The top 10 most frequently asked questions about our traditional hand-held refractometers.
- "Why is the scale completely dark?"
Unless you have a fluid sample on the measuring surface the inside of the instrument will be dark and you will not see the scale or a shadowline.
- "Why is the scale completely bright?"
If you cannot see the shadowline and the whole scale is illuminated, then the sample you are testing is above the range of the instrument.
- "How do I turn the light on?"
To activate the light on the ViewPoint Illuminator gently press the spot on the label marked "PRESS FOR LIGHT." Remember there are no dumb questions. If the light doesn't work, the battery may be dead. If this is the case, please send the instrument back to us and we can replace the ViewPoint.
- "How do I know if my instrument is in calibration?"
Most instruments have a scale division that is equivalent to water. in the case of a Brix refractometer, it is 0.0 Brix, and on the Glycol & Battery Tester, it is +32 degrees. This is the reading you should get when testing water at room temperature. If the reading for water does not equal one of the above values, then you need to recalibrate your instrument.
- "I hear a rattle inside whenever I shake it."
Then don't shake it - just kidding. A rattle most likely means that one of the internal optical components came loose inside. This is usually caused by dropping the instrument. Please send the instrument to our repair department. There is nothing you can do in the field to repair it. In the future remember that this is a precision optical instrument. Although we try to make refractometers as rugged as we can, please try to handle them as you would a pair of binoculars or a camera.
- "How do I know what instrument I need?"
If you are uncertain about which model refractometer you need to test a particular fluid, just call us. We more than likely have experience measuring that fluid. If we can't help you over the phone, we will happily test your fluid in our laboratory FOR FREE to determine which refractometer is best for your needs.
- "Can I get a certified calibration?"
We have a dedicated laboratory and trained staff that will happily test your refractometer and issue a certificate of calibration traceable to NIST.
- "How do I replace my ViewPoint Illuminator?"
The ViewPoint illuminator has a built-in coin cell battery with a ten-year shelf life. It is designed for between 3,000-5,000 fifteen-second uses. In the event the battery dies, just send your entire instrument to MISCO, and we will replace the ViewPoint for you. You may also order a replacement online and change it yourself. Do not try to disassemble the ViewPoint, there are no user serviceable parts inside.
- "What is the difference between freezepoint and burst point?"
Freezepoint is the point that the first ice crystals form in the absence of supercooling. Burst point is the point that the solution freezes solid and bursts the vessel containing it. The burst point is usually 30-50 degrees colder than the freezepoint. Our Glycol & Battery Tester reads the freezepoint of both ethylene and propylene glycol solutions. If you need to know the burst point, take a reading on the Glycol & Battery Tester and use a chart (available from your antifreeze supplier) to cross-reference freezepoint to burst point or percent concentration.
- "I need to know the percent volume of my glycol?"
To ascertain the percent concentration of glycol in a system, obtain a chart of physical properties from your glycol supplier. Take a reading with the Glycol & Battery Tester and cross reference the freezepoint reading to the percent volume column on the chart.
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