Refractometer not working!!!

[Makubex]

I bought an atc refractometer for $20 on ebay and is not showing any reading! all i see are the numbers but no line!, i calibrated it at 74f., box says around 68f. Could that be why? I did everything else correctly!

 

[Idoc]

Did you use a calibrating fluid? You can get a bottle for around $6 from BRS. I believe it calibrates it to 35ppt or 1.026sg. Best to calibrate close to where you plan on using it.

 

[bsr2430]

Did you use a calibrating fluid? You can get a bottle for around $6 from BRS. I believe it calibrates it to 35ppt or 1.026sg. Best to calibrate close to where you plan on using it.

You use Distilled water to calibrate it.

 

[bsr2430]

Here you go:

 

[bsr2430]

Make sure you adjusted it here too.

 

[Makubex]

I can see perfectly through the tube i just dont see that 'line' of blue and white and if i do is VERY VERY VERY VERY DIM 1/100

 

[ScubaFish802]

Aim it at a bright light, as above it is possible it is really out of wack and will need to be calibrated. (Usually they include a little screwdriver hopefully)

 

[Makubex]

guys i can see the line but its around 0 and yes it is white and blue, my hydrometer reads 1.018, ughh smh

 

[bsr2430]

Aim it at a bright light, as above it is possible it is really out of wack and will need to be calibrated. (Usually they include a little screwdriver hopefully)

Yup, go turn a light on and aim it at the bulb, point it in that direction, don’t hold it at an angle.
It’s probably out of wack, take the black knob off and use the little screwdriver, or knife. Make sure the blue and white hits zero. You’ll be good then.

Was this new? Or used?

 

[Makubex]

Maybe theres an adhesive tape i gotta remove from the prism? Lol

 

[bsr2430]

guys i can see the line but its around 0 and yes it is white and blue, my hydrometer reads 1.018, ughh smh

If it’s dim, then it needs more light. Also make sure at first the thing is covered in water too.

 

[Makubex]

its new, i am using the bulb technique with a flashlight but nothing, all i get is an around zero reading, yea i used the screw driver

 

[bsr2430]

Maybe theres an adhesive tape i gotta remove from the prism? Lol

There shouldn’t be any tape on it

 

[bsr2430]

Can you get a photo of it and post it. Outside, lens if you can get your phone to take a pic of the inside to show us.
a pic of the end where the water goes.