My hydrometer has no numbers how do I read it?

[eastcoasttapper]

How do I tell where 66 is? Counting the top and bottom full lines there are eight. Would the top be 0 and the bottom 80?

[psparr]

Sounds like one of those times where your clock struck 13. Time for a new one.

[maple flats]

Sounds like a defect, I've never seen one without any numbers.

[happy thoughts]

Where did you buy it? That's who I'd ask because you really can't assume. Are you even sure it's a syrup hydrometer? Not all hydrometers can be used for syrup. Maybe yours was for some other use where numbers weren't needed. But like others have said. I've never heard of one without them. It's usually a numbered scale on a piece of paper inside the tube.

[eastcoasttapper]

I bought it from the man I bought my evaporator from. I'm not sure if I can still get in contact with him as it was several years ago. I wanted to give it a try again this year. It says BRIX across the top of the paper.

[JDP]

It sounds like you have a temperature compensating hydrometer. If it has mercury in it, you put it in any temperature syrup and if the line is equal to the thermometer you have true syrup.

[JDP]

so to explain further, if the mercury rises to the top of the syrup. it is true syrup (66 brix).......if the mercury is over the top of the syrup it is to light, if the mercury is under the syrup, it is too heavy.....or visa versa.... ??? cant remember. I bought one from the Mennonites near St. Jacobs Ontario Canada. No checking charts. If the mercury is equal, your good!

[Run Forest Run!]

Eastcoasttapper, check out this thread written by fellow mapletrader Big Eddy. This might clear up the mystery for you.

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?6211-Proper-procedure-for-using-Hydrotherm

[JDP]

Thanks Karen......Exactly what I was trying to say.....just a lot clearer! LOL

Great tool. You cant mess up using this one.

[Run Forest Run!]

One thing I learned early on this forum - when in doubt, look to Big_Eddy. He's forgotten more about sugaring than I'll ever know.

[Big_Eddy]

But Karen is clearly faster at finding my old posts than I am.

[eastcoasttapper]

That's it exactly. Thanks so much!

[Run Forest Run!]

But Karen is clearly faster at finding my old posts than I am.

Eddy you crack me up. I found the post so quickly because the link is in your signature. :lol:

[red dorakeen]

This Hydrotherm seems like a good idea. Why isn't it used more? What's it's pros and cons?

[Big_Eddy]

Pros
It is self compensating from 35F to 210 F (Note - that is just under the boiling point of WATER - not 219F)
No need for a separate thermometer and cross reference chart to adjust the reading.
It can be used just like a hydrometer for a quick reading - if you know which mark is correct for your normal checking temperature.

Cons
They cost a bit more than a standard hydrometer.
They are slower to react - you need to wait for the thermometer to equalize - so keep them in hot water / sap between checks.
They are not as accurate between 210F and 219F - (if you ignore the thermometer column and just look at the lines - they have the same accuracy)
They are not "certified" by any state agency.

Hydrotherm in the picture shows 8 lines of red above the surface of the syrup.
Actual density is 65.8 + 1.6 = 67.4 Brix

13469

[spud]

How do I tell where 66 is? Counting the top and bottom full lines there are eight. Would the top be 0 and the bottom 80?

If you run down to Wal-Mart and buy some reading glasses (3.0 power) the numbers may appear. :lol:

[red dorakeen]

Thanks for the pros and cons Big_Eddy.