Help with Wineador build.

[NewYorker]

@CopGTP i assumed 68-70 was the magic temp.

So now i hit my second road block. I tried to calibrate my hygrometers and something is not working out. I first used two 69% boveda packs for a little over 12 hours and this is what i got. IMG_0804.jpg Now granted these were used and recharged boveda packs, but from what i have been reading this should not be a problem. So with the power of google i was able to find a very scientific test method with salt 24 hours later this is what i have: IMG_0805.jpg

So the big question is am i doing something wrong wit the test or are all hygrometers are out of whack. The Calib 4R is brand new that i just bought.

[Trackmyer]

@CopGTP i assumed 68-70 was the magic temp.

So now i hit my second road block. I tried to calibrate my hygrometers and something is not working out. I first used two 69% boveda packs for a little over 12 hours and this is what i got. IMG_0804.jpg Now granted these were used and recharged boveda packs, but from what i have been reading this should not be a problem. So with the power of google i was able to find a very scientific test method with salt 24 hours later this is what i have: IMG_0805.jpg

So the big question is am i doing something wrong wit the test or are all hygrometers are out of whack. The Calib 4R is brand new that i just bought.

First let me say welcome to a fellow NY'er.

You have multiple questions and I will offer a couple things.

First, calibrating your Hygro's. Yes a salt test will work if everything is just right, the stars are aligned, and so on. It is much easier to do with a Boveda calibration kit.
It so happens, that I believe I still have a new one laying about in my cigar stuff. PM me your mailing addy and I would be happy to send it to you. Calibrating with a standard boveda pack, or mini pack in your case is ok, but will not be as accurate. The standard packs have a slight deviation of RH (I forget the specific Charlie told me), but the Calibration kit is less than 1% deviation, so the best to use.

The temp issue. The specific temp desired to store cigars long term is depending on user. Though I would not store my sticks in extreme cold or heat, the range of a NewAir is fine. My own is kept in 64-66 temp and 64-66 RH.

The drain hole of unit. Some folks swear by plugging, some by leaving as is. Their preference is of no concern in your case. Your ambient conditions is what matters. A fella with a newer house, central AC, and a household RH in the 40-50's is going to be much different than one with an older house and temp in the 70's with an RH of 10. So let your conditions dictate your needs. If your house is running less than 15% rh, you may want to consider plugging it up, or rerouting it to the bottom to a catch tray to avoid losing RH out the drain hole. Outright plugging it with no alternate route will end up with the possibility of condensate running down the inside back wall and forming a puddle in the bottom. Some folks never encounter problems, but if you have a sizable stash, why take the chance?

Fans question. If you are using the wire/metal shelves that came with unit, then fans not huge concern.
If you load it up with wooden drawers, you may want at least one for some air movement top to bottom, or vice versa. RH will rise to top of unit and with wooden drawers a deviation of up to 5% rh is likely without any fan at all.

Hope this helps, shoot me that addy if you would like to try the Boveda calibration kit. Its cheaper than buying one.