Digital Scale Problems

6-Pack · Jan 18, 2020

For the life of me I cannot get my digital scale to properly work. It’s worked well in the past. Here’s the problem: I have a Frankfort Arsenal mini digital scale and use it to measure each load (I’m going for consistency, not speed). When I tare the scale with the empty pan on top and remove the pan, I get -122.8gr. However, every few loads this will creep to -125gr. or so. I was trying to figure out why my powder measure seemed to be off, but it was actually my digital scale.

I wouldn’t mind getting a new scale as long as it will hold.

I’ve tried everything I could think of: new batteries, letting it warm up, letting it cool down, reset the calibration.

Anyone have any other thoughts?

K31 · Jan 18, 2020

Any possibility that powder or something else has gotten under the pedestal?

There's also the possibility of RFI interference. I've never experienced it with something like 4 digital scales so I think it's not likely. Anything change near it like lighting?

6-Pack · Jan 18, 2020

K31 said:
Any possibility that powder or something else has gotten under the pedestal?

There's also the possibility of RFI interference. I've never experienced it with something like 4 digital scales so I think it's not likely. Anything change near it like lighting?

I did put in a new LED bulb in a lamp about 5’ away. Maybe I’ll leave that off and give it another try.

John from MD · Jan 18, 2020

Those little scales are nice cause they are handy but I have found they aren't too reliable. While the RCBS electronic scale takes longer to set up, it has never strayed in over 8 years. My last Frankford arsenal started wandering after 2 years. It also started doing thinks like shutting off with a Lo batt warning even though the batteries were almost new.

PowPow · Jan 18, 2020

I have that same scale. I use it as a quick verify of my analog scale. When I use mine, I make sure that the closest light (on my bench) is turned off. There's also a chance that your battery needs to be changed.

Postell · Jan 18, 2020

I have a 1200 grain Dillon that works well unless its in a room with florescent lights, My RCBS 10-10 has been working for decades now.... It doesn't have the problems that come with digital scales.

toppkatt · Jan 18, 2020

Couple of things, maybe, one are you using gloves? When using sensitive balances oils from fingers can add up. Two, those scales typically use stress sensors instead of resolution of forcess measurements and they are not that accurate. Three, are you allowing the scale to warm up? As they warm up they sometimes change 'sensitivity'.
As stated previously crystals getting on the platform, under the pan etc. Personally, I wouldn't trust a scale unless it was a laboratory grade balance if needed for reproducible results.
There is a differece between a 'scale' and a 'balance'.
Good luck!

MykR0k · Jan 18, 2020

I purchased the same scale on Amazon and it worked great for almost a year. Then it was showing negative weight half the time even though there was nothing on the scale. Then the weight would be off, depending on what area of the scale and even depending on the area of the bench it was placed. I got so frustrated after wasting time and rounds, that the scale ended up shattered on the block wall. Amazon didn't accept a return after that ... go figure!

Pinecone · Jan 18, 2020

BTW, you don't need to constantly check your mechanical scale. Check it with check weights, and it you find later it doesn't agree with a digital scale, the DIGITAL one is off.

Mechanical ones work on basic mechanics. They do not lose calibration until you damage them.

GuitarmanNick · Jan 18, 2020

Another consideration with the electronic scales is interference from nearby objects, especially metals. The surface supporting it should also be flat and level. No issues with mine thus far but I do calibrate it at the beginning of each use.

willtill · Jan 18, 2020

I have a little Jennings digital scale and it has worked well for over a decade. A small segment of the digital display has died though, making it a challenge to read at times. I just can't bring myself to tossing it out.

dad4 · Jan 18, 2020

One thing to consider is the time of year. We all know that with lower humidity static is created. This could be what you are experiencing.

6-Pack · Jan 18, 2020

Thank you all for your responses. I haven’t messed with it today, but I think I’ll just get my Lee balance scale back out. If a few other MDSers have had problems with the same scale, I’ll pitch it. I don’t do max loads, but I value my guns that got lost in the lake and my fingers.

I did take out the old fluorescent light on my bench and install some LED light strips.

At least this weather is good for reloading.

I keep my room at a constant 35% humidity year round, at least that’s what the dehumidifier says.

Melnic · Jan 18, 2020

I use the same one. I have had to replace it every couple years. you mentioned batteries but that was the cause of mine drifting once.
obviously, you won't want air moving so AC vents can be an issue.
For my more accurate loads that I care more about accuracy, I have cut down lead fishing weight I have to verify a calibration to to make sure the scale is ok.

KRC · Jan 18, 2020

As dad4 indicated, static charges can build up, especially with low humidity. Perhaps try laundry or electronic type static spray. I use "Static Guard" fabric spray.
"Instantly Eliminates Static Cling"

Bolts Rock · Jan 18, 2020

You will not find a reliable electronic scale under $300. Reliable meaning stable and durable. I use a now discontinued Sartorious AY-123 and have had no problems once I figured out its few quirks.

Don't run on batteries, use the AC adapter.
Calibrate about every 6 months, comes with calibration weights. Calibration has not changed in 5 years.
Keep the cover closed, use the draft ring, keep pan clean, level it (this is applicable to all scales and balances).
Use light weight aluminum weigh boats.
Turn on a few hours before use and hit zero about every 20-30 minutes. Yes, they all need to warm up and stabilize. You'll know it is when it doesn't drift more than .05 grains. Check with calibration weight if you aren't sure. If you will be loading over several days just leave it on. Yes, mine is accurate to .01 grains.

Things that will affect it: rapid changes in barometric pressure, it sensitive enough to measure the difference in air density and you can watch it real time. Drafts.

Things that have no effect: lights of any kind. Humidity. Temperature (I imagine well below freezing or well above 100F might though, even though it's in my garage in Alabama I do not load when it's that hot or cold). Static, it has a heavy metal pan.

If you want the convenience of digital suck it up and buy a decent one or commit to buying a cheap one every year or so. Like optics, BOCO.

PowPow · Jan 18, 2020

Pinecone said:
BTW, you don't need to constantly check your mechanical scale. Check it with check weights, and it you find later it doesn't agree with a digital scale, the DIGITAL one is off.

Mechanical ones work on basic mechanics. They do not lose calibration until you damage them.

I only check that my analog and digital are in agreement after I change the settings on the analog, just to make sure my eyes didn't misread things.

Digital Scale Problems

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