Author Topic: digital scale question (Read 684 times)

Pecos Clyde · « **on:** March 06, 2003, 07:39:48 PM »

Heyya

I recently bought a new dillon digital scale. I noticed today when I zeroed it, it seemed to be acting strange.

I pressed the "zero" function, and the readout flashed to zero, then 0.4, 0.3, and 0.0 and then 0.3. It fluctuated like this several times. It would either go to zero and stay, or to 0.2, or 0.whatever and stay.

I used the 50 gr calibration weight. It read 49.98, and 49.99.

There was no vibration on the bench where the scale was located at the time. The scale has not been dropped, or abused, or powered up with anything but 110v. The weather was hot and dry today, but not hot enough to effect electronics.

Any ideas, or has anyone had a similar problem?

DB Leath · « **Reply #1 on:** March 06, 2003, 10:33:10 PM »

Pecos my friend ,

you are now experienceing some of my frustrations with mine. I have learned that the scale needs to warm up some and it works fine. I am not shure how accurate your scale is supposed to be. Mine is only +/- .3ths. I just zero it occasionally and check it witht the weights too.

This might not help but do you have it sittin on a hard surface? I have a carpet sample on my bench I set tools etc on. One time I set my scale on there and it gave me fits.

Just a thought.
DB

Rifled Slug · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2003, 04:09:19 AM »

Make sure that there isn't any kind of strong air movement on or around the scale cause it will cause it to fluxuate .

Pecos Clyde · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2003, 06:39:45 AM »

Heyya Ya'll

OK, thanks for the replies. It is sittin on a hard and level surface, and there is not wind or breeze. Maybe I am just bein to concerned, but being new to reloading I just don't want to make a mistake that will be costly in either money or safety.

Thanks again for the comments!

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2003, 06:43:42 AM »

The air currents in the garage was enough to cause mine to vary in readings. Had to put it in an enclosed area to get constant readings.

DB Leath · « **Reply #5 on:** March 07, 2003, 08:26:27 AM »

I forgot about that one. Ihave mine inside a box with one side cut off. It keeps the wind off of it.

Pecos Clyde · « **Reply #6 on:** March 07, 2003, 09:37:43 AM »

Heyya Ya'll

Are you guys funnin me? Is the air current thing like sendin me out to get a bucket of frequency grease so's the radio reception won't be scratchy? Or tellin me to take the bucket and walk around the ship dippin it into the ocean so's I can get a bucket of waterline? Are you guys kiddin me bout this?

I can just see it....I build a nice little enclosed box thing outta oak, all routered and with a glass window, stained and varnished for the scale and I am all proud of it and then you two lower the boom...." Pecos you durn fool we was only joshin you bout that...."

Just cuz I'm paranoid don't mean somebody ain't after me! Besides, you're just jealous cuz the voices don't talk to you! Now where the heck did I put my lithium?

?

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #7 on:** March 09, 2003, 12:15:23 PM »

Nope, pard, wouldn't lie to you as that's not the Cowboy Way.
I had a fan over on the other side of the garage a good 30 feet away and it was affecting the readings.
Now, I don't know this for a fact, but I would bet you could blow down on the top of it and get a change in readings. These suckers measure very small amounts so it makes sense that they could detect small forces (wind or otherwise) acting on them

Pecos Clyde · « **Reply #8 on:** March 09, 2003, 12:40:14 PM »

Heyya Cheyenne

I didnt think you was lyin, funnin maybe but not lying....I agree with the premise of the breeze creating false readings. I am gonna make a box to put it in, and see if that helps.

Thanks again for your help!

williamlayton · « **Reply #9 on:** March 09, 2003, 01:42:59 PM »

ya gonna put crown moulding in? wait--the voices theyr sain--- wallpaper! :wink:
blessings

Pecos Clyde · « **Reply #10 on:** March 09, 2003, 03:16:43 PM »

Heyya

William, I am gonna put in a stained glass window! Taking orders now. Also thinkin about building a sound proof box for my brass tumbler.

IronKnees · « **Reply #11 on:** March 10, 2003, 02:20:00 AM »

Not adding too much, but also make sure there are no fluorescent lights over your scale... That will mess it up too. And ANY slight breeze, even the slightest draft will do that. Also, any vibration as you know, and some electric motor activity nearby... I can't run by tumbler, even on another bench around my electronic scale. It sends out some sort of disturbance that effects the scale...

DB Leath · « **Reply #12 on:** March 10, 2003, 08:17:11 AM »

Hey there Dave Glad to see ya here.....
DB