Digital, Is it REALLY better?

onestrangeone

Ok before everybody tells me what a dumb*** I am, I am not advocating for or against. I currently own 11 digital and 1 analog hygrometers (mostly xikar) and I know that most people completely rely on them, so do I. I use one of the Boveda Kit's to calibrate. The analog I have was factory equip when the Humi was purchased in 98 I didn't have a clue did not even know what humidity I was supposed to maintain and quickly gave up. Nine months ago I was reintroduced to the Leaf properly and my journey began. I dusted off the old Humi, acquired a new one and shortly after was given another one both with digital, the old analog was 1% off. Three months ago I re-calibrated and found variations from 1% to 3% off with all the digitalis, the analog is still 1% off. I have read several post that seem to suggest that it is somewhat common for the digitalis to be off this much or more after a similar time frame. I know they can be reset. My analog cannot the only thing I have done was to abuse it, It has survived a couple of very rough moves and still is only 1% off after 15 years. So is digital Really Better? I know there are people on here who have been at this a long time, What do you think?

Rain

In one word? Yes.The fact that you have an analog that works after that long is, quite honestly, the exception and not the rule.

The Kid

I use both,, I have never purchased a boveda calibration kit.. I use salt and water. Some analogs can be adjusted, there is a turn screw in the back where one can adjust the needle (not all have this) a majority of the analogs that come with humi's are out of cal and can not be adjusted,,These get tossed . I like the digitals cause most can be adjusted. I also like the digitals because they show the temp as well. this is very important to me,, most beetle issues arise due to high temps. I dont freeze my cigars, I probably store them cooler than most others do especially in the winter months. So yes analogs can be as accurate as digitals in measuring humidity and I have no concerns using them, but they are limited.

curtpick

Steve2010

Considering the amount I've spent on cigars over the years, the price of the two digitals in my 500 ct is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

The Kid

Steve and Curtpic bring up excellent points,, In my larger coolidors I have two hygro's one analog and one digital, for that extra piece of mind, The excellent point that Curtpic brings up is logrithmic.. meaning if a hygro is + 2 out of call at 60 rh,, it doesnt mean it will be +2 out of cal at 70 it may be +4 or 0 or +7,, you get the idea, one should experiment and evalutae. The analogs that i use are in step with my digitals.

curtpick

Cigary

I use both and after much careful study the Digital is probably the best even though I have 4 analog hygros that are right on the money. "Analog hygros do need an occasional tune-up. These delicate instruments can be thrown off in terms of accuracy relatively easily. They will also lose some of their accuracy over time. Tune-ups can keep your analog device working properly, but that will require an additional charge from a specialist unless you choose to do the work yourself.".......this according to experts.

rwheelwright

webmost

AVJim

webmost

Vision

I would say that it may not be the end of the world... just the onset of mold and beatles... If youre off 4 at 62 (66) and 5 or 6 at 70 (75 or 76).... BAD. I check mine all the time to make sure I am keeping 400-500 sticks safe. If you have a handful of sticks in a 30 count it still effects how they perform while smoking.... I guess the long and short is no matter how many you have its safe to say any accurate Hygro would be a great idea.

KingoftheCove

lonniekt1966

dr_frankenstein56

So what is the suggested PM schedule for either? I keep a digital in my fancy pants box and analogs in my travel and crappers box.

Lee.mcglynn

IMO this all comes down to how much You trust your humidifier. I trust mine enough to know that it will hold steady at what I need it too. I use my hygroscopic really just for temp and I always keep a lower temp then 70

lonniekt1966

Lee.mcglynn:

IMO this all comes down to how much You trust your humidifier. I trust mine enough to know that it will hold steady at what I need it too. I use my hygroscopic really just for temp and I always keep a lower temp then 70

That makes perfect sense. Never really thought of it like that.

curtpick

Try at least every 3 months. They may or may not have changed. But repeatability is a good thing in instrumentation. Your at least getting a good idea how your meter is performing. These things arent high end meters by any means. Those cost thousands. Best to check often. Most wont show up until low batteries and if there isnt enough voltage excitement to the sensor its worthless to you. And none I know of have a visual power indicator.