What is a Hygrometer? Everything you need to know
Hygrometer is a device that measures the amount of water vapour in the air, soil, or restricted places. Humidity meters typically rely on measurements of other factors such as temperature, pressure, mass, or a mechanical or electrical change in a substance when moisture is absorbed.
These measurable quantities can be used to calculate humidity using calibration and calculation. To monitor humidity differences, modern electronic devices employ condensation temperature (called the dew point) or changes in electrical capacitance or resistance.
How To Adjust & Calibrate A Hygrometer?
As you may have guessed, there are several ways for calibrating, each of which yields different results. But how can you change the reading on the hygrometer?
To begin, this assumes that your hygrometer can be calibrated. Some less expensive digital devices lack this capability, and we normally do not recommend purchasing them.
Having said that, despite the lack of this feature, Xikar’s Purotemp is surprisingly precise. Nonetheless, we prefer the alternative so that we may tweak our hygrometers and ensure their accuracy on a regular basis.
In all situations, the hygrometer should have a dial or something that can be changed once it has been subjected to a certain degree of humidity. Assuming it came with a Boveda 75 percent calibration kit, simply turn it till it reads 75 percent.
Following that, it should be correct at all other levels. Nonetheless, you may always use Boveda’s two-step calibration to be certain!
How Often Do You Need To Calibrate A Hygrometer?
Calibration is not a one-step “set it and forget it” process, even with the most expensive and precise hygrometer on the market. In fact, it is highly advised that you re-calibrate it on a regular basis.
Hygrometers, like engines and musical instruments, require tuning, and the required frequency is determined by the technology under the hood.
Analogue ones, for example, are built of hair fibres and springs. As a result, they will quickly become out of sync, necessitating a new calibration procedure. In fact, this is another reason we dislike them since it makes them even less reliable.
If you want to utilise an analogue one, we recommend that you re-calibrate it at least every six months.
Digital hygrometers, on the other hand, tend to survive far longer between calibrations. While you might use one for years with no problems, we urge that you make it a yearly maintenance routine.
In most circumstances, you’ll need to set a reminder. However, Boveda’s app displays the date of your most recent calibration, which is really helpful.
Where To Put Hygrometer In Guitar Case?
Last summer, I ran a comparison test on hygrometer location/placement. I have a number of cases, each with its own calibrated hygrometer. I took several from other cases and compared the simultaneous readings in one case from three other case locations. One in the cutaway, one in the headstock, and one within the locked storage box.
What I discovered was that if the case was left closed for a day or two to stabilise, the humidity levels in the three regions did not vary more than 1 point. This led me to assume that the location of the hygrometer is unimportant. Place it where it is comfortable for you, but keep it away from any form of humidifier.
Keep in mind that if the humidity levels in a stabilised case and the surrounding, ambient atmosphere fluctuate greatly, the case reading will change very quickly when opened and will take some time, a couple of hours, to rehydrate if equipped with a dampit or oasis.
It is more difficult to dry out a case. Zorb-its absorb and/or release moisture to help reduce a variable humidity level. Desiccants, which I dislike, are sometimes required, as is the use of a hair dryer. It is far easier to hydrate than it is to dehydrate.
Things to Consider When Buying a Hygrometer for Guitar
We’re sure you’re torn between two or more of these selections now that you know our top picks. Here are some factors to consider when purchasing a guitar hygrometer to help you limit down your options.
Accuracy
When looking for the best guitar hygrometer, accuracy should be your first priority. To get reliable readings, it should be as sensitive to the humidity levels surrounding your instrument as feasible.
When the readings are inaccurate, you run the risk of keeping humidity levels in a guitar box or guitar room above the safe limit. As a result, the guitar’s material will decay faster than it should. This means that the aim of purchasing the guitar humidity metre has been defeated.
Attachment Possibilities
Attachment methods are common in the best hygrometers for musical instruments. This characteristic enables it to be installed on various portions of the instrument to measure relative humidity levels precisely. This is frequently the case with guitars, where the hygrometer can be mounted on the soundhole or the neck.
However, most users are content with placing the gadget near the instrument. You won’t need an attaching mechanism in this case because it will easily fit within the compartment on your guitar case. The decision is based on what is most convenient for you.
Readability
It’s also vital to evaluate the hygrometer’s readability, so you can quickly tell how the air around the guitar is doing.
Fortunately, most modern hygrometers now include a digital display on which we can read everything. We don’t have to rely on a shaky dial to acquire a good relative humidity reading.
Battery Life If you’re using a digital hygrometer for guitar, you need also check the battery life.
When a device has a good battery life, you don’t have to charge or replace the battery as frequently. This will save you a lot of time and work, not to mention the ability to regularly monitor the humidity of the air. Furthermore, the worst-case scenario is that the battery dies when you need it the most.
It also helps if the battery charges quickly. This manner, your guitar will not be left unattended for long.
Additional Features
Some hygrometers have a thermometer, while others include a handy clock. In some circumstances, you can buy a hygrometer and humidifier combo to ensure that you always have the proper humidity level for your instrument.
Of course, these new amenities come at an additional expense. If you intend to use a device other than a hygrometer, there is no harm in purchasing one. However, if you’re only going to use it to check humidity levels, a simple hygrometer would enough.
Where Can I Purchase a Hygrometer?
You can purchase Hygrometer from any local Guitar Accessories store around or from trusted online stores like Amazon, Sweetwater.
