How often do I need to calibrate my refractometer?

[zzyvba]

Excuse my ignorance, I have a question.

How often do I need to calibrate my refractometer?

Thank you

 

[COLObrewer]

Before every use.

 

[zzyvba]

Thank you.

I think I need to read more about Refractometers.
However, I did some searches but found nothing about my question.

 

[bob1852]

It doesn't hurt to check it every brew; but I found that if you have an ATC refracto; you only need to calibrate it once.

I check mine occassionaly just to make sure that water is ~0.0

 

[scinerd3000]

its quick to do before every time you use it....i also find that very hot water throws mine off slightly.

 

[zzyvba]

Thank you AZ_IPA,

Thank you scinerd3000,

I'm asking this question so I can make my decision which on to buy of these two:

this one comes with BUILT-IN CALIBRATION KNOB:
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Brix-Refrac...K_BOI_FarmingEquipment_RL?hash=item3a5401b0d3

and this one need a SCREW DRIVER, however , it is with a LED light
http://cgi.ebay.com/Brix-Refractome...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a540a33f0

help me decide

 

[scinerd3000]

they both look fine...the light is somewhat unessesary

 

[bob1852]

for what it's worth - I've had mine for about a year - when it showed up it was calibrated, and I haven't needed to calibrate it at all.....

and mine was a Hong Kong special that I got on ebay...

 

[zzyvba]

Thank you guys for the help.

I can make my decision now.

 

[TexLaw]

Yeah, you shouldn't need to do it very often at all. However, since I always have some distilled or RO water around on a brewing day, it's no trouble at all to put a few drops on the refractometer and give it a quick check.


TL

 

[JVD_X]

Yeah, you shouldn't need to do it very often at all. However, since I always have some distilled or RO water around on a brewing day, it's no trouble at all to put a few drops on the refractometer and give it a quick check.


TL

You did not just say that

I didn't know you need to recalibrate it at all. I treat my pretty gently so I can't imagine you would need to recalibrate once-in-a-blue-moon unless it drops or is jarred. I don't even really understand the inner workings of the device.

 

[TimWeber]

Mine has ATC. I checked it when I got it 2 years ago from the factory and it was right on. I've checked it every few months when I'm bored since then. I have never had to recalibrate it. I treat mine pretty gingerly too.