Does anyone use a dual scale spectrometer (BRIX and SG scales) to check OG and FG? I understand that there is software you can use to calculate FG. Is anyone familiar with this, how accurate is it for FG?
Dual scale spectrometer for FG?
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Are you talking about a refractometer?
OG tends to be reasonably accurate (within a few percent), but FG requires significant correction. People report widely varying degrees of error even with the correction formulas.
OG tends to be reasonably accurate (within a few percent), but FG requires significant correction. People report widely varying degrees of error even with the correction formulas.
If by spectrometer you mean REFRACTOMETER, then by all means yes, many of us use them to check OG and gravity of runnings during mashing and sparging.
I also have learned to trust ONLY the BRIX side of my refractometer. Many of the cheaper models that can be found online are susceptible to some discrepancy between the correlation of one scale to the other.
As far as checking FG, alcohol causes some discrepancies in the readings which require a conversion that can be found on this site and many online references.
IMHO, just get yourself a hydrometer (if you do not already have one) and use it to check FG.
Another point to make about refractometers (that I used to tell my Chemistry students) is that it is an instrument and being so, it is only as accurate and smart as the operator.
There are specific "must do" things to get accurate readings from a refractometer, especially a $40 Chinese model.
I also have learned to trust ONLY the BRIX side of my refractometer. Many of the cheaper models that can be found online are susceptible to some discrepancy between the correlation of one scale to the other.
As far as checking FG, alcohol causes some discrepancies in the readings which require a conversion that can be found on this site and many online references.
IMHO, just get yourself a hydrometer (if you do not already have one) and use it to check FG.
Another point to make about refractometers (that I used to tell my Chemistry students) is that it is an instrument and being so, it is only as accurate and smart as the operator.
There are specific "must do" things to get accurate readings from a refractometer, especially a $40 Chinese model.
OP
OP
Ahah! Brewkinger, you caught my error. Refractometer is what I meant. I do have a hydrometer, but with my eyes I need something easier to read. I'm thinking of upgrading to the Model T25 offered by Williams Brewing, plus a bottling hydrometer.
Thanks for the comments.
Thanks for the comments.
