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Last post 20 years ago by arwings. 28 replies replies.
Humidity
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pebbea Offline
#1 Posted: Tue, Jun 11 2002, 1:26 PM EST
Joined: 05-31-2002
Posts: 70
I bought a humidity guage from Radio Shack to check the accuracy of the analog guage that came with my humidor. I freaked out! Humidity in the box was 58%. I cut some oasis and pressed it into one of the wife's tiny tupperware containers and hosed it down with Mr. Moisture. Fearing that I had dryed out my Punch Rare Corojo Pita's, I just had to smoke one... with a couple of fingers of Dalwhinnie on the side. Ahh, caught it in time! No crunchyness, nice oily finish, and a pleasant smoke to boot. The only thing I noticed that was different was that the ash was very flaky; missed the ashtray a couple of times.
pebbea Offline
#2 Posted: Tue, Jun 11 2002, 1:28 PM EST
Joined: 05-31-2002
Posts: 70
Just checked the humidity. It's now at 71%. Feeling pretty relaxed now.
Mr.Mean Offline
#3 Posted: Tue, Jun 11 2002, 2:15 PM EST
Joined: 05-16-2001
Posts: 3,025
Another success story.
RICKAMAVEN Offline
#4 Posted: Tue, Jun 11 2002, 4:01 PM EST
Joined: 10-01-2000
Posts: 33,248
essentially you checked one gauge that is not zeroed in with another one not zeroed in. you now have no real resolution. there has been a lot posted about how to set the guages, both analog and the funky one with the needle. if you want the articlethat also gives you a lot of info about huimidity and making humidifiers, i'll be happy to send you a copy that i copied from the web. [email protected]. bottom line is, if you made a good humidifier, all the guage tells you is you are a pro.
mtsheron Offline
#5 Posted: Tue, Jun 11 2002, 4:13 PM EST
Joined: 04-29-2000
Posts: 528
Don't get too caught up in that 70 % factor......mine varies but hovers around 77 % and all is fine! As long as you keep it around 70 % plus minus 6-7 % never on the lower end however you will be fine. Been doing it for years and yet to maintain a level 70 % and all my cigars are prime at any time.......
xibbumbero Offline
#6 Posted: Tue, Jun 11 2002, 4:44 PM EST
Joined: 01-25-2002
Posts: 12,535
Peb,R U sure that dalwhinnie didn't have anything to do with U missing that ashtray? X
Orv Offline
#7 Posted: Wed, Jun 12 2002, 6:20 AM EST
Joined: 10-03-2001
Posts: 71
Rather than do the salt test a lot of people are starting to use the Fuente humidipak bags to zero in their hygrometers. I have two of the Radio Shack units and it was necessary to calibrate them. They were off about 6 or 7 degrees. Always important to calibrate. ORV
jazzman Offline
#8 Posted: Wed, Jun 12 2002, 6:33 AM EST
Joined: 11-06-2000
Posts: 1,012
digital hygrometers are much easier and very accurate...and you don't have to calibrate.
pebbea Offline
#9 Posted: Wed, Jun 12 2002, 6:34 AM EST
Joined: 05-31-2002
Posts: 70
Thanks Rick. I did calibrate the cheapie needle hygrometer using the salt method. I re-read the directions for the digital Radio Shack hygrometer/thermometer. There was no direction on how to calibrate it so I would assume that it was calibrated at the factory.
RICKAMAVEN Offline
#10 Posted: Wed, Jun 12 2002, 6:54 AM EST
Joined: 10-01-2000
Posts: 33,248
PEBBEA ----the digital hygrometer can be calibrated by adjusting the potentiometer inside the case.the web site i posted below will tell you how------JAZZMAN--- factory specs allow for up to =or- 7%. remember radio shack is a good place to shop but slimboli and a bunch of other guys here know more about hygrometers than you average $7.00 per hour salesman at radio shack.-----ORV is pretty much correct with the humipack, but why not make your own hummidifier for about a buck and you wont have to waste time checking constantly. one of the properties of pg is it maintains 70% +or- 1 or 2% and you can smoke your cigars and not have to fuss with all the other stuff. go to----- http://www.cigargroup.com/faq/-----
and search around. you will find among other bits of good info, humidifiers and hygrometers, what they do and how to calibrate and make a better humidifier than you can buy for next to nothing.
xibbumbero Offline
#11 Posted: Wed, Jun 12 2002, 7:46 AM EST
Joined: 01-25-2002
Posts: 12,535
Rick,Buy it for next 2 nothing,huh? For a minute I thought I was listening 2 a used car salesman. I think U were one in a former life. X
xrundog Offline
#12 Posted: Wed, Jun 12 2002, 10:47 AM EST
Joined: 01-17-2002
Posts: 2,212
I think the analog hygrometers are accurate enough once calibrated. The problem is that the needle can stick. I bought a digital recently too(Don Salvatore). Says factory spec is +/- 5%RH. An acceptable variation. I put it in and...54%! I took the back off the dial type and poked the spring...down it went. I thought my humidifier was working exceptionally well! Oddly, the cigars were smoking ok. Yeah, the dial looks nice viewed through the glass top. But I will be using the digital for a backup!
esplendidoschick Offline
#13 Posted: Wed, Jun 12 2002, 11:19 AM EST
Joined: 09-22-2000
Posts: 417
Since I like vodka, what's the deal with adding it to your humidor??? USAHOG said he did (to ammo cans)...dunno the quantities and if you mix it with distilled water or add it solo? What's the BEST solution for a small humidor...I'm talking just bigger than a regular cigar box. SLIMBOLI, I know you great success at humidity levels...what, if any, is your experience with alcohol other than as a beverage?
SteveS Offline
#14 Posted: Wed, Jun 12 2002, 12:08 PM EST
Joined: 01-13-2002
Posts: 8,751
NOT a good idea at all ... it would ruin the wood. However, there are non-wood units made especially for the purpose however (I have two of them) ... you thinking of flavoring some cigars??
5augie5 Offline
#15 Posted: Thu, Jun 13 2002, 5:34 AM EST
Joined: 12-02-1999
Posts: 165
This may sound too simplistic, but the way I calibrated mine was to leave it ouside for a few hours and check the humidity level on the local weather channel. I was within 2 degrees, so I figured I was close enough.
pebbea Offline
#16 Posted: Thu, Jun 13 2002, 8:36 AM EST
Joined: 05-31-2002
Posts: 70
I am happy to report that the Radio Shack 63-1013 is reading 75% right out of the box after 24 hours using the salt calibration method. The cheapie analog one was at 85%! I calibrated it two weeks ago using the salt method. Wonder how it got out of whack? I reset it to 75% and put it back into the salt compartment to recheck.
jd1 Offline
#17 Posted: Thu, Jun 13 2002, 10:46 AM EST
Joined: 02-14-2001
Posts: 3,118
Got several digital thermometers/humidity indoor/outdoor units from Walmart and did the salt test on both of them. One was 2% under and the other was spot on. I marked the one that was a little under so I know upon first glance to subtract two points. I then put one each in with the analog units and one analog was 10 off!!! the other was 8 off. Luckily, I got the digital units shortly after getting the analog units. I now use the digital units exclusively. I prefer about 68% for my 'gars and over the last few years, my smokes have been awesome. I've even seen a handful of my premium, special occasion smokes develop a nice bloom, so I know everything is hunky dory.
esplendidoschick Offline
#18 Posted: Fri, Jun 14 2002, 3:31 PM EST
Joined: 09-22-2000
Posts: 417
So how do I know how much distilled water to add to mine??? A drop, a teaspoonful, or hold the darned thing under water? Sheesh, you forgot...I don't know my A$$ from a hole in the ground here! There has to be a starting point, eh? My hygrometer is way low, at 63%...HELP! AND WHAT IF I DON'T USE DISTILLED WATER??? Will I go directly to Hell or just the cigars?
xibbumbero Offline
#19 Posted: Fri, Jun 14 2002, 4:57 PM EST
Joined: 01-25-2002
Posts: 12,535
Espychick,Buy humidifier solution thats 50/50 PG to distilled water. Put solution in shallow bowl and let humidifier soak for a few mins.,wipe off and let set for a few mins. U use dis wawa so not to build up sediment in humidifier. The 50/50 solution auto keeps 70% in humidor. X
jjohnson28 Offline
#20 Posted: Fri, Jun 14 2002, 7:54 PM EST
Joined: 09-12-2000
Posts: 7,914
Marla if you e-mail me your address I'll send you more than enough 50/50 solution or you can buy the cigar store stuff for about $8-10 a bottle.I have about 1+1/2 gallons of it.I can send it to your business addy as well.After you use this you only add distilled water as needed,this will help your humidor keep a more constant humidity 70%.You only need to recharge the humidifier every year and a half or so with the 50/50. [email protected]
Slimboli Offline
#21 Posted: Sat, Jun 15 2002, 4:14 AM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
E-Chick ... I'm surprised that you need to humidify anything in San Diego.

You don't want to use alcohol ... it dries things out. Why you would want to use vodka, when there are correct things to use, is beyond me.

Polypropolene Glycol and distilled water is the best way to go ...
esplendidoschick Offline
#22 Posted: Sat, Jun 15 2002, 7:18 AM EST
Joined: 09-22-2000
Posts: 417
Slimboli...I guess that I mixed up the Polypropolene Glycol with something about alcohol that I had read awhile back on a thread titled: "Homemade storage?"...here's what I found: "usahog Date: 06/22/2000 08:37 PM Reply
I have found that for my over stock in this Bidding on Cigars that I have had to purchase old 20 MM Ammo cans from army Surplus Store (5 to be exact at last count) and used the Ceder boxes and purchased a few to store my extra Smokes in the Basement where it is cool and the 20 mil cans are air tight So Add Either Vodka, Scotch, or EverClear in a container to the Can also and Seal them away for future Great Smokes!!!!!" Slim...So maybe USAHOG meant to say that alcohol works in metal containers and not humidors??? I realize that alcohol has a drying effect, but thought that maybe it was used to impart an extra level of desired flavor. And yes, San Diego can be humid, but like I said earlier...my hygrometer is at 63% so I obviously need a little more H20. Thanks again for your help and enjoy your weekend. E
Slimboli Offline
#23 Posted: Sat, Jun 15 2002, 7:56 AM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
When was the last time you calibrated your hygrometer? 10 to 1 it is not accurate. Everyone I have talked to that lives in the San Diego area, humidity is the least of their worries ... most want to know how to control mold in their humidors ...
E-Chick Offline
#24 Posted: Sat, Jun 15 2002, 11:05 AM EST
Joined: 06-15-2002
Posts: 4,877
Never :(
jd1 Offline
#25 Posted: Mon, Jun 24 2002, 1:08 PM EST
Joined: 02-14-2001
Posts: 3,118
E: Not sure if you've done this before, but I'll be gentle...other bear with me...Make your own PG solution and humidifier unless you have a nice display humidor with a humidifier and guage (however calibrate that guage as mentioned above because it will be off). If like most of us "broke" cigar smokers, you may even have a 'dor of some kine be it rubbermaid or igloo, or something with a seal to keep your stogies happy. Your local drug store will order the PG for you at about $8-10 quart or you can go to one of the online chemical stores and get a gallon for about $20 (shipping included). Then go to your florist or Walmart and pick up some of that florist foam used to arrange cut flowers; don't get the styrofoam kind, get the other kind. You'll know because there is usually only those two there; they come in singles or 3-pack bricks. Cut your foam to fit in any suitable container with a lid that has holes in it, then soak the foam with 50/50 solution of PG and H2O. Drain off any excess water and let sit out for about 30 minutes. I have a large Rubbermaid tote that will hold about 15 boxes and I only use a tupperware sandwich container-sized humidifier. I don't need to add water but about every 3 weeks here in Arizona (yeah, yeah dry heat hell..hot is hot). There you have it. My system stays between 68% and 72% humidity; the former most of the time and the latter after adding water.
SteveS Offline
#26 Posted: Mon, Jun 24 2002, 1:48 PM EST
Joined: 01-13-2002
Posts: 8,751
A couple of thoughts to input here ... one, I know SF is not SD, but humidity at my home which is admittedly slightly inland, runs between 55-65, so I always have to watch the humidity in my humidor ... in SD, I'd be sure my hygrometer was right and keep an eye on it throughout each season before I trusted to what Mother Nature sends ... second, the ammo can post was quite interesting inasmuch as one of my sons spent a few years touring the world on one of Uncle Sam's aircraft carriers ... he and his buddies stored their cigars on ammo cans that they lined with cedar and they worked great ... (and I sure envied his collection of ISOMs during those years) ...
adroomi Offline
#27 Posted: Mon, Jun 24 2002, 4:51 PM EST
Joined: 05-10-2002
Posts: 10,143
jjohnson28, I would love to get my hands on some of your PG solution. I live in a somewhat remote area, where I'll have a bit of a hard time finding it (of course, I could just shop the net, but I'm offering a trade instead so we both win). Look in the pic post under "Fresh Rolled Cubans" and you'll see what I may or may not offer. What would it take to get about a pint or so?
usahog Offline
#28 Posted: Thu, Jul 31 2003, 3:47 PM EST
Joined: 12-06-1999
Posts: 22,691
^Bump^

Hog
arwings Offline
#29 Posted: Thu, Jul 31 2003, 5:10 PM EST
Joined: 02-09-2003
Posts: 950
Okay.........okay..........I have received two Western Digital II hydrometers. Both of them, in the insructions say they are guaranteed to be accurate to within 1 degree, plus or minus. They strongly recommend against using the salt calibration test. In fact the wording is something to the effect........."if anyone suggest the salt test.....immediately run from that person!" I also have two of the indoor/outdoor hydrometers/thermometers that Wal-Mart sells (with the probe) that I HAVE done the salt test on, after clipping the wire probe off. Both of them are within plus or minus 5 degrees of 75 RH. As long as you mark them with the degrees off I have found that they work extremely well. To me, Igloodors are the ideal way to store cigars long-term. Once you establish the RH you want to keep them at, it doesn't vary much except briefly when you check on the cigars (I occasionally have to look at them). The best solution I've used so far is the 50/50, PG/distilled water solution (don't be so damn cheap; you're only talking about a investing a buck for a gallon of distilled water to preserve several hundred dollars worth of cigars). I'm going to give the Climmax beads a try (they're supposed to be much more precise and require less attention, even, than the PG/distilled water) and I'll report back to you how it does. Remember, as a general rule cigars are much more durable than you might think, and will be pretty forgiving of all but the most gross mistakes. Just my thoughts.................
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