Scale problem

[DragonFire]

I have a Lyman LE1000 electronic scale and while it's been fine for a couple of years (at least) I've started having problems with it.

If I weigh a pan load of powder, then pick up the pan and set it back down of the scale, the weight may change by a few 10ths of grain.

If I weight a pan of power, and then move it's position on the scale, the weight may change.

I have a set of check weights, which have always been dead-on. Now when I put 50g on the scale it reads 50.1. If I reposition the weights, the reading may change a couple of 10ths

I went to the Lyman website, and followed their calibration process. There is a 50g check weight with the scale and the webpage has a range for what it should weigh in grains. Everytime I do the calibration the check weight has a different weight.

Short of sending the scale in for servicing, which I may do, is there anything I can do? Like I said, it's at least a couple of years old. Is it worth trying to fix or pay to have serviced?

 

[articdog]

It sounds like you've done all the right things procedurally for calibration. If you are set up in a location where the air flow is minimal (i.e. not next to an open window, duct vent, or very hot machine), then I suggest sending it back to the company for service. I had the same situation you've described and gave up trying to diagnose it.

The company said there were problems with the scale's electonic circuitry being affected by fluorescent lights (which was true for the scale location). New scale = no more problems. I was surprised about the company's comment on lighting since this type of lighting is nearly everywhere.

 

[Dr. Dickie]

First thing, you are allowing the balance to come to up to "operating" temperature (could take minimum 1/2 hour to 1 hour--I say this just because it is getting cold now, so this could be showing up more lately).
If so, is the balance sitting on a HARD FLAT surface (make sure that it is sitting down solid, no movement at all).
That would be the first two things that I would check (with the balance not sitting flat as the most likely suspect).
Beyond that, you could make sure that the area under the piece that holds the pan is clean (this depends on your level of faith in monkeying aournd with it).

 

[Car Knocker]

In addition to the previous comments, I have read of electronic scales becoming "inaccurate" after an electronic device, such as a radio, television, or computer, has been introduced in the vicinity of the scale.