? on a refractometer

[rjochimsen]

The operation instructions on my refractometer (model ref105) calls for the adjustment of reference by using a drop of dioptric oil on the surface of the reference block. Goggle wasn't much help as to what it was or where to get some. Anybody have any info. for me

[DrTimPerkins]

Sounds like you're referring to calibrating the refractometer. You put a drop of the calibration fluid on the lens, close it, then take a reading. If the reading is not correct (what the calibration fluid is supposed to read), then there is usually a small screw on the instrument to adjust the reading until it matches the calibration fluid.

[Tweegs]

We had an issue calibrating ours with the dioptric fluid. Once calibrated using the fluid, we were reading way low compared to our hydrometer (61 brix compared to 67 on the hydrometer). I should note that we had our hydrometer tested and confirmed accurate.

These days, that hydrometer is carefully stored and rarely used. We check syrup with it a couple of times a season, then I use that tested syrup to check the cal on the refractometer (compensating for temperature).

I’ll be the first to admit I may have made a mistake using the dioptric fluid, but I’m having trouble figuring out where. The process seems pretty straight forward.

[SeanD]

I double check my refractometer against my hydrometer from time to time. You can also use extra virgin olive oil as a triple check. Most evoo should be either 71 or 72 brix. Mine is dead on one of them, but I can't remember which one it is right now. I'd have to check my notes which. So, between the two I can cross check and feel 100% comfortable with what the refractometer is giving me.

Sean

[DoubleBrookMaple]

The operation instructions on my refractometer (model ref105) calls for the adjustment of reference by using a drop of dioptric oil on the surface of the reference block. Goggle wasn't much help as to what it was or where to get some. Anybody have any info. for me

Nobody seems to want to answer your question...

"WHERE DO I GET DIOPTIC OIL?

Try posting a new thread with that as the title, and also as text... On the beekeeping forum, someone said it seems to be "harder to find than kryptonite"

[Tater]

I use this (http://m.ebay.com/itm/60-Brix-Refractometer-Calibration-Fluid-for-Honey-Syrup-Jam-Made-in-USA-/370223755723?nav=SEARCH) for calibration.

[Johnny t]

Extra virgin olive oil is 72. Use that for calibrating. Once your confident in your calibration. Keep some syrup around that you've tested and record the brix somewhere and that syrup can now be your calibration fluid going forward.

[pipeline]

saw it listed in d and g catalog