[SteveW-II]

Has anyone managed to get their BBK to work for more then 5 minuets consistently ?

Mine sits in a draft shield on rubber feet but still won't last more than a few moments before reverting to the constantly flashing 'TRNE' message because it won't settle back to zero.

I have found that using the 110v power supply makes this happen more often, so I put a 'power line filter' (like you would buy for a computer) in the wall socket. No change.

The best results (if you can call them that) are with a brand new 9v radio battery, but only seems to last for the first loading session.

I bought it from Midway who asked me to send it to PACT for repair. It's been back to PACT twice, with no difference. A phone call to their customer service brought forward a lot of sarcasm about my technical ability.

I am about to retire it to the back of the loading cabinet, but though I would ask, just in case anyone here found the answer.

What cracks me up is that PACT stands for 'Practical Application of Computer Technology'. These guys don't even have a web site. Edited to say, yes they do. Found it.

[Mainsail]

You’re describing the problem I’m having with the same model exactly. I also called them on the phone and skepticism is the most polite word I can think of to describe the attitude of the man I spoke to. He suggested I unplug the unit and remove the battery, leaving it connected to the wires and outside the unit. Seriously? It didn’t change anything and I still can’t get the decimal point to stop flashing so I can calibrate it. Their customer service strategy is pretty effective since I have no desire to call them back and tell them their suggestion didn’t work. Sadly, I have to think that if there was a sticker on it that said, “Made in Japan” that I wouldn’t be having this problem.

From what others here tell me, they’re really the only game in town since they make the load cell for all the other manufacturers anyway. I’m driving down to Cabela’s today to return it.

[SteveW-II]

Just flicking thru some catalogs, RCBS seem to sell a re-badged BBK and so does Lyman.

[RustyFN]

I've been using mine for 2.5 years and never had that problem. I used my friends Dillon electronic scale and if I ever have to buy another scale It will be the Dillon.
Rusty

[hershey]

i have had no problems like your describing w/ mine, i never installed a battery, just plug it in and have never shut it off, it will drift once in a while, i keep it and an rcbs right next to it, i usually use the rcbs and double check ever couple on the pact.

[redneck2]

Typically mine holds pretty well. A few weeks ago I was trying to load. Very gusty, windy day. Kept getting the error code, so I gave up. I figured out that the wind would change the air pressure enough that the scale would vary.

I've used it since with no problems.

I'd make sure it's on a SUPER solid surface that's not the reloading bench. My bench weighs over 500# and my scale still goes crazy if I crank out a round and it's on the same bench. The top is solid 2" oak.

Also, make sure there's nothing plastic within a foot or so of the scale. Just closing the door to the room makes the reading on the scale move. Also, my room in attached to the garage, and I keep it about 50 degrees until I'm working. If I turn up the heat and don't let the scale come up to temp, I can get a code also.

HTH

[SteveW-II]

> Also, make sure there's nothing plastic within a foot or so of the scale.

The draft shield is 100% plastic (or nylon) and surrounds the scales with about 2" to spare each side.

I am impressed with the number of people who are satisfied. I may try removing it from the draft shield and see how I get on again..

[Runningman]

I bought a Pact digital scale in the 90s. Best thing I did was stopped using it. I was not impressed and felt like it was nothing but a waste of money.