Chargemaster Combo... Unit #2 crapped the bed

G

GSX4

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 7, 2004
20
16
59
Roberts WI
#1
It's been over 2 years since I posted on this site due to some things going on in my life that took priority over shooting. At any rate, I am starting to get back at it and was finally getting round to loading up some ammo tonight. I powered up the Chargemaster 1500, calibrated it and poured some Varget into the hopper. I plug in my charge weight and the keypad numbers are all out of whack... This happened on the 1st unit too! So my second unit died, and it's out of warranty... CRAP! As I was asked to do with the first unit, I checked the Power transformer with a votage meter, and it should be 9V... I was getting over 14Volts!! I can remember when I spoke to RCBS with the 1st unit, that this is a problem. Seems like it hosed the circuitry in the dispenser. As a test, I used my Garmin GPS charger transformer with an adaptor as this was showing 9.3V. Powered it up again, calibrated it, and the dispenser is f*****d. So this thing is about 18 months out of warranty, and less than 1000 rounds have been loaded on this thing. I'm wondering if anyone has tried the new Hornady set up yet??

For now, I am back to the uniflow powder dispenser. :-( oh and Hi again...

A.
 
#5
Re: Chargemaster Combo... Unit #2 crapped the bed

Mine has been perfect since day one. Perhaps your electrical outlet has voltage issues that messed up your power unit?
 
#7
Re: Chargemaster Combo... Unit #2 crapped the bed

As others posted before - call RCBS CS at the 1-800 number in your manual. I had two in a week die (returned the 1st to the store) and finally called RCBS directly. The nice lady at CS promptly took care of me and UPS overnighted a new one they pulled off the shelf and tested before they sent it out. So far (knock on wood) its worked perfectly.

Give them a call. Two cautions: Expect to spend 30+ min on hold and they are not open on Fridays. Good luck.
 
#8
Re: Chargemaster Combo... Unit #2 crapped the bed

Hi GSX4,

I came across your post and decided to register, as I had a similar problem you describe and have found a solution as I too was out of warranty.

Now I haven't checked the voltage so it could be out of whack as well, but I have solved the keypad problem. I had read on another forum of some one having luck by detaching the ribbon cable from the circuit board within the dispenser. I tried this and at first it didn't work. What I then did is move the ribbon cable from being fully seated down, to slightly pulled out (so 20%) from the circuit board. This has worked and the cable is still firmly in place just "seated" on the contact pins at a different location. I think that its possible that the contact pins on the circuit board may have gotten a little corroded, where the contact was not quite right causing the whack number errors, extra voltage like you discovered may be a reason for this.

In any event if I was not out of warranty I would have just sent it back to RCBS.

Hope you have some luck, I know I could not be without my Chargemaster for very long!
wink.gif
 
#9
Re: Chargemaster Combo... Unit #2 crapped the bed

The thing is that if you open the dispenser, you have to remove the anti tamper stickers... Voiding ANY likelihood of service.
 
#10
Re: Chargemaster Combo... Unit #2 crapped the bed

Exactly thats why I said if I did have any warranty left I would have sent it to RCBS, which is the route you should take if you can. Now on the other hand if your out of warranty and they wont take it back you can give it a shot.

Take care.
 
#12
Re: Chargemaster Combo... Unit #2 crapped the bed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GSX4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I called RCBS. I have a $45 cost to repair/refurbish the old unit :) then my warranty starts all over again.</div></div>

I was off by $5, but that's what I did as well, great deal when you figure you will most likely get a brand new unit. I love both my Chargemasters and would send them back annually if I had to.
 
#13
Re: Chargemaster Combo... Unit #2 crapped the bed

I'm on my 3rd unit due to the same issue. This on is now also out of warranty, so when it goes T/U, I see myself paying the $45, plus buying a Hornady and leaving the RCBS as a back up.
 
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