Making my own Coolerdor

[craig]

I too have started getting my coolerdor going. So far my costs have been: 28 qt cooler $17, 65% heartfelt beads in tube, 23$. I haven't invested in a hygro yet, since I was wondering if there was any reason I couldn't use my weather sensor for as long as it takes for me to be reassured that all is well inside my cooler.

That's what I use (mine are Oregon Scientific). Like any hygrometer, calibrate (salt test) if you're interested in absolute readings.

The essential difference between a weather hygrometer and a digital hygrometer designed for humidor use is the case. A weather unit has a few small holes for air to enter/exit the unit, whereas a cigar hygro has a bunch of holes/grills - you can sometimes see the RH measuring surface (usually looks like a little white wafer with foil lines on it). The restricted airflow means that the weather unit moves a little slower in response to change - but it does move fine.

FWIW, my costs for the last cooler were (roughly):
- 70qt Coleman Extreme: $40;
- pound of beads: $30;
- used (clean) pantyhose to cut up to make a bunch of bags for the beads: 'free' from girlfriend;
- Oust fan: $15;
- wireless weather sensor (w/local display): $40;
- roll of 1/8" thick closed-cell weatherstripping: $5.