Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[massphatness]

Couple thoughts:

* I've never had an issue with Boveda packs but that doesn't mean you don't have mis-calibrated packs

* Your humidor may be leaking humidity because of a bad seal. I'm hoping smarter guys than me can offer suggestions on how to test.

* Salt test your hygrometer - you may find that its reading is off and you'll need to account for that when looking at the display. If you're unfamiliar with the salt test method, use the search function here. Pretty sure there's a how-to thread. Boveda also sells a hygrometer test kit that allows you seal your device in a bag for a couple days to check the veracity of the reading.
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[pnoon]

Originally Posted by massphatness

* Salt test your hygrometer - you may find that its reading is off and you'll need to account for that when looking at the display. If you're unfamiliar with the salt test method, use the search function here. Pretty sure there's a how-to thread. Boveda also sells a hygrometer test kit that allows you seal your device in a bag for a couple days to check the veracity of the reading.
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Absolutely the first thing you should do. Also, make sure you have a digital hygrometer. The analog ones are just for show and are grossly inaccurate.

[luther]

I have a digital. There is not a calibration button on my new digital. I have done the salt test before but have always pushed the calibration button on my other digital. Make sense?

[markem]

Originally Posted by luther

I have a digital. There is not a calibration button on my new digital. I have done the salt test before but have always pushed the calibration button on my other digital. Make sense?

I have a digital with several remotes (Oregon Scientific). What I do is salt test them but then remember how far off they are. One is almost spot on and one is 1-1.5 % high on each testing. I number them to keep them straight. Btw, I salt test for 48 hours usually as that allows the whole environment better time to stabilize. I use a small tupperware like container.

Your hygrometer does NOT have to be perfect, it just has to be stable. If 72% is equal to 66% (after you check with a salt test, that is), then you know to subtract 6% to get the true reading. After a while, you will know that "when the gauge reads X" is where I like my sticks.

For example, the hygrometer unit that came with my Aristocrat is set to 60% right now. The hygrometer that is nearby reads 58%. The once at the bottom of the MX reads 59%. The one at the bottom is the one that is off, so I think that it is actually 2-3% higher at the top than bottom, based on calibrated results over many years. I don't sweat that they all read different because I know my humidor.

After time, you will also trust your humidor more than your gauges, provided you don't have any leaks.

Best of luck!

[luther]

Salt test should have it reading 75% correct?

[AdamJoshua]

Originally Posted by luther

Salt test should have it reading 75% correct?

Correct

[luther]

So after the salt test if my hygrometer reads 70% I simply add 5% to the reading after it is placed in my humidor?

Appreciate all the insight!