got them in the same humi right now and they are both reading 65%. So maybe the second unit just needed a while to normalize.

 

[Junior]

I have the Western Digital III, Wal-Mart $7, and Wal-Mart $12 one. I did not salt test them but did test them with the Fuente humidor bag that is set at 70% test is as follows: WD III=70%, WM $7=75%, and WM $12=63% after 12 hours. My vote goes for the Western Digital III. I also have a glass top Humi that I normally leave it in the top but will normally move it around just to keep an eye through out. I am thinking about getting one with remote sensors for my coolidor. Does anyone know is there one that will monitor 3 sensors?

 

[Ermo]

The radio shack digital wireless one will monitor up to 3.

 

[Corona Gigante]

I use my R/S sensor in my coolerdor so I can monitor the humidity without opening the lid. I'm using beads so I'm not too worried about the accuracy of the sensor (+/-5% or so) so long as the reading stays constant. When the reading starts to go down, I know I need to recharge the beads.

I use a cheapo digital thermo/hygrometer in my desktop humi. I could use a second R/S sensor but it would take up probably 3/4x the space. Again, I don't worry too much about absolute accuracy. I'm more interested in the delta.