Auto Trickler V2 question

[SGK]

Hi

Trying to get used to my new AutoTrickler and FX 120i. Bumping into an issue. I was thinking the problem with zeroing with the pan on the scale is that one will always be wondering if things need to be zeroed again. So I tried zeroing without the pan and adding the pan to my target charge weight. Then each time I lift the pan off the scale it should return to zero. However.... the start threshold for the Trickler is set incredibly low at a mere 0.1 gn. The AutoTrickler basically starts without the pan in place as the scale settles. (It must read >0.1 gn long enough to start the Auto Trickler.)

Is it possible to raise the start threshold to a more sensible level?

(While I add the precharge prior to returning the pan to the scale, for those not doing so (those who add the precharge once the pan is on the scale) this would also mean the Trickler isn't dumping granules into an empty pan which, depending on the pan used, can mean granules bouncing all over the place.)

Steve

 

[jawjaboy]

I zero with a plastic medication dosage cup in place on the scale. Then remove the cup and add the desired charge weight to the cup and place it back on the scale. Then I set the charge weight. No issues.

 

[SGK]

Of course. And when you remove the cup, the scale reads a negative number. Easier to look for 0.00 than the correct negative number to periodically check zero. So I am wondering if there is a way to set the start parameter.

You precharge before returning the pan/cup. So have I been. I'm merely pointing out that raising the starting threshold would potentially assist those who precharge with the pan on the scale. Adam's instructions and videos have one returning the pan and then adding the precharge. "From zero, the trickle will run at full speed." (Adam's instructions) Full speed into an empty pan "depending on the pan used, can mean granules bouncing all over the place." (me) I'm merely pointing out that if the threshold could be set higher the trickle wouldn't start at full speed with an empty pan. It would wait for the pre-charge.

 

[geraldgee]

Tagging in.

 

[SGK]

I sent Adam an email. I will report back on what he says.

 

[David Christian]

Of course. And when you remove the cup, the scale reads a negative number. Easier to look for 0.00 than the correct negative number to periodically check zero. So I am wondering if there is a way to set the start parameter.

You precharge before returning the pan/cup. So have I been. I'm merely pointing out that raising the starting threshold would potentially assist those who precharge with the pan on the scale. Adam's instructions and videos have one returning the pan and then adding the precharge. "From zero, the trickle will run at full speed." (Adam's instructions) Full speed into an empty pan "depending on the pan used, can mean granules bouncing all over the place." (me) I'm merely pointing out that if the threshold could be set higher the trickle wouldn't start at full speed with an empty pan. It would wait for the pre-charge.

@SGK. I am not sure if I am answering your question correctly, but will give it a go. When I zero my scale I have my empty pan as well as an empty screw cap vial on the scale at the same time. I have an identically weighed vial (used sandpaper on screw cap) that contains my perfect charge weight of powder.

When I remove the empty vial the scale temporarily goes negative, but once I add the filled vial to the scale (to include my empty charging pan) the scale reads the weight of my perfect charge. I then toggle the red switch to set this as my charge weight. I am then able to remove the perfect charge vial and replace it with the empty vial and the scale returns pretty darn close to 0.000 weight before the next charge dumps and fills the pan. If it does not return close to 0.000, I turn off the red switch and repeat the zero process before throwing the next charge.

To avoid the bouncing powder, I use a taller pan.

 

[metalo]

I see what you're trying to do. You're not trying to zero your starting weight, your trying to start at an already random but below target weight preventing empty pan splashback. Mine like Adams will start at Zero of course and its a feature on mine called Autoload. I originally had it setup to only start when you pressed a key but this was tedious so I wrote code to autoload. Yeah, unfortunately for you you will need a different pan, but you've given me an idea on a starting weight sensitivity pot. Something adjustable like a dial, you turn it and it shortens or lengthens the starting gap to target weight. The actual start of trickling would not begin until it had some weight to begin with. Of course auto drop would need to be disabled if you're only trickling. Interesting...

 

[Richard Coody]

Hi

Trying to get used to my new AutoTrickler and FX 120i. Bumping into an issue. I was thinking the problem with zeroing with the pan on the scale is that one will always be wondering if things need to be zeroed again. So I tried zeroing without the pan and adding the pan to my target charge weight. Then each time I lift the pan off the scale it should return to zero. However.... the start threshold for the Trickler is set incredibly low at a mere 0.1 gn. The AutoTrickler basically starts without the pan in place as the scale settles. (It must read >0.1 gn long enough to start the Auto Trickler.)

Is it possible to raise the start threshold to a more sensible level?

(While I add the precharge prior to returning the pan to the scale, for those not doing so (those who add the precharge once the pan is on the scale) this would also mean the Trickler isn't dumping granules into an empty pan which, depending on the pan used, can mean granules bouncing all over the place.)

Steve

pretty simple for me to remember the pan weight which should always be the same when pan and charge are removed.

you are trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

 

[mgdietrich]

If you don't start with an empty pan, you aren't using the scales auto tare feature. I bet you will get some drift that way. I tried the same thing, but went back to starting each charge from a zero weight with pan on the scale- no more scale drift.

Adam has it setup a specific way for a reason, use his method.

 

[rockwind1]

@SGK. I am not sure if I am answering your question correctly, but will give it a go. When I zero my scale I have my empty pan as well as an empty screw cap vial on the scale at the same time. I have an identically weighed vial (used sandpaper on screw cap) that contains my perfect charge weight of powder.

When I remove the empty vial the scale temporarily goes negative, but once I add the filled vial to the scale (to include my empty charging pan) the scale reads the weight of my perfect charge. I then toggle the red switch to set this as my charge weight. I am then able to remove the perfect charge vial and replace it with the empty vial and the scale returns pretty darn close to 0.000 weight before the next charge dumps and fills the pan. If it does not return close to 0.000, I turn off the red switch and repeat the zero process before throwing the next charge.

To avoid the bouncing powder, I use a taller pan.

great idea, thanks!

 

[Twoboxer]

Since remembering a 5 digit number can be difficult for some - and more as we age - keep in mind you only need to remember the 2 digits to the right of the decimal point. That's your "0.00".

On the other end, it also avoids having to remember that a certain 5 digit, otherwise meaningless number actually represents your desired charge

 

[Dos XX]

Blue painters tape. Write the powder tray weight on it and stick it on your breeze cover. Write your charge weight on it. Write your CBTO on it. Write that tray A has been sized and stick it on tray A. Write that you need to seat the bullets the night before the match. Write your wife's birthday on it.

 

[KenOath]

Blue painters tape. Write the powder tray weight on it and stick it on your breeze cover. Write your charge weight on it. Write your CBTO on it. Write that tray A has been sized and stick it on tray A. Write that you need to seat the bullets the night before the match. Write your wife's birthday on it.

Had the wife’s birthday tattooed to my arm... ain’t falling for that again!!!

 

[jlow]

pretty simple for me to remember the pan weight which should always be the same when pan and charge are removed.

you are trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

Right there! If you have weight as many charged as we have, you will have no problem remembering the weight of you pan....

 

[SGK]

If you don't start with an empty pan, you aren't using the scales auto tare feature. I bet you will get some drift that way. I tried the same thing, but went back to starting each charge from a zero weight with pan on the scale- no more scale drift.

Indeed. The scale needs to return to 0.00 +- 0.02 for the auto tare feature of the scale to work. The Trickler waits one second for this to happen. The detailed answer from Adam is below. Placing the precharge in the pan before returning it to the scale prevents use of the auto tare feature. So does zeroing without the pan on the scale. I was also trying to avoid reaching in and placing the pre-charge in the "pan" while it was sitting on the scale. I need as much shielding as possible as the air conditioning that comes on periodically here in sunny FL. Reaching in seemed like a recipe for disaster. Of course that's why he added the Autothrower. Adam's response provides some intermediary solutions.

The trickler starts at zero by design, for the recommended mode of operation (which is different than how you are using it). However there's a lot of options for you. Let me explain.

Without the AutoThrow, here's how I recommend the trickler be used:

- Place the empty pan.

- The scale reads either:
+/- 0.02. In which case, the scale will automatically correct itself to zero in about 1 second. This is how the scale works. The trickler waits 1 second for this to happen, and then starts. At most, the scale can only be off zero by 1 kernel.
+/- 0.04 or greater. In which case, the scale will NOT automatically correct itself for drift, and the trickler will not start. Either there has been some drift, or there are a couple kernels in the pan. Check, rezero, and continue.

- The trickler starts running, pouring kernels into the empty pan.
- Then scoop in your partial charge, aiming for 3 grains under target.
- The trickler finishes.

By taking advantage of the auto-drift correction of the scale from 0.02 to 0.00 you don't need to ever 'check' the zero, because it will essentially be checked on every charge, and drift will never accumulate, saving time overall. Place the empty pan and be ready with your scoop. As soon as the trickler starts running, that verifies that the scale is correctly at zero, there are no loose kernels in the pan and no drift, and it's safe to then dump in your partial charge and finish. This is the safest way because it completely eliminates the risk of having loose kernels end up in your loaded round, or scale drift to accumulate. It fast because you never need to stop the routine to check the zero.

Instead of a scoop, you can have a second pan that you pour powder from into the main pan on the scale.

This is how I recommend, but there's nothing wrong with placing a pan with a partial charge straight away, as long as you make sure to check the scale zero often enough. Which is what you are doing, and many people do. Just realize you are bypassing the zero check and assuming some risk of extra error.

So here are some ideas to help your case:

You can check the zero with the empty pan. Just place the empty pan and see what the scale says. It only takes a second for the scale to stabilize. If the scale is at zero, the trickler start running, but that just means the zero is OK. Then just lift the pan, empty it out, and continue, because the scale is at zero. If the scale reads 0.04, then the trickler will not start, and you have all the time in the world to press re-zero.

You can also pause, by pressing Mode. Put the empty pan back on, see that it is zero. When you are satisfied, press Print, wait for the trickler to start running, then lift the pan. Then it will be active with your previously set target.

Adam

 

[Twoboxer]

. . . I was also trying to avoid reaching in and placing the pre-charge in the "pan" while it was sitting on the scale. I need as much shielding as possible as the air conditioning that comes on periodically here in sunny FL. Reaching in seemed like a recipe for disaster. . . .

Unless your AC is omnidirectional - or you're a heavy breather - what worked for me might help you.

With the "cube", there's no need for the shield that came with the scale at all. Cheap storage cube available (eg) at Amazon; power cords come through hole drilled in the back; cube slides out to whatever angle is needed for use; top of cube returns bench space if needed; internal LED lighting a luxury added from leftover parts.

After you buy the Autothrow, the scale et al won't fit in the cube, but you can use the cube for miscellaneous storage.