Surprised by observation

[Topwater]

I was preparing to load some test rounds today. My normal routine is to throw underweight powder charges with the RCBS Chargemaster then trickle up on my GemPro 250. I’d plugged both scales in last night so that they would be warmed up. I thought that the scales could use a minor cleaning first. I was using alcohol and a gauze pad to wipe off the patten on the GemPro. I noticed that, as the alcohol evaporated the weight reading on the GemPro began to diminish. Eventually all the alcohol disappeared and the LED reading returned to zero. I had no idea that this lower end scale would detect this small a weight change. As stated, this is only my observation. I’m just curious to see if anyone else has seen a similar instance.

 

[Ned Ludd]

Under specific conditions, one gram of water occupies one cubic centimeter volume, or one milliliter liquid volume. A balance with readability to 0.001g (i.e. 1x10e-3g or one milligram) is therefore capable of registering 0.001 ml, or 1x10e-6 l. That's a tiny little droplet not much bigger than a period on a printed page. Depending on what you were actually using, alcohol has a density slightly lower than water (~80% or thereabouts). Nonetheless, the sensitivity of even relatively inexpensive little balances is amazing.

 

[Topwater]

Now, if only I could find a way to effectively reduce my drift problem with the GEmPro, things would be much more consistent. Yesterday, between loads, the scale was drifting 0.04 gr.

 

[338 dude]

Check the wall wart for voltage could you possibly hook it to a battery like the hack for the charge master that I have seen on this forum

 

[M-61]

I’d plugged both scales in last night so that they would be warmed up.

Just as a matter of interest I see this quite frequently regarding RCBS Chargemaster. I contacted RCBS regarding 'warm up' and they replied:

From RCBS:
Chuck,
We don't recommend leaving your ChargeMaster left plugged in and turned on as it leaves it susceptible to power surges. We don't specifically advise against it in our instruction manual, but better safe than sorry. Also, along the lines of keeping your ChargeMaster ready to use, do not leave powder stored in the hopper as it will adhere and etch the plastic. It sounds as though you are following the instructions correctly. Hope this helps and thanks for contacting RCBS!

RCBS Tech/AD

Just mentioning it as I am a big believer in following the manufacturers instructions.

 

[Topwater]

This receptacle is the only one on this circuit. And it’s within 18 feet of the breaker. Our power here runs right around 118v. I installed LED lights over the loading bench. I checked some other threads and may try one of the voltage conditioners mentioned in them. It’s frustrating having the scale drift .04 -.05 when one is trying to be as precise as possible.

 

[Topwater]

Thanks M-61. Actually the Chargemaster doesn’t drift, only the GEmPro.

 

[338 dude]

I leave mine plugged in and running always but it is going through a surge protector and line conditioner I also have used the Mcdonald straw trick and tweak the settings as per a video on YouTube and I’m very happy with his performance

 

[bozo699]

Now, if only I could find a way to effectively reduce my drift problem with the GEmPro things would be much more consistent. Yesterday, between loads, the scale was drifting 0.04 gr.

The best thing I ever did for myself in the shooting world besides going from factory to custom was smashing my GemPro into hundreds of pieces and putting them in a box beside my garbage can so every once in a while, while using my GD503 I could look down and smile at the rubble!.... I lost a lot of sleep and was constantly on the verge of a massive heart attack when using that pos!...
Wayne

 

[bozo699]

I leave mine plugged in and running always but it is going through a surge protector and line conditioner I also have used the Mcdonald straw trick and tweak the settings as per a video on YouTube and I’m very happy with his performance

Mines been plugged in since 2011 works perfectly and when it stops I have a brand new one sitting in a box
Wayne

 

[thejamesd]

The best thing I ever did for myself in the shooting world besides going from factory to custom was smashing my GemPro into hundreds of pieces and putting them in a box beside my garbage can so every once in a while, while using my GD503 I could look down and smile at the rubble!.... I lost a lot of sleep and was constantly on the verge of a massive heart attack when using that pos!...
Wayne

My gem pro quit working and they sent me a check for the full amount I paid!
Better than smashing it!

 

[D-4297]

I've had my Gem-Pro 250 for a couple of years now , and not a minutes trouble with it . Two filters in-line , and plugged into a old style computer surge protector strip . I do re-zero every five loads , and I've checked loads for maintaining accuracy . It does . And until it doesn't , I'll keep using it .

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I found that with a gempro if theres a cell phone within 6’ it will not be stable. Once you realize that youll pull a wayne and smash it

 

[NorCalMikie]

My RCBS 505 never drifts.

 

[bozo699]

I found that with a gempro if theres a cell phone within 6’ it will not be stable. Once you realize that youll pull a wayne and smash it

Cell phones!..... fluorescent lights!.... other electronic devices!......and vibration at all no matter how slight!......you even have to hold your breath while using it!.....I got my GemPro back in the day of the rcbs powder master those were before the 1500 and they had there issues as well but life was great I threw light on the powder master then trickled on a Parker tuned 10/10 and life couldn’t have been better!..... then I read a article on how they were getting there vertical dispersion down using the GemPro 250 so I just had to have one!.... spent the entire season reweighing charge after charge pulling my hair out and in a fit of rage most of the time ALL over that GemPro!... started into the second season with it,..... 300 miles away from home the night before the match in a motel room frantically trying to get my match rounds loaded I snapped!.... you could have used tweezers and counted each grain of varget and been for more precise and faster than the GemPro!....I did smash it and that was nine years ago and I still feel great about it!..... drive down the the 24 hour Walmart in Missoula Montana about 2:30 that morning and bought a Rcbs 505 and finished my loading!.... got back home Sunday night and Monday morning I had a Gd503 on its way and a chargemaster 1500 they both been plugged in and on since 2011 and the GD503 is never off more than 00.015 and it’s settles fast charge after charge! When it blows up I’ll try the new fx 120i there much cheaper and suppose to be as accurate as the 503
Wayne

 

[D-4297]

Awwwww....C'mon Man ! Tell us how ya really feel . Don't hold back .

 

[NorCalMikie]

I HAD one of those RCBS Digital Electronic scales. After standing there watching it go up and down for I don't remember how long, I packed it back up and sold it to someone that wanted it more than I did and had more time and patience to deal with it.
The power never goes up and down or surges on my 505.

 

[searcher]

I have both scales and I have checked them against each other a few times. I will say I was surprised that they were so close to one another (within 1/10th grain). That Gempro IS very sensitive - and if it didn't pick up on all the little influences - it likely wouldn't be able to discern small amounts. It gave me much more confidence in my Charge Master.

 

[oley55]

I have a question about fluorescent lights and digital scales. Is it the fluorescent bulbs or the ballast that creates the electro magnetic interference problems with digital scales. I ask because I was considering going with the LED bulbs that requiring no rewiring.

 

[Shooter13]

Now, if only I could find a way to effectively reduce my drift problem with the GEmPro, things would be much more consistent. Yesterday, between loads, the scale was drifting 0.04 gr.

Check the chargemaster thread, I purchased the portable power supply and cable and it has eliminated my drift!!!!