refractometer broken?

[killian]

I bought a refractometer not that long ago and have only used it about 7-8 times. I brewed last week and had no problems, I was trying to check my first runnings of my last batch the other day and I could not get any reading at all. Any ideas? I have tried to check just water and still nothing.

 

[Catfish]

Doesn't work? Sounds broken. Give it a little shake and if you hear stuff jingling around inside... it is very broken.

 

[CrookedChris]

Have you calibrated it lately? Any massive swings in temp from the last time you used it? I think I would start by getting a jug of distilled (or RO) water and following the instructions to calibrate it.

If that doesn't cut it, give the manufacturer a call.

If nothing there, buy another. They're only $30 on eBAY.

 

[malkore]

do you h ave enough light overhead to see it?

since its just a prism inside, a mirror, and a focusing lens...if you're getting nothing at all, its either a lack of light, or one fo the 3 parts is broken or out of alignment.

 

[killian]

Im sending it back to northern brewer, Im hoping they will replace it.