Can you comment on the conversion of OD to cell #? I'm in a similar situation, access to lab equipment, but only for personal use. I've been wanting to check my starters with optical density but am having a hard time getting a cell number conversion.
I brewed a porter with 1056; OG 1.070, 42 BU. To the 6 gal secondary I added 1 oz whole coffee beans taken from my local grocery store, where I blended 1/3 vanilla flavored and 2/3 breakfast blend. The vanilla was overpowering, but the product was definitely drinkable and made an awesome beer...