Temperature correcting hydrometer

Mex,

I fully understand your concern.

While I was required to use my refractometer one handed for a while, it was not simple. It is not really simple with two (semi)good hands. The devices are very durable. I really can't tell you how it would do for you. You might consider it as they are less shock sensitive than glass things. I had a hydrometer get broken when it was in the box because I forgot to put the protective sleeve around the float before I boxed it up.

Matt

Matt, I have a swatch of wool that I use as a cushion when I test weak sister cells 1, 2, and 3. I would be terrified of fumble-fingers dropping of a delicate instrument on to concrete from a height of 50"

Surprising enough there is lots of hidden costs in a top quality hydrometer. One, the glass tube is Pyrex which is significantly stronger than cheap glass, 2nd is a top quality hydrometer has really soft and cu-shiny ends. I had several near near-heart-stopping accidents of dropping the freas and it never broke. After the last screwup is when I adopted the action of never bringing the hydrometer out into where it can free fall down to the floor.

But the refractometer must be brought to the eye and I just do not have the ability to do that. Having never used a refractometer I have to inquire if using one is a wise-idea for the fumble fingered? My left hand is crippled.

Thank you!

I gave away my last hydrometer over 30 years ago. That was after I got a refractometer. They were kind of expensive then, but there are now imported versions that are probably just as good for only a little more than a decent hydrometer. A bonus is that these can check antifreeze too.

Matt

red31 wrote:
so your battery fluid is ~85F so add .002

Thank you, that’s all I needed.

so your battery fluid is ~85F so add .002

YES ADD TWO MOT ONE NOT THREE POINTS

I bought a temp compensating meter from Ebay. Made in Germany and was around $20 I think. I like it. Plastic construction its rugged for travel. Might be worth a looksie.

Alas None of the responses answer the O/P's Question.

NOW if I know how hot the fluid is. and the calibration temp of the hydrometer. THEN I can use the information above. But the photo does not show a temp scale. ONLY the correction scale. and thus I'd need make and model and get lucky downloading the user's guide for that specific Hydrometer to be able to answer the question.

That said. YOu might get lucky by measuring fluid temp with a glass thermometer than you may be able to use the above replies to figure out both the base line and the correction.

Chum lee wrote:
Google is your friend:

Search: "BATTERY HYDROMETER TEMPERATURE CORRECTION" 2 seconds later, . . . . highlight, copy, paste, post:

Battery Hydrometer Correction by Addition and Subtraction

Another way to make corrections is to simply add or subtract 0.004 to your reading for every ten degrees of difference between 80 degrees and your actual temperature. The result will provide you a hydrometer reading when not using a temperature compensated hydrometer.

Subtract 0.004 for every ten degrees when the temperature is below 80

Add 0.004 for every ten degrees when the temperature is above 80

Example 1

Your hydrometer reads 1.233
Its 60 degrees F
It is 20 degree below 80.
You subtract 0.008 from 1.233
The result is 1.225, thus the state of charge is approximately 75 percent.
Example 2

Your hydrometer reads 1.178
Its 110 degrees F
It is 30 degree above 80.
You add 0.012 to 1.178
The result is 1.190, thus the state of charge is approximately 50 percent.


Chum lee

All I asked is what the add 2 means. I feel like I asked what time it was and are being told how to build a watch!

Google is your friend:

Search: "BATTERY HYDROMETER TEMPERATURE CORRECTION" 2 seconds later, . . . . highlight, copy, paste, post:

Battery Hydrometer Correction by Addition and Subtraction

Another way to make corrections is to simply add or subtract 0.004 to your reading for every ten degrees of difference between 80 degrees and your actual temperature. The result will provide you a hydrometer reading when not using a temperature compensated hydrometer.

Subtract 0.004 for every ten degrees when the temperature is below 80

Add 0.004 for every ten degrees when the temperature is above 80

Example 1

Your hydrometer reads 1.233
Its 60 degrees F
It is 20 degree below 80.
You subtract 0.008 from 1.233
The result is 1.225, thus the state of charge is approximately 75 percent.
Example 2

Your hydrometer reads 1.178
Its 110 degrees F
It is 30 degree above 80.
You add 0.012 to 1.178
The result is 1.190, thus the state of charge is approximately 50 percent.


Chum lee