Question for the Bugeater: Refractometers

[Bugeater]

I too have the cheap eBay unit with 0-32 brix and ATC. No light though. Works great and holds calibration just fine.

Wayne

[andy77]

I also bought the cheap $20 something plus shipping ebay ATC refractometer. It has worked flawlessly and has never needed calibration despite the fact that I have checked it numerous times.

Many of the eghey ones read in Brix as mine does so I use this chart http://beerbarons.org/pdf/brewingCheatSheets/refractometerBrixToSGConvertion.pdf to convert and check my numbers.

You know, that chart doesn't agree with the morebeer reftactometer conversion spreadsheet. That makes me uncomfortable as I've been using that spreadsheet as my bible since getting my refracto.

[Brandt]

I just checked that table. I think it's a straight conversion of Brix, Plato and gravity. It doesn't compensate for alcohol like the morebeer spreadsheet does. I too use Graham's spreadsheet, as I don't know any other way to use a refractometer to measure how much sugar is left after fermentation has begun.

[BigNastyBrew]

I just spent the last 15 minutes or so looking for the B3 spreadsheet. Where the hell is it?

[Dubba_Brew]

I just spent the last 15 minutes or so looking for the B3 spreadsheet. Where the hell is it?

Re-frakto-mater Spreadsheet
They've also got a video tutorial... HERE!!

[BigNastyBrew]

You are the man!

Beer Smith has this tool imbedded though and it uses your input data from your original calibration.

I guess I was hoping that the sheet would tell me why my 8 brix reading was 1.032 (spot on) and my 11 Brix reading was 1.041... Maybe I read the Brix wrong.

[ApexBrewing]

You know, that chart doesn't agree with the morebeer reftactometer conversion spreadsheet. That makes me uncomfortable as I've been using that spreadsheet as my bible since getting my refracto.

That chart is not for getting an Gravity after fermentation. It is for converting from Brix, to Plato, to Specific Gravity. Most recipes are in Plato or SG while most of these cheap ebay refracto's are in Brix. It is just easy for me to have a print out of the chart when I am brewing so I can check and convert at a glance.

Despite the ease of the more beer spreadsheet I do not really use my refractometer post fermentation. I generally just fill a hydrometer test tube with the first bit of beer from my siphon hose for a quick final gravity and a taste test. Allows me to make sure my lines are clear of any residual sanitizer before I move the line to the keg.

[Alemental]

I got this one and have been really happy with it and the company. I have lost the hinge screws several times and both times they sent me replacements at no cost. I would totally recommend them to a friend.

0-32% ATC Brix Refractometer with Built-in LED light source
[ZGRB-32ATC] USD39.00

http://www.gainexpress.com/product_info ... v1gjm7ntd5

Hey Badrock,
This refractometer intrigues me. Have you tried calibrating it and comparing it with a calibrated hydrometer for accuracy? How clear is the scale to read? (This is a problem with many refractometers; the scale is so fuzzy it is hard to read with accuracy)