AutoTrickler V4 Troubleshooting

[sgav8r]

I do not understand why there is a reluctance to follow the recommendations Adam gives on how to adjust flow rate. You do not need shims. You do not need any kind of inserts to the tube. You do not need to modify anything. You DO need to follow Adam's instructions. He designed and manufactures the device. My experience with my V4 following Adam's advice to adjust the scale feet for proper flow rate gives me an average of 96% accuracy to +-.02 grain with the powders I use. It works guys.

Yes, the V4 does work fine out of the box with no modifications. And you CAN use the level of the balance itself to adjust flow rate (not ideal). However, Adam himself DOES also suggest using "shims". There's more than one way to achieve the goal here and that is part of what makes the V4 great, its simplicity of design.

We can probably all agree that the MAIN factor (roadblock for some) in achieving stable and repeated results within the appropriate tolerance (normally +/- .02GN) has to do with adjusting the V4's tilt-angle. I think it's common sense that if tilt-angle is something that routinely needs to be fine-tuned, then a "dial" mechanism of some sort (such as a nylon screw under the rear of the housing) makes the most sense. In fact Adam's own original design included a similar "screw adjust" for tilt-angle, but as I understand it the beta-testers talked him out of it, convinced that it would "confuse people". Irony of all ironies right there.

To the point of using the balance's level, I don't think that's ideal because the balance HAS to be level to "accurately" weigh charges. That's not saying the same thing as "consistently" weigh charges. The FX-i series balances are extremely consistent and repeatable. They will do the same thing over and over again, that is one reason why they're so dependable for reloaders. But try putting a weight on the plate and then adjusting the level of the balance. You'll see the weight displayed on the screen shift significantly. Yeah, it will be consistent in what ever position it's in, but given that tilt-angle does need to occasionally be adjusted, I don't personally want there to be any "accuracy" issues. I prefer 43.50GN to be 43.50GN no matter what powder I'm dispensing, at which ever tilt-angle I've determined is best for that powder.

As far as not needing any inserts (or overserts) for the tube, you're 100% correct, they're not NEEDED. The V4 will run like a sewing machine in its OEM form so long as the instructions Adam provided are followed. The improvements that fine tube overserts can make to the overall performance of the machine cannot be denied though. You'll simply get faster and more consistent powder charges if the threads at the end of the fine tube match the size and shape of the individual kernels for whichever powder you're using. It's not really a "one size fits all" scenario there. In its OEM form it's more like a "one size will work fine" scenario. I'd suggest you give a set of overserts a try, I think you'll be mightily impressed by what you gain!

 

[jpjulian]

Yes, the V4 does work fine out of the box with no modifications. And you CAN use the level of the balance itself to adjust flow rate (not ideal). However, Adam himself DOES also suggest using "shims". There's more than one way to achieve the goal here and that is part of what makes the V4 great, its simplicity of design.

We can probably all agree that the MAIN factor (roadblock for some) in achieving stable and repeated results within the appropriate tolerance (normally +/- .02GN) has to do with adjusting the V4's tilt-angle. I think it's common sense that if tilt-angle is something that routinely needs to be fine-tuned, then a "dial" mechanism of some sort (such as a nylon screw under the rear of the housing) makes the most sense. In fact Adam's own original design included a similar "screw adjust" for tilt-angle, but as I understand it the beta-testers talked him out of it, convinced that it would "confuse people". Irony of all ironies right there.

To the point of using the balance's level, I don't think that's ideal because the balance HAS to be level to "accurately" weigh charges. That's not saying the same thing as "consistently" weigh charges. The FX-i series balances are extremely consistent and repeatable. They will do the same thing over and over again, that is one reason why they're so dependable for reloaders. But try putting a weight on the plate and then adjusting the level of the balance. You'll see the weight displayed on the screen shift significantly. Yeah, it will be consistent in what ever position it's in, but given that tilt-angle does need to occasionally be adjusted, I don't personally want there to be any "accuracy" issues. I prefer 43.50GN to be 43.50GN no matter what powder I'm dispensing, at which ever tilt-angle I've determined is best for that powder.

As far as not needing any inserts (or overserts) for the tube, you're 100% correct, they're not NEEDED. The V4 will run like a sewing machine in its OEM form so long as the instructions Adam provided are followed. The improvements that fine tube overserts can make to the overall performance of the machine cannot be denied though. You'll simply get faster and more consistent powder charges if the threads at the end of the fine tube match the size and shape of the individual kernels for whichever powder you're using. It's not really a "one size fits all" scenario there. In its OEM form it's more like a "one size will work fine" scenario. I'd suggest you give a set of overserts a try, I think you'll be mightily impressed by what you gain!

I don't disagree with most of what you're saying, but, I do see comment after comment about the V4 and its accuracy or reliability and the NEED to do this or the other or add this or that for the V4 to work, (over exaggerating on my part maybe), and those comments just are not true. It works just fine as is when Adam's directions are followed. I think my experience with the powders I use and the 96% accuracy I have obtained are a good example of that. There may be better dispensers coming down the line......but they have to get here. In the meantime the V4 is the best we have, IMO. And as I've said in other threads....you do you.

 

[sgav8r]

I don't disagree with most of what you're saying, but, I do see comment after comment about the V4 and its accuracy or reliability and the NEED to do this or the other or add this or that for the V4 to work, (over exaggerating on my part maybe), and those comments just are not true. It works just fine as is when Adam's directions are followed. I think my experience with the powders I use and the 96% accuracy I have obtained are a good example of that. There may be better dispensers coming down the line......but they have to get here. In the meantime the V4 is the best we have, IMO. And as I've said in other threads....you do you.https://forum.accurateshooter.com/forums/tools-dies-rests-reloading-components-misc.11/

Absolutely. The V4 is definitely the best option currently available on the market. It also happens to be one of the most cost effective options too. You could literally pick up a V4 and a compatible A&D balance for less than an RCBS MatchMaster in some cases.

I have ran a LOT of different powders through my V4's and dispensed thousands of charges with them both. I can honestly say, as great as it is out of the box, the couple little upgrades you can do for practically no money, are game changers. It really does take the thing to a whole new level. I wouldn't be on here ranting about it every other day if I had not experienced it first hand. If you happen along the "AND V3/V4 MI AutoTrickler Support Group" on FB, I have posted several videos there of the V4(s) running like Swiss watches with those overserts. I would challenge anyone to get the same powders to run as fast and consistently in their unmodified V4 and post the videos.

Having said all that, it's not to detract in any way from what Adam designed and built. He doesn't get enough credit, the thing is near genius-level in its elegance and simplicity.