fx-120i autotrickle question

[whiskeysierra762]

I just ordered the whole kit with auto throw and auto trickle. I have been checking out the upgrades that Area 419 makes. My question for those of you who use this set up is what would you recommend as a necessary upgrade?
The only thing Im really considering is the trickle base because I have read all the reviews of people saying the weight makes it more stable. Has anyone tried any DIY modifications to add weight the standard base?

 

[towerofpower93]

I like the heavier metal powder cup. Easier to put back in the right spot and the extra mass makes it harder to bump if you get clumsy.

 

[spife7980]

Not a 419 but I had a pva credit so I got their powder cup. It’s nice in that it’s heavy and stable and will slide in and sit there just fine no toppling over without the locator base that comes with it for the thin plastic cups. It splashes more then the thin plastic cup. You can fine tune it to not but the thin plastic cup had that base so I could always just set it there in the exact same spot. This big metal one doesn’t have that so I have to pay much closer attention to it’s placement. Plus a kernal always sits on top of the middle spike. And you can remove the spike but then you’re just left with a hole so what the hell is the point of the middle spike being removable.

I think the way it comes is pretty ideal, see if it works for you before dropping more money on it.

 

[daved]

I'd recommend the Area 419 base - it's much more stable, doesn't shift with vibration and works just great. I passed on the large, heavy measuring cups - I just use a powder pan from one of my old electronic scales and the "locator" base.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Powder trays;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AEDI0E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

yes, they are lightweight and risk of kocking them or flinging them is there. Haven't had it happen yet. I wipe them down with an antistatic sheet and if it gets too grungy, I just throw it away and grab a new one.

 

[Kopfjager1]

Ive had for a relatively short time, 10 months now; loaded roughly 5000 rounds with it, and have never had a problem of it shifting or wobbling with the standard base. Its stayed put the entire time.

However the powder tray that is comes with is somewhat a pain in the ass due the short handle. Havent used the Area419, but it seems like an answer to the problem along with the stability due to the weight. Theres talks about MKM doing a anti-static powder tray for the Autotrickler. Which is what Im holding out for. Theres been a few times where kernels have either stuck to the stock tray or have flown out while pouring. But its not often enough to warrant a 70+ cup in my opinion. A dryer sheet can temporary provide a remedy for the static.

 

[emann1022]

Definitely reccomend the 419 base. Not only is it heavier but you can adjust the feet to fine tune the angle of the tube.

 

[towerofpower93]

Haven't had an issue with the standard base shifting on the trickler.

I chopped up the factory windows to give me some protection from drafts and then cut a window in the top that allows me to see the straw and trickler tube to know where to place the heavier PVA powder cup.

I stand when I reload, basically locking my feet in place when loading on my single stage and just twist at the waist, so the 2"x2" square I cut out is big enough for me to ensure the thrower and trickler don't miss the mark.

 

[flynbye]

The 419 base is worth every penny. The steeper motor is super quiet I had to sharpie the tube to see that it was moving. follow their Facebook page they run blend from time to time

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Definitely get the base right from the start, the unit will slowly rotate clockwise without it and you’ll have the keep turning it back. The cup is really nice too since powder doesn’t splash out of it like with the plastic one.

Those are the most beneficial IMO but it’s all worth it and you’ll end up with everything most likely anyway so might as well buy the package deal for the small savings. The housing is a must with some powders like H1000 and H4831. Even H4350 will clog in the factory housing from time to time and you’ll have to flick it to get it to drop, just kind of annoying. The larger hopper is also really nice too, the one it comes with doesn’t hold much.

Yeah, just buy it all.

 

[whiskeysierra762]

"The housing is a must with some powders like H1000 and H4831. Even H4350 will clog in the factory housing from time to time and you’ll have to flick it to get it to drop, just kind of annoying. The larger hopper is also really nice too, the one it comes with doesn’t hold much."

I wondered about this, because my uniflow will bind up if it gets a kernel caught just right.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Yep, it's just with the larger stuff (H4831 is REALLY bad, H1000 pretty bad too) because the inside of the housing is a pretty rough plastic finish. I thought about trying to polish it somehow but you couldn't get in there very well with stand paper due to the size and depth, and a tool on a dremel or something would probably just cause more harm than good on the plastic.

The best solution is to just buy the full Area 419 kit, it's worth it. Yes, it's another $300 on top of the almost $1K you've already spent on the scale and the system, but it's already a lot of money and you're only $300 away from having the unit running phenomenally and not dealing with little BS problems like the powder clogging, having to constantly rotate the trickle back into position, having to eyeball the scale all the time to make sure a kernel hasn't jumped out of the shitty plastic pan onto it throwing your charge weight off. That's all annoying to deal with, especially when you've made a significant investment to make your reloading go smoother and faster.

 

[whiskeysierra762]

I was thinking of making a box for the scale and trickle to sit in and then some how make something to keep the triller in place. Like setting recessed magnets into the box and a steel plate on the bottom of the trickle to keep it in place, or even gluing velcro to the box and trickle.

 

[1jonathan1994]

I was thinking of making a box for the scale and trickle to sit in and then some how make something to keep the triller in place. Like setting recessed magnets into the box and a steel plate on the bottom of the trickle to keep it in place, or even gluing velcro to the box and trickle.

Magnets are probably a bad idea near the scale

 

[whiskeysierra762]

I ended up making the wood box and lined the bottom with a neoprene gun cleaning mat. I put the mat in upside down with the rubber grippy side up. My trickler has not walked at all. Seems to work well so far.

 

[Scimitar]

How long will these units work reliably.
Thanks