Electronic Scale: Slate?

[GSPV]

Someone mentioned putting their electronic scale on a piece of slate.

Could someone elaborate? I in the process of isolating my scale so that it doesn't drift.

Changing out the fluoresent lights, running it off a UPS, etc.

 

[normmatzen]

I think what was meant by a piece of slate was to use a heavy, flat base for ANY scale to maintain a level surface and minimize vibration.

And, you are right about UPS, flourescent lights as well as drafts and essentially any environmental perturbation.

 

[ronemus]

I bought a cheap surface plate (3" granite slab) from Enco and put it on a piece of foam rubber to isolate it from vibrations. I also cut the bottom and most of one side out of a cardboard box to shield it from drafts; the box is marge enough to fit over the slab and rest on the bench underneath. A UPS isn't necessary, but line filtering is to remove noise on the power line. The most important thing is to turn the scale on hours before using it (I leave mine on all the time) and keep the room temperature constant; temperature changes will cause more drift than anything else.

 

[GSPV]

Thanks for the info.

My loading area just happens to be where I can mount the platform for the scale into a corner of the concrete walls of my basement. The loading bench doesn't touch the walls.

Unless there is an earthquake or a tryannasaurus rex comes to visit, I should be good for vibration.

I'd already been leaving my scale on all the time. Running it off the UPS was a big help. Next is the fluorescent lights....

 

[Winchester69]

I have a 55 lb. anvil to use as a mount for a powder measure and an elevated base for my beam scale.