Refractometer

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Hmm got one of these cheap ones off Fleabay. Appears to only have the Brix scale of 0-30%.

Maybe you got the wrong one? there are different refractometers set to test different things.

I just tried to calibrate mine with distilled water and I can't zero it to the recommended line. It runs out of adjustment.

Obviously it would - it's a bit difficult to calibrate something built to work at water percentages between 0 and 30 using a substance which has a water content of 100% .
The chinese refractometers come ready calibrated you only need something like an oil of a known index (such as liquid paraffin) to occasionally test/confirm that nothing has changed - not to readjust, fiddling around with the calibration screw means it's now good for nothing.

 

[Brigsy]

Thanks guys. I fear mine isn't calibrated now for sure!


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[REDWOOD]

E bay Chinese one I have and comparing it with JBM's both are spot on

 

[Brigsy]

I didn't say I was trying to zero to 0%. I said the recommended line JBM

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I know - but you can't use water to calibrate something in the 20 odd percent area (as you have found out )

 

[enrico]

I just tried to calibrate mine with distilled water and I can't zero it to the recommended line. It runs out of adjustment.

I do wish you had read thread 5...... I tried to teach you by mistakes!
E

 

[Brigsy]

I am indeed an idiot! I probably did read and promptly forgot haha. Never mind.


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[Brigsy]

Got it sorted now. Recalibrated and working well.

 

[enrico]

Ok, now get some good olive oil. Use it in the instrument and note the calibration. Seal the same olive oil in a bottle and write the calibration on the bottle. That now becomes your easy way to recalibrate a known liquid to a known calibration
E

 

[Brigsy]

I did something similar. I post I saw elsewhere stated that extra virgin olive oil consistently comes in on the Brix at about 71-72. So setting it at 71.5 as a starter.

I then tested on some honey that came up at 16%. Thats good enough for me.

 

[castanea]

Hi
Just got back from Edinburgh,low and behold my Refractometer had been delivered over a week ago. Well packed and in good condition. So all's well for this years honey. I haven't touched it, took note of all useful comments. Thanks