Salt Test calibration going haywire. Beware!

[tippexx]

With winter coming I thought it time to change all batteries and salt test all my hygros. The results were all over the place and bore no resemblance to the previous calibrations, and because I use a clear top airtight container for the job, I could see the PH figures changing radically while the Temperatures were within the same points parameter on all of the hygros and solid.

Over the last few days I did the test several times, thinking perhaps I'd used too much water or not enough. Each time, the same ? all over the place, which is a little upsetting as one of the hygros is a brand new Angelo from Tabac Pietsch.

It never occurred to me to look at the salt. This morning I decided to do all the tests again. The salt cellar was almost empty, so I looked in the cupboards for the pack to re-fill it from. Unbeknown to me SWIMBO has changed our salt from regular SAXA to a Sodium Reduced version ..... is this the culprit and the reason why the PH reading are fluctuating so wildly?

[Puff Scotty]

Buy some Saxa & find out ...otherwise I'll have to get my Missus running round Teskies trying to get some of the Sodium Reduced stuff.....

[Stevieboy]

I reckon the low sodium version will have potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride. The test relies on the nature of a saturated NaCl solution being 75%RH and as the NaCl content is less and KCl is higher this would affect the results.
I would have expected all your results to have shown the same RH regardless of Na content though..

[daverave999]

I'd say it's highly likely! As Puff says, just get some normal stuff. A tub of salt will be much cheaper than replacing your cigars.

[njs71]

I've just done the salt calibration on my hygro with regular salt and it is rock solid at 75. Has been in since last night.

[monkey66]

We know that this is a tried and tested method.

You have a significant unexpected variance across multiple devices.

Only three factors: water, salt and environment. I think the variable is clear.

Sent from happy, clappy, tappy.

[pedro]

Stop being a cheap bugger and buy a boveda pack.
Problem sorted you can get them on eBay for 2 quid.

[Puff Scotty]

We know that this is a tried and tested method.

You have a significant unexpected variance across multiple devices.

Only three factors: water, salt and environment. I think the variable is clear.

Sent from happy, clappy, tappy.

Four factors..You forgot Arf, or is he listed along with environment?

Get some Saxa Arf!

PS. I use Diamond Crown Hygro's. Have done for ages, I do a yearly salt test & change the batteries every 2 years (they can last for 3-4). I've never had a problem with them.

[Bigboned]

Nah all the smokes are ruined Arf, send em onto me and I'll send you a tub of salt bud

[crusse]

Give them to me and I'll send you two tubs of salt and a packet of Hamlets Arf. Sorry Andy, you've been outbid.

[Funkilee]

so is the salt test more accurate than using the saturated method (damp cloth wrapped round hygro), i thought that there would be less room for error this way?

[Bigboned]

Give them to me and I'll send you two tubs of salt and a packet of Hamlets Arf. Sorry Andy, you've been outbid.

Sorry cant top that Arf! There yours Crusse

[ChimpsInTies]

I tried the salt method today on my analogue Hygro from the front of my Humi. I found that it rested on about 76% but then when I tried to adjust it a tiny bit I realised it's actually just rubbish and basically impossible to calibrate so now it's miles out. Bugger

Oh well never mind. I've got a digital one that's in the Humi anyway so never mind. It still looks pretty and plugs a big hole.

[Eddie]

I can't remember who, but one of the hygro manufactures makes a digi one with the inlet in the back so it will go in a humidor to replace a mech one.

[daverave999]

so is the salt test more accurate than using the saturated method (damp cloth wrapped round hygro), i thought that there would be less room for error this way?

Should be. With the saturated method there's no guarantee it's actually going to be 100%. A saturated solution of pure sodium chloride will always give 75 to 76% depending on the temperature.

I can't remember who, but one of the hygro manufactures makes a digi one with the inlet in the back so it will go in a humidor to replace a mech one.

I think that's Xikar?