GOOD calibratable digital hygrometer?

Started by headfirst, 02/26/2021 10:57 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

headfirst

Geeks,

I did the salt test on some of my digital hygrometers and it was eye opening, anything from 67% to 84% after 18 hours.  All of the Humi-Care ones were within 3% of each other which was encouraging but all were low by at least 5%.  Of course none of them can be calibrated and I didn't realize until now that the other brand I have are only accurate to +/-5%.  What have you all found to be a good calibratable digital hygrometer?  I looked around on Amazon a bit and what I saw all seemed to get mixed reviews on how well they actually calibrate, etc.  Here are a few that I found.  Thoughts?

https://www.amazon.com/SMARTRO-Professional-Hygrometer-Thermometer-Calibration/dp/B07YY1FB9D?ref_=ast_sto_dp

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Mountable-Hygrometer-Calibration-Humidors/dp/B01GOV5K58/ref=psdc_13825071_t2_B000H6CZQE?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/HygroSet-Hygrometer-10-Second-Tempeture-Importers/dp/B000H6CZQE/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=calibratable+digital+hygrometer&qid=1614356255&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-6
When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm, refreshing sleep obtained by a cigar, I have felt grateful to God, and have blessed His name...
-Charles Spurgeon

http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=humidors;area=public;member=headfirst

nwb

Not sure if I just got lucky, but I have two of the following that are 75% +/- 1% during the salt test:

http://www.credohumidifiers.com/credo-digital-hygrometer-grey-p/cah-23cdhg.htm
Chief of Shaft

shakinghorizons

#2
I went through a BUNCH of them doing a 6 month long test with a 320g 69% boveda. At the end of the test, I kept these 2 as they were the most accurate:
https://www.neptunecigar.com/hygrometers/caliber-4-thermometer-hygrometer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HDW58GS/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_v8RbEbB9E6YVB

It has been just over a year since I put them in to service and when I checked calibration last week, they were only off by 1-2%, which is the same as they were during the 6 month test.  

I added this recently just to play around - https://ambientweather.com/amws3000x3.html - pricey, but a cool unit. I can put the display upstairs and monitor all 5 humidors in the basement without opening anything.

nirab

I am upgrading all of mine to the Govee models. I use them at both of our cigar shops, and have them in 2 of my personal humidors. They may take up a bit more space, but they are extremely accurate.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DWMJKP5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The Punk Rock Guru of Meditation and Lending a Hand

DON'T believe EVERYTING you THINK...
it's COOL to Be a GEEK!

''Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.''-Roberto Clemente

"When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That is my religion." - Abraham Lincoln

"It is possible to live happily in the here and now. So many conditions of happiness are available - more than enough for you to be happy right now." -

Thich Nhat Hanh

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation."

The Cigar Vault
512-361-3289
in Beeuudaful Buda, Texas!

 

                                                               



shakinghorizons

#4
Quotenirab - 2/28/2021  9:38 AM

I am upgrading all of mine to the Govee models. I use them at both of our cigar shops, and have them in 2 of my personal humidors. They may take up a bit more space, but they are extremely accurate.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DWMJKP5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


While the Govee was accurate in my tests, I ultimately sent it back for the same reasons as this review :
Application for this product requires very intrusive rights for your connected device that have nothing to do with the functionality of downloading historic information from the sensor via Bluetooth.


Adwinistrator

Quotenirab - 2/28/2021  11:38 AM

I am upgrading all of mine to the Govee models. I use them at both of our cigar shops, and have them in 2 of my personal humidors. They may take up a bit more space, but they are extremely accurate.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DWMJKP5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll second the Govee recommendation.  Great hygrometer, thermometer, and really well priced.

nirab

Quoteshakinghorizons - 3/1/2021  11:44 AM

Quotenirab - 2/28/2021  9:38 AM

I am upgrading all of mine to the Govee models. I use them at both of our cigar shops, and have them in 2 of my personal humidors. They may take up a bit more space, but they are extremely accurate.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DWMJKP5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


While the Govee was accurate in my tests, I ultimately sent it back for the same reasons as this review :
Application for this product requires very intrusive rights for your connected device that have nothing to do with the functionality of downloading historic information from the sensor via Bluetooth.

I ain't got nothing to hide...and whoever "they" are..."they" got everything already...who we kidding? :shy:  :angel:

The Punk Rock Guru of Meditation and Lending a Hand

DON'T believe EVERYTING you THINK...
it's COOL to Be a GEEK!

''Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.''-Roberto Clemente

"When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That is my religion." - Abraham Lincoln

"It is possible to live happily in the here and now. So many conditions of happiness are available - more than enough for you to be happy right now." -

Thich Nhat Hanh

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation."

The Cigar Vault
512-361-3289
in Beeuudaful Buda, Texas!

 

                                                               



headfirst

Quotenirab - 3/1/2021  1:42 PM

Quoteshakinghorizons - 3/1/2021  11:44 AM

Quotenirab - 2/28/2021  9:38 AM

I am upgrading all of mine to the Govee models. I use them at both of our cigar shops, and have them in 2 of my personal humidors. They may take up a bit more space, but they are extremely accurate.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DWMJKP5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


While the Govee was accurate in my tests, I ultimately sent it back for the same reasons as this review :
Application for this product requires very intrusive rights for your connected device that have nothing to do with the functionality of downloading historic information from the sensor via Bluetooth.

I ain't got nothing to hide...and whoever "they" are..."they" got everything already...who we kidding? :shy:  :angel:


I saw those reviews.  What in the world do they ask for Brian?
When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm, refreshing sleep obtained by a cigar, I have felt grateful to God, and have blessed His name...
-Charles Spurgeon

http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=humidors;area=public;member=headfirst

Adwinistrator

Quoteheadfirst - 3/1/2021  2:52 PM

Quotenirab - 3/1/2021  1:42 PM

Quoteshakinghorizons - 3/1/2021  11:44 AM

Quotenirab - 2/28/2021  9:38 AM

I am upgrading all of mine to the Govee models. I use them at both of our cigar shops, and have them in 2 of my personal humidors. They may take up a bit more space, but they are extremely accurate.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DWMJKP5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


While the Govee was accurate in my tests, I ultimately sent it back for the same reasons as this review :
Application for this product requires very intrusive rights for your connected device that have nothing to do with the functionality of downloading historic information from the sensor via Bluetooth.

I ain't got nothing to hide...and whoever "they" are..."they" got everything already...who we kidding? :shy:  :angel:


I saw those reviews.  What in the world do they ask for Brian?

On my Android, they asked for Location, Camera, Microphone, and Storage.

I gave them location, changed it to "Only when using app", and denied Camera, Microphone, and Storage.

App works great, no problems.

The app is designed for use on many different devices, so if I'm using programmable LED lights, security cameras, or thermostat controls, some of these permissions make more sense.

shakinghorizons

#9
Quotenirab - 3/1/2021  11:42 AM

Quoteshakinghorizons - 3/1/2021  11:44 AM

Quotenirab - 2/28/2021  9:38 AM

I am upgrading all of mine to the Govee models. I use them at both of our cigar shops, and have them in 2 of my personal humidors. They may take up a bit more space, but they are extremely accurate.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DWMJKP5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


While the Govee was accurate in my tests, I ultimately sent it back for the same reasons as this review :
Application for this product requires very intrusive rights for your connected device that have nothing to do with the functionality of downloading historic information from the sensor via Bluetooth.

I ain't got nothing to hide...and whoever "they" are..."they" got everything already...who we kidding? :shy:  :angel:

[/QUOTE]

Keeps tinfoil hat on.

This is just another reason I don't have anything "smart" in my home and hide behind a VPN for everything I do.

Removes tinfoil hat.




Oh who am I kidding, the tinfoil hat never comes off!

nirab

if I wore underwear, they would be tinfoil... :biggrin:  :lmao:  :shades:
The Punk Rock Guru of Meditation and Lending a Hand

DON'T believe EVERYTING you THINK...
it's COOL to Be a GEEK!

''Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.''-Roberto Clemente

"When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That is my religion." - Abraham Lincoln

"It is possible to live happily in the here and now. So many conditions of happiness are available - more than enough for you to be happy right now." -

Thich Nhat Hanh

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation."

The Cigar Vault
512-361-3289
in Beeuudaful Buda, Texas!

 

                                                               



Otter

I really like the Boveda Butler, they have a 24 hour calibration and seem to be accurate. I pull them once a year and re-calibrate.

https://bovedainc.com/boveda-butler/
R, Otter
------------------------------------------------------
Certified Retail Tobacconist
CRA Ambassador #0264
Twitter: @GeekCoefficient
Instagram: Geekcoefficient
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cigargeeks/

My Virtual Humidor: http://tinyurl.com/a9umtsr

nkowal

I'm currently testing both the Boveda Butler and the Govee. I also have a a Cigar Oasis 4R in there too, and am adding a HygroSet II after its calibrated. The idea is to check on how accurate they are comparably.

So far, pros and cons:
-Govee Wifi (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0872ZWV8X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1): This is the one with internet connection only, no external display. Since I always have my phone on me and have other hygromters in there I saved *some* space without the display. Nice internet connection. Was close to accurate out of box, but seems to be a little slower to react to changes than others. Takes up a good amount of space compared to the others. The app is nice from a data tracking perspective.

-Butler: A lot of people dislike this thing, but I haven't had many issues. Definitely needs to be calibrated. I have the Butler set up to an old iPhone that just its in my office and constantly records the data so I don't need to be near it - this allows it to function as a "Wifi" while still being bluetooth only. But the data tracking is not as extensive or flexible as the Govee.

-Cigar Oasis 4R (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JXOKS2E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1): Some of the Amazon review are negative although I haven't had any problems with calibrating it.

-HygroSet II: This is my go to cheap hygrometer. It needs to be recalibrated every once in a while but generally I've found them to be solid and cheap!

I plann to do a more full review and write up on these and the Audew Wineador I picked up after I've had some more time with them.

I'll say - the AccuRite that was posted does look really nice and has a great price. Intrigued about giving that one a run too.


headfirst

Awesome feedback so far, thanks guys!  Gave me a lot to think about...
When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm, refreshing sleep obtained by a cigar, I have felt grateful to God, and have blessed His name...
-Charles Spurgeon

http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=humidors;area=public;member=headfirst

lowpro75

Thanks to this thread I bought the Govee.  I really like the phone app.  Its' just a couple % off from my current analog Hydrometer so it appears to be working.  

Thanks for the info!

Guru of Sensitivity.  

The Herf of Havertown.

MrMoke

I know this thread is getting a little stale but thought I'd throw in my 10 cents worth :)

I tend to buy the Hygroset II, it is generally cheap and no less accurate than other more expensive ones.

Using a Boveda calibration pack, after ~12 (overnight) once it gets to between 73% - 77% I'll set it at that.  The Hygroset II is accurate to +/- 2% RH, so with the Boveda bag at 75% it can be registering between 73 and 77, typically I can easily get it to 74 or 76.  I'll then let it sit for the rest of the day and make sure it does not change, all being good I can comfortably recalibrate 1 hygrometer a day.  As my cigar stock has grown I have bought bigger humidors but kept the old also, the cigars seem to always fill my available space, funny how that happens, isn't it.

I try to recalibrate every 3 - 6 months, I put a small self adhesive label on the back with the date so it is easy to tell when I need to.

I don't recall seeing any hygrometers state a greater accuracy than =/- 2%  I think this a limitation of the technology and market forces, there's no motivation to make one more accurate.

Anyway, I don't sweat it, a few % here or there won't matter given the difference in opinion over what is the 'corect' humidity, just kepp it close and as stable as possible is best IMHO.
"The older I get the more I realize I cannot please everyone.  However, pissing everyone off is a breeze."

nirab

Adding another .2 cents. I really do not depend much upon my hygrometers. How the cigars are smoking are the best way, for me, to gauge how healthy my humidor is. If I have no issues with the cigars coming out of my humidor(s), then I ain't got no issues.  :biggrin:
The Punk Rock Guru of Meditation and Lending a Hand

DON'T believe EVERYTING you THINK...
it's COOL to Be a GEEK!

''Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.''-Roberto Clemente

"When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That is my religion." - Abraham Lincoln

"It is possible to live happily in the here and now. So many conditions of happiness are available - more than enough for you to be happy right now." -

Thich Nhat Hanh

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation."

The Cigar Vault
512-361-3289
in Beeuudaful Buda, Texas!

 

                                                               



Adwinistrator

#17
Quotenirab - 5/20/2021  7:09 PM

Adding another .2 cents. I really do not depend much upon my hygrometers. How the cigars are smoking are the best way, for me, to gauge how healthy my humidor is. If I have no issues with the cigars coming out of my humidor(s), then I ain't got no issues.  :biggrin:

I think it's fair to say that a certain level of experience, and confidence in one's own humidor setup, is necessary to get to this level of comfort for most people.  I do think we all obsess too much over +/- 1% RH, but there are a lot of lessons to learn about how to store cigars safely, and learning the hard way can be a painful and expensive mistake.

I'll add another 2 cents as well.  Humidor stability is the #1 most important factor in the performance of your cigars.  Allowing the cigars to reach humidity stasis will allow for the best burn performance, and have much more of an impact than RH % at 62 vs 65 vs 69 vs 72.  Desired RH % should be subjective based on how you smoke (tempo and temp control), flavor profile preference, and the types of cigars in your humidor.

gitfiddl

QuoteAdwinistrator - 5/21/2021  11:23 AM

Quotenirab - 5/20/2021  7:09 PM

Adding another .2 cents. I really do not depend much upon my hygrometers. How the cigars are smoking are the best way, for me, to gauge how healthy my humidor is. If I have no issues with the cigars coming out of my humidor(s), then I ain't got no issues.  :biggrin:

I think it's fair to say that a certain level of experience, and confidence in one's own humidor setup, is necessary to get to this level of comfort for most people.  I do think we all obsess too much over +/- 1% RH, but there are a lot of lessons to learn about how to store cigars safely, and learning the hard way can be a painful and expensive mistake.

I'll add another 2 cents as well.  Humidor stability is the #1 most important factor in the performance of your cigars.  Allowing the cigars to reach humidity stasis will allow for the best burn performance, and have much more of an impact than RH % at 62 vs 65 vs 69 vs 72.  Desired RH % should be subjective based on how you smoke (tempo and temp control), flavor profile preference, and the types of cigars in your humidor.

I guess mine makes it a total of .06 now.  In the decade-plus that I have been buying and storing cigars in more than a "week's worth" quantity, my concern with such details as storage humidity and temperature, and the methods used to maintain both, have run the gamut from the severely anal-retentive to the extremely lackadaisical.  

I've finally settled on Boveda as my humidification source of choice, after using every sort that doesn't require electricity.  If I had a large tower or the like, I might consider something fancier, but for my 50-500 capacity humidors and coolidors, Bovedais my "no muss, no fuss" solution.

As far as hygrometers go, I've gpt a couple of older calibrate-able Hygrosets and Xikars that I trust the read-out on.  Other than those, I use some cheap ones I got by the dozen off Amazon.  With those, I look for major fluctuations in the reading, not the Rh reading itself.  But mostly, I go by the condition of the Boveda packets.  I've yet to have any real issues.
 
Self-appointed Guru of Pass Container Sizing,  All Things Midgetly Stripperish, and general "Stirrer of the Puddin'".

DonM

#19
FWIW, I sold my Tower a year ago and am down to a few large desktops and some Tupperware.  I have had Xikar, Hygroset and Western Digital hygrometers and while they are a good gage + or - 5%? they all are cheap and IMO only give you a false positive on what your RH is even when they are calibrated, salt test/ Boveda test etc.  With that in mind, I have been using Heartfelt beads for many years now.  I don't even pay attention to the hygrometers, I spray the beads down with distilled water when they turn white and rock on.  Call me crazy?  It works and all my cigars are happy.  Cheers to you all

"The Curmudgeon"













gitfiddl

QuoteDonM - 5/22/2021  8:53 PM

FWIW, I sold my Tower a year ago and am down to a few large desktops and some Tupperware.  I have had Xikar, Hygroset and Western Digital hygrometers and while they are a good gage + or - 5%? they all are cheap and IMO only give you a false positive on what your RH is even when they are calibrated, salt test/ Boveda test etc.  With that in mind, I have been using Heartfelt beads for many years now.  I don't even pay attention to the hygrometers, I spray the beads down with distilled water when they turn white and rock on.  Call me crazy?  It works and all my cigars are happy.  Cheers to you all

Didn't you have one on the end- or coffee table humidors at one point?

Self-appointed Guru of Pass Container Sizing,  All Things Midgetly Stripperish, and general "Stirrer of the Puddin'".

shakinghorizons

I have a spare Butler I am willing to send someone if they would like it.

MrMoke

I recently purchased a Goabroa Mini Hygrometer Thermometer

The primary motivation was the price $4.90 on Amazon with free Prime shipping.  The unit is NOT adjustable but I figured for less than 5 bucks I can't go wrong, right?

As soon as it arrived I popped it in a Boveda calibration kit, within an hour it was at 75%, I thought bingo!  New source of Hygrometers.  I decided to let it sit overnight ....

So next morning it was reading 78%, temp was close to what I knew was the ambient room temperature, don't recall what that was exactly, it wasn't my focus.

So assuming the Boveda was keeping the inside of the bag at 75% that is a 4% deviation.  The product claims high accuracy (=/- 1%), obviously, that is not true.

So for ~ a quarter the price of other Hygrometers on Amazon did I get a bargain or a dud?

The item is here if you want to check it out :-

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QC7JRDP?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
"The older I get the more I realize I cannot please everyone.  However, pissing everyone off is a breeze."

headfirst

I got a 4 pack of these and put them all to the calibration test, which is what started me thinking about this when I first started this post.  3 of them were at least within 1 or 2 percent of each other (but not at 75) but one was in left field, off by 7 points or something.

As long as you know how much it is off by they're usable IMO.  I marked how many points to add or subtract on mine so they wouldn't fool me.
When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm, refreshing sleep obtained by a cigar, I have felt grateful to God, and have blessed His name...
-Charles Spurgeon

http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=humidors;area=public;member=headfirst


   
Privacy Policy     Terms of Service
Copyright © 2007-2024 Cigar Geeks, Inc. All rights reserved.