Calibrating a Refractometer

[A_Lee]

Hey all
I have a refractometer that I want to calibrate
I read to use RO water, or distilled water to do this, but I believe I also read some jazz about using a special solution or method to calibrate my refractometer. Any information leading to where I can find this calibration fluid (if I need it; can I just use RO water?) would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Gomer]

since there is no "point/slope" calibration, the best you can do is to calibrate your refractometer to a salinity near your target. Bar has 35ppt standards which norm made up. You can use this to set your refractometer to that value. Anything near it should be very close to correct. If you are lucky, it will be correct all the way through zero. If needed, I can explain the whole point/slope calibration idea, but it isn't needed to get the job done for our purpose.

 

[seminolecpa]

Amost any person that went to the last swap should have the standard as we gave them out in the entry package.

 

[A_Lee]

Thanks for the responses so far all
I have not been to any frag swaps yet -though I am waiting for January to swing around so I can pay my dues and become official
Is there any way I can get my hands on a packet or two of this 35ppt standard?
How do people without access to standard solutions like the one Norman made, calibrate their refractometers?

 

[seminolecpa]

I have some I could bring to work with me in the financial district tomorrow. Not sure if you are in the city

 

[alve]

You can buy the standard at marinedepot for example. I have standard so you can always stop by with your refractometer to calibrate it but Redwood City is not that close to the city to have a refractometer calibrated. There are quit a few members living in or close to San Francisco that should have it as well. Let's see if any of them chime in.

 

[A_Lee]

E-mail sent your way Bryan

 

[alve]

Damn you are fast Bryan ;D