Refractometer FG?

[NoNothing]

Hey everyone, Im sure this horse has been beaten to death, but every article I find seems to give different answers.

Im looking to get a refractometer, I could just buy the AHS one for $50, but being a cheap ass like I am, I'd prefer to save some cash. So I checked out ebay, ~$29 shipped sounds a lot better to me.

My question however is about refractometers in general.

So, I understand the light will bend differently when alcohol is involved, yet there are calculations to adjust for this and get an accurate FG reading. However, how do you determine the alcohol content BEFORE using the refractometer.

What formula do you use to get an accurate FG reading?

 

[lpdb185]

there are a few online calculators available on the net, i use this one. it seems to me, however, that using this method is not extremely accurate. i calibrated my refractometer and hydrometer and then took a FG reading with both. using the refractometer with above link, it said my FG was 1.005. the hydrometer read 1.009. i still love using my refractometer during the brew day, but i'll stick to using the hydrometer for FG.

 

[NoNothing]

My only issue with my hydrometer is that mine often sticks to the side of the container and I get variances of +- .010, which really pisses me off.

 

[ndsgr]

I use the excel sheet from morebeer. It seems to have been a little more accurate than the one posted above. This link has an instructional video and the excel sheets are below it. Note: The very bottom one is wine...

http://morebeer.com/learn_vids/vids_refract

 

[NoNothing]

I use the excel sheet from morebeer. It seems to have been a little more accurate than the one posted above. This link has an instructional video and the excel sheets are below it. Note: The very bottom one is wine...

http://morebeer.com/learn_vids/vids_refract

Sweet,thanks

 

[smokinghole]

I've been using the morebeer excel sheet for my refrac along with my brewsmith. The FG is close but it's always a tad low. I really need to start paying attention so I can come up with a % of error that way I can let my hydro collect dust.

 

[Bensiff]

I find the refractometer is invaluable while boiling the wort to keep watch on where the gravity is as I brew to gravity not to volume. I make good use of BrewPal on my iPhone as its math is as good as anyone elses and I don't have to run inside to my computer to get my conversion. With a constant watch it makes it easier to get a feel for your system as well. If you are not greatly concerned with your FG reading it will work, but expect it to be a few points off your hydrometer after the brix correction calculation. I take a final reading when I'm kegging with a hydrometer for my notes though.

 

[WenValley]

I noted that the CHI company has refractometers for less than ten bucks..

Here;;;

 

[skiwithg]

I noted that the CHI company has refractometers for less than ten bucks..

Here;;;

It looks like that price is only for the lens/hinge assembly. The basic model complete refractometer is $44.

Sorry to be a buzzkill.

Cheers,
Glenn