Ways to make a digital scale more reliable?

[SWThomas]

I'm currently using a Dillon digital scale to weigh my powder charges. I like the size and the ease of use..., and the fact that it matches all my other Dillon stuff.... But it seems to be pretty inconsistent when used with the power adapter plugged in. I haven't used it enough with just batteries to get an idea of the consistency.

Are these scales more consistent when used with just batteries to power them? Are there ways to overcome the power fluctuations that make these scales inconsistent when they're plugged into an outlet?

 

[Gtscotty]

I've only used my Dillon digital scale with batteries, but it has been quite reliable. Maybe try batteries and if it doesn't improve let the factory look at it?

 

[dmurdach]

Just some general notes on scales, especially digital ones. These are things i noticed when I managed a research lab.
1. Decrease air movement around the scale, even a very slight draft will affect accuracy.
2. Turn the scale on and let it set for 10 minutesbefore using it, or even better, if using AC power leave it on(this is what I do)
3. Make sure it is on the most stable level surface possible.
4. Try to keep temperature and humidity constant.
5. Though you have no control over it, sudden drastic changes in barometric pressure seem to have some affect (such as when a storm is moving in)

 

[Gtscotty]

I guess I should mention that I always check calibration after I move the scale, or if the platform gets a bump. Also, I tare after every charge or two, I had an MTM scale before the Dillon that developed a creeping error that kind of freaked me out.

 

[SWThomas]

Good tips! I'll try them out and see what happens. Thanks!

 

[Kp321]

I have found that having a fluorescent light near a digital scale can cause inconsistencies. Digitals are great but come with a learning curve.

 

[LeftyTSGC]

I use the Gempro250 with an ac power adapter, I think I figured out my problem by trial and error, all the previous comments on draft and stuff is true, but also i stumpled across the problem of static electricity messing up the readings.

I was using my scale one reloading session and it started off fine, after a long while i noticed that it would jump readouts or just read wrong measurements. I bumped my pan and noticed that the powder jumped and stuck to parts of the scale, I immediately took a grounding strap and applied it to the pad my scale was sitting on, and since then i have not had one problem with my electronic scale readings. Temperature and humidity will affect static electricity.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Ditto on static - I use an aluminum pan and wipe everything with a dryer sheet prior to each session as I have had some powder sticking to the sides of the pan as well as "jumping around" with the grains while dribbling.

I also have a GemPro 250 and it has been outstandingly accurate but it does not like being cold or drafts at all. Vibration will really screw things up and I recommend an anti vibration pad under all digitals as well as a careful check for level. I use the kitchen counter which is ever so slightly beveled toward the edges. If I move it even 2 or 3 inches closer to the edge it does not level as the little bubble level indicates and it is not as accurate.

When it's all working well and warm and level with no drafts in a quiet house I can throw 50 charges and then randomly check 5 after wards and they are all within .05 grains of each other. That is close enough for me.

VooDoo

 

[Matt Dillon]

Toss if out and get a good balance beam, like the RCBS or Ohaus 10/10 scale.

 

[mtrmn]

Toss if out and get a good balance beam, like the RCBS or Ohaus 10/10 scale.

I was tempted to post this as well, but I decided if I didn't have anything nice to say I'd just shut up.

 

[BigG]

Toss if out and get a good balance beam, like the RCBS or Ohaus 10/10 scale.

That's the correct answer. Sorry if it doesn't match your Dillon components, but a balance beam scale is the best.

 

[loose noose]

I use both, as I know my digital is not near as consistent as my Redding Balance Beam. However I too use a dryer sheet to keep the static electricity out of my Powder measure, as well as my digital cup. When ever I'm getting close to a maximum load I all ways refer to my Redding.

 

[Gtscotty]

Wow, my Dillon digital scale has been excellent, I'm never going back to triple beam balances.

 

[dsm]

My A&D FX-120i is rock solid, accurate, precise and reliable. No matter what, you have to deal with the little quirks associated with cheaper digital scales. This is where digital scales get a bad rap.

 

[clone]

My charge master works wonderfully. Not one issue in the 3 or so years I've used it. Never used a dillon though.

Maybe you need a line conditioner?

 

[Rico567]

My RCBS Digital Pro has been great, but if it's left plugged in, it requests a tare every day or so. Any accuracy checks I've done (referencing my old Ohaus 10-10 beam balance) have been spot on.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Without taking sides or getting defensive I'd suggest that different things work better for different people in terms of balance beam or digital. I have both and have used both.

Presently the digital works just fine and is fast and accurate...works better for me than my beam scale. But I don't think for a minute that it's a one size fits all proposition in that a digital is better than a beam or visa versa.

Use what works for ya.

VooDoo

 

[JerryND]

I have a Chargemaster with no problems. 1964 vintage Redding for backup. 2 issues

1Vibration. Do not have your scale (either one) on the same platform as your press. You are just asking for problems.

2 Watch what you wear. No nylon or wool. Static will kill the digital. Wash the surface with a strong detergent solution. DO NOT RINSE OR DRY. Let air dry. Lay your hand on the surface before you use the scale. Keep the humidity up.

 

[SAGEEN]

I always used a10/10 balance scale the 2 weeks ago I don't know why I put the test weights on it to check it and it wasn't reading correctly then I tried the weights on a cheep digatile scale and that read correct
what do I do but toardes the end I tiered it and it was wrong checked going from the back I found the problem started after the beging 3 or 4 hand weighed brass shells all the way almost to the begging
so what am I to do can the balance scale be calabrated to accrute readings
is there a digatle scale out there that reads correctly sorry I could not help with this thread ...but5 can anyone help me seams I have a simiulre sicuation
sorry about the spelling I don't see a spell check SAGEEN

 

[oneounceload]

Besides drafts and temperature, the comment about fluorescent lighting should be heeded. Most folks use them as an inexpensive way to light the work area, but they do interfere with digital scales.

 

[LiveLife]

All digital scales should come with factory specified operating temperature range (typically room temperature 60-80F). I have noticed during winter/summer seasons, complaints about digital scales acting weird/erratic increases.

If the scale still do not perform consistently after shutting down air flow/using it indoors, I would contact Dillon customer service.

FYI, I use two Ohaus 10-10 beam scales (one is on my wife's reloading bench) and Frankford Arsenal DS 750 digital scale (yes, the cheap $20 scale) under two compact florescent overhead lights on my reloading bench and they all read the same check weights the same with FA DS 750 reading off by .1 gr on occasion as long as the HVAC is turned off.

 

[Potatohead]

I had to put my electric/digital one on the shelf..thing acted goofy way to much..just cant trust em imo.

 

[TenDriver]

I have a good one from Amazon for cheap. Of course I had to drop in the floor and do various assorted damage to it, but it still works reasonably fine. I always verify with my beam scale, but no worries on the digital.

For light charges, throw a bullet on it then tare.

 

[larryh1108]

I recently got a Hornady GS-1500 scale. I use it to to check the charges for small pistol ammo. I reload from .25ACP to .44 magnum. It's only a $35 scale but I like to weigh each charge when under 5 grains for obvious reasons.

Well, that sucker drifted like I've never seen. It's battery only, with a 30 second auto shut off (a real PITA). No drafts, no flourescent lights and a solid, level surface. The same charge could read 4.2, 4.4, 4.7 and 3.9 if I put it on, took it off, put it on again, etc. The tare weight for the pan drifted when it wasn't on the scale. Just watching it with no pan, the negative tare would jump around for no reason. Like I said, no breeze, wind or drafts. I got fed up with it and contacted Hornady. They sent out a pre-paid shipping label, no questions asked. I received notice yesterday that they got it and will keep me posted.

I know $35 is cheap but that is beyond reason when you are weighing something like powder. There's a 20% difference between 2.2gr and 2.6gr when loading the little stuff. If they fix it or send out one that works right then I'll be happy. If it is never accurate I have to bite the bullet and get one of the $100 powder/gem scales. In the mean time the old balance beam comes to play. Weighing every charge for a .32ACP on a beam scale is tedious but worth it, IMO.

 

[TenDriver]

Put a bullet on it, then tare. Might help stop the drifting.