Refractometer help

[Mr. Red Maple]

Hey guys I just need some help with a new refractometer that I got for syrup. It reads from 58-90 brix and I was wondering on how to calibrate it. There are also water % and 20 degree Celsius BE scales on then side. I just wanted some help on how to calibrate it and what temperatures to do it at because the syrup will be hot when testing it. I also want to know theren to recalibrate it and how to clear it. I was also wondering if there is anything I need to know that is imports in about refractometers. Thanks for the help.

[Dennis H.]

For those they make a calibration fluid that you use, mine is for 60 brix.

Lower range ones, as for sap, you just use water and calibrate to 0.

I use my refractometer to get me close but I still use the hydrometer to get it right, I guess I am old school.

[Downstate]

Extra virgin olive oil is right around 71.5 brix and can be used to calibrate your refractometer. I have the same one and have never found the other scales to be useful.

[PerryW]

I'd find somebody with a sap hydrometer. have them measure a batch of sap with the hydrometer and then adjust your refractometer to read the same brix.