Re: FRUSTRATED! Hornady Autocharger
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gene Poole</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Temp9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If this one has problems as well, check to make sure you're using a good power source. Apparently electronic scales are very sensitive to that kind of thing. </div></div>
This is a myth. First, the grid power is completely isolated from the unit by a wall transformer. Second, the internal circuitry is going to have a filtered, regulated, and shielded internal switching power supply to further ensure that the power that eventually reaches the load cell electronics is about as clean as it can be.
I've been working with these things since my sophomore year of college (1989) when we made the transition in our labs to electronic balances from the mechanical units. Until I started hanging out on reloading forums about a year or so ago, I'd have never dreamed that so many people would be having so many issues with these things. I've been hanging out on chemistry technology, and DIY electronics forums where electronic balances are used routinely and none of these genera of hobbyists and/or professionals have any problems so I have to conclude that it is something different the reloaders are doing, or that the reloading-grade balances are somehow inferior to the lab-grade balances. Since I own an RCBS charge master and (aside from the occasional overthrow with stick powders) I've had zero issues with it, logic dictates that the problem must be with the reloaders.
Do a google search for college lab syllabi for chem/phys classes and read up on proper use and maintenance of electronic balances and you'll find a wealth of information. Keep your balance clean and static free and level on a solid bench away from breezes (and use the damn breeze guard--that's what it's there for) and you should have no problems.
Granted, these things are not built for scientists and the QC is probably not quite as good as it would be with an Ohaus or a Mettler(1) and lemons get through, but reputable companies like RCBS and Hornady seem to go out of there way to ensure that if one does slip through QC, they will make it right.
1. I measured my chargemaster against an Ohaus DV215CD and it was within tolerances (i.e. charges reading say 44.3 gn on the CM were between 44.25000 and 44.34999 when converted from grams) </div></div>
Biggest issue I have ever had with any of my electronic scales (3) is the static buildup in the plastic bodies. After a while, if the humidity is low, there is a tendency for the readout to drift.
For all of my scales this issue was completely solved by wiping down the units, all surfaces top, bottom, sides, with a fresh dryer sheet.
It also helps to let these units warm up. Two of the three scales I have are left on 24/7/365. Unless some powder has dropped into the pan on my Chargemaster while I was not using it, the scale reads Zero even after a day or so siting idle.
