Description:
About this item:
The VEE GEE STX-3 is a handheld, portable, water-resistant salinity refractometer that measures salt concentration in parts per thousand (PPT) in the 0 to 100% range and specific gravity (SG) of seawater in the 1.000 to 1.070 range, has automatic temperature compensation (ATC), and a durable metal body with rubber grip. A salinity refractometer measures the concentration of salt, such as sodium chloride, magnesium and calcium sulfates, in liquids and displays the results. Handheld refractometers, also known as sugar meters, concentration meters, or Brix meters, are commonly used in the culinary, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, educational, geological, chemical, and ecological industries, and for water-testing applications.
This refractometer is housed in a durable metal body. The VEE GEE STX-3 features ATC for immediate, accurate readings, with an ambient temperature of 10 to 30 degrees C. The unit is factory-calibrated and can be calibrated with distilled water. Calibration can be controlled and adjusted with a tool-free calibration ring and a set screw. The outer shell is rubber coated with dimpled grip for easy gripping and the rubber coating guards against hand heat for accurate measurements. A non-roll stand prevents the unit from rolling when placed on a flat surface such as a table or bench top. The optical glass prism is mounted in an all-metal housing composed of copper alloy with a nickel-chrome coating for quick temperature equilibrium between the sample and the prism. The analog Brix scale features a bright, high-contrast display for clear visibility of the boundary and memory lines intersection. Instantaneous sample readings illuminated by ambient light are viewed through a monocular, focusable, cushioned eyepiece. The unit comes with a zippered vinyl carrying case, a plastic transfer pipet and an instruction manual.
Specifications
Measurement scale range Salinity (PPT) 0 to 100%, Seawater (SG) 1.000 to 1.070 Specimen measurement temperature range 10 to 30 degrees C Accuracy Salinity + or – 1.0%, Seawater (SG) + or – 0.001, Temperature + or - 1 degrees C Resolution Salinity 1.0%, Seawater (SG) 0.001, Temperature 1 degrees C Ambient temperature for unit operation 10 to 30 degrees C Sample volume > 0.1ml Measurement time Instantaneous Body type Copper alloy with a nickel-chrome coating Illumination Ambient light; unit requires no additional power source Dimensions 40 x 40 x 185mm (H x W x D) Weight 285g One yearH is height, the vertical distance from the lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back.
Refractometers are used to determine substance content in a sample, to provide unit readings of substances including Brix, salinity, and alcohol; to detect chemical impurities, or to measure components of samples such as industrial fluid. Refractometers measure the refractive index of a substance, which is its optical characteristic, and the number of dissolved particles in it. The refractive index is the ratio of the speed of light in empty space to the speed of light in a substance; when light passes from one medium to another. Generally, a low concentration sample has a larger angle of refraction than a high concentration sample. For example, a straw placed in a high-concentration substance appears more bent than when placed in a low-concentration substance. Refractometers can work with natural light, or with an external power source such as batteries or electricity. They typically have either a digital or analog reading display, though some units utilize both types. Some analog-display refractometers can be used for both solids and liquids. Digital-display refractometers are used exclusively for liquids. Types of refractometers include handheld, benchtop, and in-process. Handheld refractometers are elongated and telescope-shaped, or shorter and rectangular. Analog handheld refractometer readings are obtained by looking through the monocular eyepiece and viewing where the boundary line intersects with the memory line. Digital handheld models provide a digital readout. Benchtop refractometers typically measure with a higher degree of accuracy than handheld units. In-process refractometers are used for continuous process monitoring and data readouts, and are generally fitted into a piping system for ongoing analysis. Refractometers are used in a wide variety of applications in the culinary, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, educational, geological, chemical, ecological, and automotive industries, and for water-testing applications.
VEE GEE Scientific manufactures laboratory equipment and supplies, and makes the VanGuard brand of products. The company, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Kirkland, WA, offers scientific equipment for educational, research, clinical, and industrial applications.
What’s in the Box?
- STX-3 refractometer
- Vinyl carrying case
- Plastic transfer pipet
- Instructions
Review:
4.4 out of 5
87.69% of customers are satisfied
5.0 out of 5 stars Great quality and accurate!
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Great refractometer. I compared it to a couple of cheaper ones I have and an electronic. The scale on this one is easy to see, stays in calibration and has some weight to it. Only thing I wish is the case was a hard case but it is a nice soft case. For those that say they did not get a screwdriver, did you look in the velcro pocket inside the bag? That is where I found mine.Thanks for a great product.
5.0 out of 5 stars Accurate, Consistent Readings, Holds Calibration!
I have a Neptune Systems APEX Controller for my reef aquarium that measures and reports salinity (conductivity) in real-time, but I still rely on the VEE Gee STX-3 Refractometer as the final word on what the salinity actually is. I check the refractometer's calibration before each and every use with Refractometer Calibration Solution made by Aqua Craft Products and the refractometer reads exactly to the standard and I haven't had to adjust the calibration yet. This gives me confidence that the STX-3 is consistently accurate and holds calibration. I just threw-away a Red Sea refractometer (sorry to have to use names) that I purchased about a year ago ($50 - $60) that wouldn't hold calibration for more than a few minutes (literally) and provided very inconsistent readings even when those readings were of the same seawater sample and taken only minutes apart. I calibrated it each and every time and had to adjust the calibration 99 out of 100 times. The VEE GEE STX-3 is about twice the price of the Red Sea (and others in it's class) but in my humble opinion worth every penny. If you can't trust the data the instrument provides, what good is it?
5.0 out of 5 stars Lab-grade consistant accuracy!!!
My 10+ year old refractometer started giving consitantly erratic readings. It was time to replace it, and I chose this one based on reviews. I was not disappointed. I can feel the quality, just by picking it up. It doesn't feel "hollow". I can see the performance in rock-solid, consistant readings. I did have to calibrate it, though. According to my new bottle of calibration fluid, it was off by .0001. I haven't had to adjust it since then. A bit pricey, but like anything marine-wise... you get what you pay for. Highly recommended!!!
1.0 out of 5 stars 2 months in and it's failing
I bought this refractometer because I got tired of constantly going through other cheep ones.For the first few test it was working perfectly. Everytime I tested it with the calibration solution it was always at 35ppt. Just recently it was below 35ppt so I recalibrate it with the calibratio solution. Just out of curiosity I tested it again after its first test and this time it was off by 1ppt. As soon as I recalibrate it it was thrown off again. Now I have to test it each time I have to do a test throughout the day which is very tedious. For the price that I've paid I expected it to work great and last more than 2 months.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Refractometer
I am a Salt Water Aquarium Hobbyist and a refractometer needs to be your best friend. I originally ordered a cheeper one that would never keep a calibration. This unit is amazing. It came calibrated perfectly. It’s heavy and you can tell it’s made well. The numbers are easy to read and are in large print. It comes with a little bag a screwdriver and a pipet for testing. Easy to use if you know what you’re looking at. Highly recommend even though it’s expensive. As they say buy once cry once.
4.0 out of 5 stars Very poor quality zipper bag
The device seems to work well and seems to be well made. However, the bag that they send the device in is very poor quality - the zippers seem to be 3D printed without sintering, making them extremely weak. Both zipper tangs broke on the very first use.
2.0 out of 5 stars Does not hold calibration
This Refractometer holds calibration about as well as any other cheap refractometer on the market. Every time you put it down you have to check the calibration. On top of that, the design of it for calibration is not very good if you have to keep calibrating it. The ring is very tight and when you screw the screw down tight, it makes the calibration jump. Returned for a refund to by another brand.
5.0 out of 5 stars It works!
It came in already dialed in perfectly and has seen it’s use multiple times a week since I have gotten it. I had double checked my readings against a spinner, and against an old hydrometer and it is spot on. Absolutely could not ask for a better tool in the saltwater aquarium hobby. Comes with a nice pouch and an eye dropper too! Do not forget to clean it after each use!
Highly recommended
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Actually a great piece of kit, very accurate and holds it calibration fantastically
Far better than the cheap alternatives
I have two conductivity meters by Hanna, and while they appear to be more precise, they tend to drift over time.This refactometer is great. i had previously bought one of the $20-30 versions on Bolo, and threw it out almost immediately because it wasn't even in the ballpark.This is extremely fast, and extremely accurate. It's basically replaced the Hanna digital meter for me.
best of the best do not hesitate to buy.
Don't risk buying a cheap refractometer. Peace of mind knowing you have one of the best and accurate salinity checkers.
Best refractometer your money can buy
Title says it all. A little pricey but worth the money. Highly reccomend
Muy buena calidad de producto
La calidad del equipo y facilidad para calibración le da escencia unica
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Vee Gee Scientific STX-3 Handheld Salinity Refractometer with ATC, Industrial-Grade, 0-100% Salinity Range, 1.000-1.070 Specific Gravity Range, 5-Year Warranty
BHD89412
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Product origin: United States
Electrical items shipped from the US are by default considered to be 120v, unless stated otherwise in the product description. Contact Bolo support for voltage information of specific products. A step-up transformer is required to convert from 120v to 240v. All heating electrical items of 120v will be automatically cancelled.
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