11 replies to this topic

[Humperdink]

My google-fu is weak today and I can't find any formulas to correct for the presence of alcohol in the reading. Anyone here have a link?

[gnef]

Everything I've seen needs either the before fermentation brix to compare to the after fermentation brix, or a hydrometer reading along with the brix post fermentation. Here is one calculator for before and after brix readings:https://onebeer.net/refractometer.shtmlHere is another calcultor:https://brew.stderr.net/refractometer.htmlHopefully one of those can help!

[Stout_fan]

I just use promash

[Deerslyr]

I use BeerSmith. It has a refractometer conversion calculator for pre-fermentation, fermenting and finished.

[MakeMeHoppy]

I use BeerSmith. It has a refractometer conversion calculator for pre-fermentation, fermenting and finished.

I can't seem to get my FG readings on the hydrometer to match the calculted refractometer readings in BeerSmith.

[Humperdink]

I have beertools, I haven't tinkered with it enough to know if there's a calculator in there or not. I just figured there'd be an easy one online. Thanks Gnef

[Deerslyr]

I can't seem to get my FG readings on the hydrometer to match the calculted refractometer readings in BeerSmith.

Mine came "close enough" for me to be happy. For as much as I focus the refractometer, there is still a line that I can't quite tell where it's at. My hyro was only off by .002 from the refractometer. This is the first time I have used it, so I can't claim to be an expert.

[chuck_d]

I use my spreadsheet :cheers:The formulas used can be found here:https://dieseldrafts.com/spreadsheet/frameset.html?Formulas.html#hydrometers

[zymot]

For fermented wort, I use any of the various calculators. Usually the one in beersmith.There is a link to download. YOu can also use it for a log. If you do not have Excel, Open Office should work.https://morebeer.com/learn_vids/vids_refractI mainly use my refractomer on fermenting wort as a delta meter. Instead of worrying about the absolute value of the OG, I use it to see when the wort has stopped changing.I like my refractor for the fact that it takes a small sample to get a reading and the sample is easy to draw. I use a pipette. Easy to sanitize and I can get a enough wort for the refractometer and a taste by pulling a sample through the airlock hole. Hydrometers are "better" but getting enough of a sample to float it is more of a pain.https://morebeer.com/view_product/18731//Pipette_10_ml_

[Patrick C.]

Hydrometers are only "better" because homebrewers are used to using specific gravity. :)I still use both, but if/when I break my hydrometer I don't plan to get a new one.

[ChefLamont]

I can't seem to get my FG readings on the hydrometer to match the calculted refractometer readings in BeerSmith.

A man with one watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure.That goes double for hydrometers, refractometers, and especially thermometers.

[Salsgebom]

Hydrometers are only "better" because homebrewers are used to using specific gravity. :)I still use both, but if/when I break my hydrometer I don't plan to get a new one.

Hydrometers are still my favorite tool to measure fermentation, but for precise tracking of the last few points of fermentation you don't want the typical homebrew shop hydro. The hydrometers that read in degrees Plato are much more accurate. They come with a smaller range thats spread out over a longer scale, so you have to buy 3 hydrometers to cover the entire range from first runnings to fermented wort. They also have a built in thermometer. You can easily read +/- .05 degrees Plato. Once I read a rate of no more than .1 degrees drop in fermentation over a 24hr period (usually 4 - 6 days with a good pitching rate), I cold crash. Very important for maintaining happy yeast.Sorry I got a little off topic