Pianotech

  • 1.  humidity gauge

    Member
    Posted 10-13-2018 15:23
    Hi y'all,

    What's everybody's favorite humidity gauge? I need to replace the one in my tuning bag. Already have one in my shop, but want a smaller one for bringing around with me. And accuracy is important, but hoping to not spend $80-$100 bucks. Suggestions?

    Thanks,
    Jeff Farris
    Austin, TX

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    Jeff Farris
    Austin TX
    512-636-1914
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  • 2.  RE: humidity gauge

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-13-2018 15:47
    Humidity gauge's, (Hygrometer's), are inherently unstable. They can drift a lot and calibration is not easy except on very expensive ones. That said, what has worked for me is periodic testing of the one I have and making a note of where it currently stands. Follow these instruction to see how close your hygrometer is and just write the difference as an offset on it somewhere.

    https://www.stevejenkins.com/blog/2014/06/how-to-calibrate-a-hygrometer-humidity-sensor-using-the-salt-test/ 

    Alternatively, I use almost the exact same gauge is sold by Dampp-Chaser. It's cheap and close enough. And by close enough I mean that following the above test I found that my gauge reads around 2% low. Also, by close enough I mean that I honestly really don't care what the actual humidity is as long as it is in a reasonable range. What my main concern is is how different it is from the last time I was there. If the customer is complaining about tuning stability and you can show them the difference in the humidity from your last visit compared with this visit as the probable cause then the difference is all that matters.

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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 3.  RE: humidity gauge

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-14-2018 11:28
    ThermoWorks RT819 Pocket TH Temperature/Humidity Pen


    I carry this in my bag. Very slim and batteries last a long time. Only $25. Such a deal.
    Very innovative company with high-quality products. I also have their cooking thermometer. Same as the one you see on all the cooking shows. Well worth the money.

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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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