Q&A for How to Set a Barometer

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Question

How do I calibrate a barometer?

Community Answer

Set the indicator hand on your barometer. Locate the small adjusting screw on the back of your barometer. With a small screwdriver, turn the adjusting screw to move the hand to your location's current pressure. Watch the face of the dial and stop turning the screwdriver when the hand reaches the appropriate reading.

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Question

What happens if the screw drops inside?

Community Answer

The screw should not be removed from the back of the barometer. It is just used for adjustment. If the screw comes loose, you may need to send it in to get serviced by a professional.

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Question

Why are there knobs on a barometer?

Community Answer

Any dial barometer aneroid or mercury will always have some amount of 'sticktion' therefore a GENTLE tap is normal. (Tapping actually helps the user as it indicates which way the barometer is moving at the time it is being looked at.).

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Question

How often should a barometer be calibrated?

Community Answer

There is no set interval. It only needs recalibrating when it's reading incorrectly.

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Question

How can I find out if my barometer is working properly?

Community Answer

Check it daily for movement of the pointer. And check the position of the pointer against a reliable pressure source - most airports have a reliable pressure reading.

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Question

If I buy a barometer in one region, can it be set to work in another?

Community Answer

Yes. Check the air pressure at the new location from a weather app on your mobile phone. Set the barometer to this setting via the screw at the back.

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Question

I've adjusted the manual hand to correct pressure by turning the screw at the back - what reading should the other hand (turned by the central knob) be set to?

Community Answer

The golden hand is an indicator. Once you have adjusted the correct pressure reading with the black hand, you adjust the black hand over on top of the golden hand. When the pressure changes, the golden hand is used to determine the changes in atmospheric pressure.

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Question

Is there a particular brand of barometer that would be ideal for use in a school?

Community Answer

Digital and aneroid barometers are recommended. Mercury is toxic and presents a hazard if the stick barometer gets broken in the classroom.

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