Electronic scale accuracy with fluorescent lighting.

[TAJ45]

Started to put this in the scale thread but not quite on topic of the OP so here it is.

Finishing up the painting, screwing down the risers for the wall cabinets (can't screw to wall, insulated metal bldg.) What I have is a very high ceiling, probably in the 20-22' range with 8' tubes. Is there some sort of statute of limitation/distance of effect of the fluoros? I've thought I may have to install an incandescent light bar for weighing activities. I have the 123 scale but can't remember the name. Sartorious? Haven't had it out for a couple of years. Settled in now and want to get things lined out to start having some fun.

Any alternate suggestions if I still get interference?

 

[Sniper338]

I highly doubt at that height you have to worry

 

[TAJ45]

I highly doubt at that height you have to worry

I hope you're right. Everything is still packed or else I'd have it out and checking results.

 

[brshtr]

I have a Sartorius Entris with two 4-foot fluorescent lamps within 6 feet and they have no effect on it.

If you have any drifting problems with the scale, I suggest you first look at air flow through the unit before you start changing anything else. Once I dealt with that the scale became very stable.

However, if you're looking at an alternative to fluorescent, you might also want to consider LED lamps.

Dave Rabin

 

[TAJ45]

I had one electronic TR type vbfriend tell me that an led was powered by same principle as fluorescent.

This needs more research.

 

[Steveb]

If you are concerned then plug the scale into a line conditioner or computer power protector. Takes away most of the wandering.

 

[TAJ45]

If you are concerned then plug the scale into a line conditioner or computer power protector. Takes away most of the wandering.

That is the first I have ever heard of that - so simple. Will try it for sure.
Thanks.
Now, a line conditioner, where and abt how much?

 

[BillPa]

I had one electronic TR type vbfriend tell me that an led was powered by same principle as fluorescent.

This needs more research.

 

[michaeljp65]

Has anyone noticed what sort of lights are in laboratories? I used to work in an analytical laboratory with balances down to the 10000th of a gram and we had fluro lights all over the place including just above the work benches.

 

[Twoboxer]

Has anyone noticed what sort of lights are in laboratories? I used to work in an analytical laboratory with balances down to the 10000th of a gram and we had fluro lights all over the place including just above the work benches.

Lab grade scales are normally NOT strain gauge scales, and they will work pretty well under fluorescents.

 

[Twoboxer]

That is the first I have ever heard of that - so simple. Will try it for sure.
Thanks.
Now, a line conditioner, where and abt how much?

If the interference is coming via the line, then a "lab grade" DC power supply will straighten that out. Standard surge suppressor outlet strips have no "line conditioning", and neither do the UPSs we normally buy. They don't even provide standard sine wave AC to the PC in almost all cases.They depend on the PC's power supply to convert to DC, smooth the power, minimize ripple, etc.

Unfortunately a lot of the interference comes over the air - anything that transmits, including microwaves. Even if you spend the money for a lab grade power supply (as I have) it will have no effect in that case. Did that after my 5th scale

 

[Steveb]

I bought a simple UPS from Costco without battery backup for about $20 and almost all my issues went away. I very seldom have issues now. Hopefully now if I get a power surge it will protect my expensive scale.

 

[michaeljp65]

Lab grade scales are normally NOT strain gauge scales, and they will work pretty well under fluorescents.

These scales were strain gauge units. MFR scales were not even known about in the 80's when i worked in the lab.

 

[charlesasmith]

I have an Acculab 123 that constantly drifts. This occurs while I am out of the room. No flourescent lights nearby. Will the line conditioner take care of the problem?

 

[nmkid]

That is the first I have ever heard of that - so simple. Will try it for sure.
Thanks.
Now, a line conditioner, where and abt how much?

I got on these the other day. http://www.tripplite.com/isobar-4-o...-ft-cord-3330-joules-space-saving-plug~IBAR4/. A little pricey but, then consider what you are trying to protect. About $40. By the way. I didn't find this product, it was recommended buy another member.

 

[jlow]

Been using a GemPro 250 for 5 or more years and an FX-120A for the last 4 months. Bank of fluorescence light about 5 feet directly above both scales, no problem.

 

[Shynloco]

TAJ45,
I did a lot of testing for interference to any of my electronic scales. I did it by setting a 2 tubed fluorescent shop light over my reloading bench. I later added another two tubed overhead lamp alongside the other. I started with 36" above the scale and the scales reacted and drifted on the readout. Moved to 42" above, less drifting but still a reaction. Move them to 48" above the bench and no drifting or interference. I also added a Surge Protector to the scale and that to avoid any power surges. I also learned that any device, whether it be a refrigerator or some other electrical device, THAT CYCLES, emits a radio wave that the scales we use will detect it and the same 48" away from the scale negated any interference. Of course, any stronger movement of air like an overhead fan, A/C duck or open window on a windy day will cause you grief on your scale readout.

Alex

 

[jpx2rk]

TAJ45,
I did a lot of testing for interference to any of my electronic scales. I did it by setting a 2 tubed fluorescent shop light over my reloading bench. I later added another two tubed overhead lamp alongside the other. I started with 36" above the scale and the scales reacted and drifted on the readout. Moved to 42" above, less drifting but still a reaction. Move them to 48" above the bench and no drifting or interference. I also added a Surge Protector to the scale and that to avoid any power surges. I also learned that any device, whether it be a refrigerator or some other electrical device, THAT CYCLES, emits a radio wave that the scales we use will detect it and the same 48" away from the scale negated any interference. Of course, any stronger movement of air like an overhead fan, A/C duck or open window on a windy day will cause you grief on your scale readout.

Alex

Would the 48" distance you mention apply to wifi routers/modems as well??

 

[fguffey]

I did a lot of testing for interference to any of my electronic scales.

I didn't; in the old days the one thing I did not want running through my cheap watch was electrons, I did not care which electrons, I thought electrons traveling through my watch could somehow magnetize it. So I got a cheap watch with an expensive antimagnetic devise that would force the electrons around the watch instead of running through it; and it worked.

F. Guffey

 

[Killick]

I have a 4' fluorescent light about 3' above my loading bench and my Gempro 250 only wanders .02gr. every now and then, sometimes not at all. Wandering from flouro lighting is a myth...busted, for me.