Hydrometer

RobertW
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Hydrometer May 13, 2021 14:43:33 GMT -5

Quote

Post by RobertW on May 13, 2021 14:43:33 GMT -5

May 12, 2021 20:31:04 GMT -5 blues90 said:

Robert , The only place I've seen it and got mine was on amazon. I didn't see it on the Boveda site. They must have it since they do sell it.

store.bovedainc.com/search/?q=one-step+calibration+kit+32%25+&type=product.

It shows the 75% .

Then I found this.

store.bovedainc.com/products/hygrometer-calibration.

Your first link is a FAILED search result that returns only the 75% kit

Your 2ed link: it is not either/or. it is 75 or BOTH 32 and 75

75% is the standard calibration kit. the 32% does not REPLACE it

if you are paranoid ( as i was for a long while), you can do what they refer to as a TWO POINT CALIBRATION: First 75% for 36hrs, calibrate and then another 36h at 32% and calibrate again.
To me that is over kill, esp. since I have 9 or so to do.

Lucky for me these suggestions were not around when i was spiraling :"") (or 24hrs)

Same page says:
Do not mix Boveda RH levels within the same humidor, and do not use Boveda in the same humidor with other humidification products. They will fight against each other and reduce the efficiency of the
Boveda.

Although guitars are addictive, they are NOT Tabaco!!! Be careful when reading website that you don't get turned around

the pages you should consult For Wood Instruments paks for case seasoning, instruments control but they do not discuss meter calibration there.
TRIC cases have little need of case seasoning. No wood to store moisture~

Just 75% is fine. i cannot attest to just 32%/. i would worry that the meter may fail to read 60% when it gets that high.

Last Edit: May 13, 2021 14:44:25 GMT -5 by RobertW

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blues90
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Hydrometer May 13, 2021 15:27:25 GMT -5

Quote

Post by blues90 on May 13, 2021 15:27:25 GMT -5

May 13, 2021 14:43:33 GMT -5 RobertW said:

May 12, 2021 20:31:04 GMT -5 blues90 said:

Robert , The only place I've seen it and got mine was on amazon. I didn't see it on the Boveda site. They must have it since they do sell it.

store.bovedainc.com/search/?q=one-step+calibration+kit+32%25+&type=product.

It shows the 75% .

Then I found this.

store.bovedainc.com/products/hygrometer-calibration.

Your first link is a FAILED search result that returns only the 75% kit

Your 2ed link: it is not either/or. it is 75 or BOTH 32 and 75

75% is the standard calibration kit. the 32% does not REPLACE it

if you are paranoid ( as i was for a long while), you can do what they refer to as a TWO POINT CALIBRATION: First 75% for 36hrs, calibrate and then another 36h at 32% and calibrate again.
To me that is over kill, esp. since I have 9 or so to do.

Lucky for me these suggestions were not around when i was spiraling :"") (or 24hrs)

Same page says:
Do not mix Boveda RH levels within the same humidor, and do not use Boveda in the same humidor with other humidification products. They will fight against each other and reduce the efficiency of the
Boveda.

Although guitars are addictive, they are NOT Tabaco!!! Be careful when reading website that you don't get turned around

the pages you should consult For Wood Instruments paks for case seasoning, instruments control but they do not discuss meter calibration there.
TRIC cases have little need of case seasoning. No wood to store moisture~

Just 75% is fine. i cannot attest to just 32%/. i would worry that the meter may fail to read 60% when it gets that high.

Yes the site does offer either or 75% or 32% or both. One the right you see the 32% click on it and it shows the 32% or you can click on the 75% and it shows that one or you can buy both. There are three options. I'm really trying to help here.

The point of the 32% is that it calibrates on the low end more accurate in the range one would keep an acoustic . Mine did read 60% breathing on it , besides once you reach 60% you are basically at the max RH end. These are the one step calibration kits. The Hydro-set II won't read below 20% and here at times I see 8% my Extech will read down to 10% . Well once it gets lower than 40% I dampen the sponges and do so at least once a week to once a month depending on the RH and I keep track of the temp, RH and date , time of day in a book so i can see what I did . When I dampened the sponges and which guitars I did it on plus I can see just how long it's been last time I did one. If it's been a month RH depending and they are dry I re-damp. It's not a perfect system , it works for me and it's the best I can do . I keep them in their cases in a small closet and monitor the closet and so far none of my acoustics have changed , none have humps at the body to neck joint or ski ramps or board extensions to fall away.

As I said before you have a few Hydro-Set II units . Why not calibrate just one to the 32% and see how it compares to the 75% then you will know without a doubt. I only have one unit and trusted the video to use the 32% kit. Certainly they could go into more detail on the difference between the two kits . I read on one review on amazon that the 75% kit is accurate in the range of 60% and above yet that just some review not a fact.

If one got their D'Addario humidipak system with the pouches they are designed to keep an acoustic in the 45-50% RH you would not use the 60% or the ones used for Cigars. I wouldn't use one to calibrate a hygrometer , no one would because they maintain the RH release and absorb water vapor.

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RobertW
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Hydrometer May 14, 2021 6:49:03 GMT -5

Quote

Post by RobertW on May 14, 2021 6:49:03 GMT -5

ok n/m dont believe anything i write or quote from the website.
/
you need to do both, not choose the additional test over the primary test. Perhaps someone else can explain.
I think someone less invested can help you, I am withdrawing from this conversation.

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Hydrometer May 14, 2021 10:48:48 GMT -5

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Post by blues90 on May 14, 2021 10:48:48 GMT -5

I contacted Boveda though their web site and asked a specific question . I used the 32% calibration kit to calibrate my HygroSet hygrometer because the video on your web site states for cigars use 75% and wood instruments I have guitars use the 32% . Is the 32% kit more accurate in the the lower range say 40 to 50%.

Answer "Boveda from Boveda <lynda.ericsson@boveda-a79c1c4b57ab.intercom-mail.com>

5:57 AM (2 hours ago)

to me

Hi,

Thank you for reaching out. Both the 32% and 75% calibration kits are accurate and will work to calibrate your hygrometer. The 75%RH calibration product is more common, however, the 32%RH calibration kit is just as accurate.

SO there you go , and I'm in need of help !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I asked again .

Boveda from Boveda

10:49 AM (3 minutes ago)

to me

Hi,

Please use the 32%RH calibration kit for music.

Boveda

Last Edit: May 14, 2021 12:53:29 GMT -5 by blues90

2004 Seagull Grand S series

2020 Recording King Dirty 30's RSP-7 Tobacco Sunburst
2020 Ibanez AC340 000/ Grand Concert
2020 Luna Gypsy mahogany parlor
2021 Recording King 0G6Nat

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blues90
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Hydrometer May 14, 2021 16:38:10 GMT -5 Garland likes this

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Post by blues90 on May 14, 2021 16:38:10 GMT -5

I just wanted to clear this up since there may be members with questions on Hygrometer calibration and testing for accuracy if it's not designed to be able calibrate IE some have an adjustment knob . If not and want to know if your hygrometer is even close you can add or subtract the difference. I did one one I have and in the kit it read 2% RH high still it does not always read 2% high at the same temps compared to the new one I calibrated, it reads close yet I've seen it 10% high never lower than 2% I imagine this means it's close enough.

I just got off the phone to Boveda. I asked about using the two kits 75 and 32%. What I was told if you use the 75% then the 32% they found it does not make the calibration any more accurate. I asked if you do both will it read 32% they said yes and this is why there is not need to do both.

My first question was I used the 32% for my guitar and asked does this make the hygrometer read more accurate in the low end , they said I had the right idea the 32% reads more accurate in the 49% RH range and the reason why is because their humidipak for guitars is 49%RH.

They also said it will read well above 60% RH if you use the 32% kit.

Edit , decided to use one of thisoldmans famous phrases " Beating another Dead Horse"

This is the first time I had a Hygrometer I could calibrate and the reason I chose the 32% kit was because in the video I posted and this fellow works for Boveda , he states for cigars 75% guitars 32%.

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Last Edit: May 14, 2021 20:59:53 GMT -5 by blues90

2004 Seagull Grand S series

2020 Recording King Dirty 30's RSP-7 Tobacco Sunburst
2020 Ibanez AC340 000/ Grand Concert
2020 Luna Gypsy mahogany parlor
2021 Recording King 0G6Nat

Three hand built Fender Stratocasters
One Hand build own design odd ball.

tom
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Hydrometer May 17, 2021 6:44:36 GMT -5 Derick, ancient1, and 1 more like this

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Post by tom on May 17, 2021 6:44:36 GMT -5

thanks for posting the videos. All the postings on this subject I think have been informative and worth my time. this is why I joined this Group.

I had watched Mr Shartiger's and Mr Jerry Rosa's videos and both put the thoughts in my mind to be leery of over humidifying. It was their videos that really had me reading up on the subject. I have a Taylor 314 and a Larrivee 00-40 that cost me enough money to make we want to be careful.

My home location and house air conditioning are such that low humidity is rarely a problem. But, I don't keep my guitars in their hard shell cases so I guess I need to watch them carefully. Of course at my age, I suppose any real damage will not show up until after I have relocated in space and time. I do have a grandson learning to play so my guitars have a place to go and need to be in good shape at the time.

bottom line is I think I will continue doing what I am doing until I see a need to change.

Thanks again.

Garland The Mostest Bestest Member Posts: 4,661 AKA: Gdjjr Thistime Location: Texas! Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on	Hydrometer May 17, 2021 9:47:08 GMT -5 Derick likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Garland on May 17, 2021 9:47:08 GMT -5 tom, excellent response!
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TonyKgull
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Hydrometer May 17, 2021 13:16:57 GMT -5 Derick and Garland like this

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Post by TonyKgull on May 17, 2021 13:16:57 GMT -5

May 17, 2021 6:44:36 GMT -5 tom said:

......bottom line is I think I will continue doing what I am doing until I see a need to change.

Thanks again.

That's always been my philosophy, more or less.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

=====================================
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am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
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- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

blues90
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Hydrometer May 17, 2021 14:27:56 GMT -5 Garland likes this

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Post by blues90 on May 17, 2021 14:27:56 GMT -5

To be honest even the hygro-set II hygrometers are not dead on. They claim +/- 2% on RH . +/- 1 % temp

I tried and put mine back in the 32% calibration kit and waited 28 hours and it read 71F 31% , other times it read 32% let it sit the full 36 hours and it read 68F 33% so I just moved the calibration knob 1 % CC on mark and hit the set button.

The trouble is once you remove it from the calibration kit after you move the dial in mark you need to hit set , yet once I remove it the RH is higher than the 32% in the kit so it's reading the area out of the kit within seconds. I suppose the point is what it reads in the kit say 33% that's the figure then move the calibration knob 1 mark CC then hitting set locks it in to 32% that's the calibration not what it reads once it's out of the kit. At that point it's reading the RH of the area. I feel it's more accurate then the Extech and that's all I used for years.

Whatever I did it like the instructions said and it's close enough it should be calibrated to 32% , factor in the +/- 2% it's close enough for my needs.

I know if you hold it while turning the calibration knob just not only the room temp plus your hand temp will change the temp reading and the room RH plus just your breath will raise the RH reading.

These hydrometers are helpful to get an idea of temp and RH so you know if you need to add or remove humidification. I do feel as long as the guitar shows no signs of notable changes like high or low action based on how you set the action and relief and see no fret sprout or see the frets have more space from the boards edge , meaning the board has too much moisture then you are doing it right.

So far none of this has happened , it also takes 2 to 5 years before an acoustic settles in and forgets it was once a tree and becomes more stable . I can tell if the action has changed and sometimes I measure it just to see . I also sight the neck to see if the board from where it meets the body to the sound hole has changed it's either straight or rises up too much moisture or drips down fall away to dry. Some acoustics build in a bit of fall away so the high frets don't fret out.

My AC340 is close to a year old the seller on Reverb told me when they got there last batch of these, so I need to keep an eye on it. None of the 5 I have are all solid wood it's just the tops that are.

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blues90
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Hydrometer May 17, 2021 21:13:48 GMT -5 Derick and Garland like this

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Post by blues90 on May 17, 2021 21:13:48 GMT -5

I decided to check just the AC340 and RK, since it's been so humid here that actions raised on both by 1/64" at the 12th fret. I removed the sound hole sponges just using the one by the head stock. The RH is not real bad in the day yet at night it can reach 78% but that's out side, in the closet it's closer to 50 to 55% which is in the range. The extra sponges in the case just raises it more. The other 3 haven't changed yet they are older and more stable. I could feel the 1/64" difference. The AC340 was 7/64 and 5/64 now it's 8/64 and 6/64". One thing there is no fret buzz if I dig in. I usually set them at 6/64" and 5/64"

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2021 Recording King 0G6Nat

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Garland
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Hydrometer May 25, 2021 7:38:23 GMT -5

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Post by Garland on May 25, 2021 7:38:23 GMT -5

RobertW, blues90, tom, TonyKgull, we've had rain here, every day, for a week, an inch or more at a time- with more expected in the next couple of days- I had my hygrometer in the case with the Martin and the RH went from 57% to 59%- so I took it out and set it on the kitchen counter- it's now at 61%- not earth shatterin news, I know, just some FYI-

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Hydrometer May 25, 2021 11:03:26 GMT -5 Garland likes this

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Post by Derick on May 25, 2021 11:03:26 GMT -5

Garland ,

The Relative Humidity where my guitar is at this moment in time is 65% with a temperature of 64F. With the guitar out of the case as usual.

Last Edit: May 25, 2021 11:05:01 GMT -5 by Derick

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Garland The Mostest Bestest Member Posts: 4,661 AKA: Gdjjr Thistime Location: Texas! Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on	Hydrometer May 25, 2021 14:05:38 GMT -5 Derick likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Garland on May 25, 2021 14:05:38 GMT -5 blues90, TonyKgull, Derick,the RH has risen to 64% om my kitchen cabinet- temp is a steady 75 because that's where my a/c thermostat is set-
	Playin at playin guitar- SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME Guild D140 Natural Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son) Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric Lag T118ASCE-BLK Guild D240E A-M-I J45 clone Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

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Hydrometer May 25, 2021 16:44:22 GMT -5 via mobile Derick and Garland like this

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Post by ancient1 on May 25, 2021 16:44:22 GMT -5

Saw a dehumidifier on market place for $30 today. The 72 pint one I use every day was $25. Have a cheap working spare already in standby.
Just set it at 50% and they do all the work. One does pay a little extra for electricity and they have to be dumped every day or so. Small price to pay for consistant humidity control and peace of mind.
Today is most unusual for Florida but outside humidity is at 25% and inside is in the upper 40's. No wonder I haven't heard it run today

Seagulls live 40 + years....so should our guitars

blues90
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Hydrometer May 25, 2021 17:00:24 GMT -5 Garland likes this

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Post by blues90 on May 25, 2021 17:00:24 GMT -5

I've always read that the colder the air temp the lower the RH should be because colder air can't hold moisture like warm air can. Them there are those hot sticky humid days . Right now it's 83 28% out side, My closet is 77 41% which blows that theory. Then again the sun is bright which would dry the air out.

2004 Seagull Grand S series

2020 Recording King Dirty 30's RSP-7 Tobacco Sunburst
2020 Ibanez AC340 000/ Grand Concert
2020 Luna Gypsy mahogany parlor
2021 Recording King 0G6Nat

Three hand built Fender Stratocasters
One Hand build own design odd ball.

WELCOME TO THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR CABIN!!!

Post by RobertW on May 13, 2021 14:43:33 GMT -5

Post by blues90 on May 13, 2021 15:27:25 GMT -5

Post by RobertW on May 14, 2021 6:49:03 GMT -5

Post by blues90 on May 14, 2021 10:48:48 GMT -5

Post by blues90 on May 14, 2021 16:38:10 GMT -5

Post by tom on May 17, 2021 6:44:36 GMT -5

Post by Garland on May 17, 2021 9:47:08 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on May 17, 2021 13:16:57 GMT -5

Post by blues90 on May 17, 2021 14:27:56 GMT -5

Post by blues90 on May 17, 2021 21:13:48 GMT -5

Post by Garland on May 25, 2021 7:38:23 GMT -5

Post by Derick on May 25, 2021 11:03:26 GMT -5

Post by Garland on May 25, 2021 14:05:38 GMT -5

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Post by blues90 on May 25, 2021 17:00:24 GMT -5

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