Line conditioner for scales?

[Sendit6.5]

Anyone use one? If so, which one?

I'm having some drift and inconsistencies that I'd love to get rid of and I read some stuff about "line conditioners." They're pretty expensive and, before I try one, I want to get some advice on whether they really work and which one to get.


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[Stag556]

I'm interested in responses to this as well.


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[BlackFenix]

Same goes here. Any info would be helpful.

 

[AIAW]

It shouldn't make a difference honestly. The scale requires such small amperage/voltage (DC voltage). This is being converted from 120v AC down between 5v to 12v DC with some capacitance in the transformer (look up full wave rectification - that is what is happening to convert the AC to DC).

Any sags or spikes should be absorbed by the capacitors in the transformer. Huge sags like something enough to severely dim the lights would be a problem. Perhaps an AC unit kicking on, or some other high-amperage appliance on the same circuit. Dirty power will typically cause a simple device like this to lock up or turn off rather than give inaccurate results. It's just how solid-state electronics work.

 

[Sendit6.5]

That's way above my understanding level. Lol. But it sounds like you're saying they're not going We live VERY rurally and we get a fair amount of power outages when there are storms. I was really hoping these might help.

Also found these: http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/fair-rite-rct-2-ferrite-bead.html


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[roggom]

Let us know what type of scale you have also in the manual the specs should have the power requirements. They will also be on the power adapter itself.

Most scales use a standard "wallwart" it takes house 120 steps it down and crudely rectifies it to DC power.

There are other adapters that are switch mode and linear. You see those for laptops printers and other electronics where power must be stable. It is possible to find a "brick" power supply that will be much cleaner and make it work with your scale, but it must match in voltage and current and most important polarity.

Before we go there. Does your scale have a battery option. If so, batteries are pure D.C. With no noise or fluctuations. If the scale still drifts on batteries then there is a problem with the scale.

My previous hobby was building headphone amps. Any noise could be heard as a hum so I understand the importance of a good power supply, but no need to drop big coin. Many power supplies can be had for pennies at the thrift store.


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[briscoetab]

I don't know about a line conditioner but have you tried the line filters? These tend to help put one near the scale and near the outlet and they are cheap. I'm talking about the cylindrical plastic deals that clip around the wire (don't know their actual name).

The thing I found to help most, at least with my RCBS is I leave it on 24/7 and this seemed to eliminate 99% of the drift problem, once in awhile for some reason it will have a drift issue but then next day it will be fine. I just got a new Fx120i and I'm hoping I won't have the issues with it.

 

[roggom]

Ferrite beads can work, they take stay ac "noise" and convert them to magnetic flux. Just dropping $7 plus shipping can be questionable. If it works then all is fine, although they treat the symptom rather than the problem. To use them properly you make a couple of loops of the DC cord around the bead and then clip it.

Radio shack used to carry them, might still if they have one in your town, https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-snap-together-ferrite-choke-core . might want to call first though.

 

[Sendit6.5]

I have a Gempro 250. Brand new. I got it to check loads on my Chargemaster that's having issues and that RCBS said I need to send in for service. A buddy is going to loan me an old thrower to use until the Chargemaster comes back. It won't calibrate correctly.

Before sending it in, though, I thought about trying a line conditioner to see if that helped. But it sounds like they're not going to work. I'll try batteries on the Gempro



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[tennturk]

Use a good surge protector to protect your equipment. Allow the scale to warm up prior to use (30min is usually the minimum). Calibrate the scale after it's warmed up. Keep the scale away from other electronics while in use. Don't plug into a circuit that is shared with fluorescent lighting and don't use it near them (lighting ballasts emit all kinds of crazy shit). Make sure there's no drafts blowing across your table. Make sure the scale is perfectly level. Don't run the scale off of batteries. Tare often and don't use the table that the scale rests on for any other tasks while it's in use. Any of these things are usually the culprit before it's your power supply.

 

[bruddah]

I don't know about a line conditioner but have you tried the line filters? These tend to help put one near the scale and near the outlet and they are cheap. I'm talking about the cylindrical plastic deals that clip around the wire (don't know their actual name).

The thing I found to help most, at least with my RCBS is I leave it on 24/7 and this seemed to eliminate 99% of the drift problem, once in awhile for some reason it will have a drift issue but then next day it will be fine. I just got a new Fx120i and I'm hoping I won't have the issues with it.

Those are the type I use on my Gempro.

as mentioned, leaving the scale on 24/7 seems to help keep it stable.

Ill also add, if you've got any fluorescent lights in the area they can play hell with your electronic scale.

 

[bruddah]

I have a Gempro 250. Brand new. I got it to check loads on my Chargemaster that's having issues and that RCBS said I need to send in for service. A buddy is going to loan me an old thrower to use until the Chargemaster comes back. It won't calibrate correctly.

Before sending it in, though, I thought about trying a line conditioner to see if that helped. But it sounds like they're not going to work. I'll try batteries on the Gempro



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Problem with using batteries in the Gempro is it will eat them FAST!