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spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 10:57 am
by Mash
I have a refractometer, which I do most measurements with.

I can see the benefit of & quite fancy building a parrot. However is there really any point when I can sample mid-flow with my finger :) on a refractometer?

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 3:38 pm
by Almanac
A Refractometer is a useful tool to be sure, and accurate too, but a parrot is only a fraction of the cost and more fun trying to build it yourself ;D

I don't think I'd know where to begin to build a Refractometer :D :D

AM Image

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 4:01 pm
by Mash
LOL

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 4:14 pm
by chill
Isn't a refractometer for measuring unfermented washes? Is there one that measures alcohol content, not sugar content?

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 4:28 pm
by Mash
Two different refractometers
The principle is the same - it is just the scales are different.

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 4:30 pm
by Mash
In fact, I think you can buy a standardised one.

And it comes with a set of tables that you translate for whatever you are using it for.

But that seemed like a PITA and they weren't available cheaply on eBay

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:02 pm
by Admiral Toad
Seem to be selling 0-80% ones fo £20 or so on eBay

Are they any good? Thinking about measurements around the 40% mark when you're diluting finished products and the standard hydrometer scale is getting a bit small/inaccurate at that percentage

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:19 pm
by Capt-Cudellez
Of course the answer is.......It depends how shiny the refractometer is ;D

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:59 am
by Mash
"Seem to be selling 0-80% ones fo £20 or so on eBay"

They are the ones I have RH 25 or something like that....
I have a Brix calibrated one - with percentage alc the other side of the scale (very handy for starting up mashes) and also the 0 to 80% alcohol. IMO both are very good. quick and easy to clean and use.

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Fri Mar 13, 2015 11:42 pm
by Easydrinker
So,I am learning something new here yet again....

Robert.

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 5:11 pm
by Admiral Toad
I see SDE are offering this set at a very decent price IMHO

https://www.stilldragon.eu/en/meters/38 ... meter.html

Might be a better bet than a cheap refractometer

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 7:47 pm
by billmcc

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 8:38 pm
by Admiral Toad
Good spot thanks Bill gonna get em ordered !

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Tue Mar 17, 2015 2:57 pm
by billmcc
Mines on its way.
Cheers

Re: spirit hydrometer or refractometer

PostPosted: Tue Mar 17, 2015 4:00 pm
by Mash
Thanks Bill. Ordered mine too