I tried to calibrate the hydrometer against water to test this theory and it read just slightly below 0.98. (probably at 0.97 level)
I cannot think why this might be occurring, other than I am using a fluted pint glass which is wider at the top and narrow at the bottom.
First of all am I right to think water should read 1.00. If I am right, then what in tap water would cause it to read 0.97? Should I just assume the hydrometer is .03 in error and add .03 to all readings?
2006-09-19 07:52:31 · 6 answers · asked by James 6 in Food & Drink ➔ Beer, Wine & Spirits
It is an old floating hydometer, which I have never calibrated or checked that it was ever accurate. I used it to take a start and a finish reading. Also to determine when to stop fermentation. Clearly, I need to revise my methodology as what I thought were dry wines are actually officially sweet!
2006-09-19 10:58:00 · update #1
It is possible that the paper has shifted and so the reading is inaccurate. It is also possible that it has never been accurate. I will just adjust by +.03 from now on.
2006-09-19 11:01:07 · update #2
The adjustments required for temperature are insignificant compared to how far the baramoter is mis-reading. The baramoter is calibrated at 15C and the water temperature measured 66F. So this is not the reason!
2006-09-19 22:46:04 · update #3
Depending on how old it is, the paper inside may have shifted...sometimes if it gets dropped or jarred, the scale can shift withing the tube.
Adding the error factor will do just fine. Remember, +- .03 isn't huge, and in the end, you're checking for the change in SG, from OG to FG...that'll still be correct.
Worst case, they're what...$6.00? A new one won't hurt.
2006-09-19 08:57:10 · answer #1 · answered by Trid 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fluted glass should not make any difference. You did not say what kind of hydrometer you are using, floating, or gage ? Is it new ? Is it clean ? You're right, water should read 1.00 @ 4 degrees C. With everything else said just make the .03 correction to all readings.
2006-09-19 15:35:23 · answer #2 · answered by g_man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make certain you are dipping it in a liquid which is at the temperature stated on the hydrometer for starters. These cheapo hydrometers are never really accurate anyway.
RoyS
2006-09-20 02:34:08 · answer #3 · answered by Roy S 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Has your machine been tested and zeroed for sea-level? The air pressure (and therefore the water pressure exerted on the air by the water) will be less as you climb in altitude?
On the other hand, what does the manufacturing company claim is the accuracy of the machine? For some gadgets, anything with 5% is consdiered "Right on."
2006-09-19 15:02:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I keep my cigars in the box they came in and I never have problems.
2006-09-19 14:59:52 · answer #5 · answered by Harezichi 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
get a new one
2006-09-19 15:10:03 · answer #6 · answered by don;t know 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋