Fix for RCBS ChargeMaster Link -- Unplug It

[Texas Solo]

I was having an issue with my RCBS Chargemater Link. It began acting stupid when trying to calibrate.
I unplugged the power cord overnight and now it works perfectly.
Lesson learned, unplug power cord when done.

 

[leakeyjohn]

My past experince suggests unplugging your delicate electronics unless they are directly behind s protective device. Electronic scales are VERY delicate electronics. Mine are right behind one.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

As states move away from stable and reliable energy(coal,hydro and nuclear) and force in green unreliable electric sources, small unprotected processing boards will have problems. Light bulbs, appliances, security systems, GOOD LUCK.

 

[SEM]

As states move away from stable and reliable energy(coal,hydro and nuclear) and force in green unreliable electric sources, small unprotected processing boards will have problems. Light bulbs, appliances, security systems, GOOD LUCK.

We should of gone DC instead of AC, But then we would all be independent.........

 

[Cecil S.]

Electronics and dirty power are not a good mix.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

I never turn mine off. Its plugged into a surge protector. It seems to work better for me when I dont turn it off.

The problem I always have is when I lift the pan it should read -128.4. Sometimes it will start reading +\- .1 or sometimes .2 from that number. It still reads zero with the pan on it, but I don't trust it. Sometimes making sure the thing the pan sits on is not tilted and or blowing on it fixes it. Like maybe there is some powder stuck in there? Sometimes it doesn't fix it and I recalibrate it. This happens way less if I never turn it off, but it drives me insane.

 

[Homerange]

I never turn mine off. Its plugged into a surge protector. It seems to work better for me when I dont turn it off.

The problem I always have is when I lift the pan it should read -128.4. Sometimes it will start reading +\- .1 or sometimes .2 from that number. It still reads zero with the pan on it, but I don't trust it. Sometimes making sure the thing the pan sits on is not tilted and or blowing on it fixes it. Like maybe there is some powder stuck in there? Sometimes it doesn't fix it and I recalibrate it. This happens way less if I never turn it off, but it drives me insane.

Turn it OFF, remove pan and the platen it sits on and check for powder underneath. Invert to clear if/as necessary. < This catches many out and is wholly responsible for instabilities.

 

[M-61]

I was having an issue with my RCBS Chargemater Link. It began acting stupid when trying to calibrate.
I unplugged the power cord overnight and now it works perfectly.
Lesson learned, unplug power cord when done.

Read your instructions. No where does it say to leave it plugged in.
Do a search on this site. A few years ago I posted a direct response from RCBS. Additionally no ‘warm-up is required. Exception: you store the unit in a different temperature room and load in another. They tell you to let it acclimate to room temperature.
Additionally leaving it plugged in endlessly can present a fire hazard.
I’m very big in following the manufacturer’s instructions and if needed call them.
And no I don’t unplug my toaster everyday, but that is not converting anything. There’s a reason those black boxes for electrical tools get warm.
Finally, I’m telling you what I do, and I’m not the manufacturer nor the designer nor affiliated with them or any other manufacturer of anything.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Turn it OFF, remove pan and the platen it sits on and check for powder underneath. Invert to clear if/as necessary. < This catches many out and is wholly responsible for instabilities.

I do turn it over and blow it all out when I empty it. It. Still does it all the time. I need a second scale to verify if it actually affects the weighed charge.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I never turn mine off. Its plugged into a surge protector. It seems to work better for me when I dont turn it off.

The problem I always have is when I lift the pan it should read -128.4. Sometimes it will start reading +\- .1 or sometimes .2 from that number. It still reads zero with the pan on it, but I don't trust it. Sometimes making sure the thing the pan sits on is not tilted and or blowing on it fixes it. Like maybe there is some powder stuck in there? Sometimes it doesn't fix it and I recalibrate it. This happens way less if I never turn it off, but it drives me insane.

This happens to all strain gauge type scales, unfortunately.

 

[bozo699]

We should have gone DC instead of AC, But then we would all be independent.........

Good luck trying to run the world on dc
Wayne

 

[RabbitSlayer]

This happens to all strain gauge type scales, unfortunately

Hmm. I need to save up for an fx120

 

[M-61]

We should of gone DC instead of AC, But then we would all be independent.........

Ok. Then instead of transformers on the light poles we’d see generators. DC doesn’t travel well, it sucks.

 

[Homerange]

Ok. Then instead of transformers on the light poles we’d see generators. DC doesn’t travel well, it sucks.

Or power stations every few miles.

 

[MS50]

I never turn mine off. Its plugged into a surge protector. It seems to work better for me when I dont turn it off.

The problem I always have is when I lift the pan it should read -128.4. Sometimes it will start reading +\- .1 or sometimes .2 from that number. It still reads zero with the pan on it, but I don't trust it. Sometimes making sure the thing the pan sits on is not tilted and or blowing on it fixes it. Like maybe there is some powder stuck in there? Sometimes it doesn't fix it and I recalibrate it. This happens way less if I never turn it off, but it drives me insane.

I bought an electronic scale, hoping to speed up the process. I also noticed that the zeroed/tared reading dances around significantly when the pan is lifted. I zeroed each time I replaced the pan. The instructions recommend zeroing occasionally. I really don't know for certain if the scale is re-zeroed. I put it away and went back to my balance beam scale. Probably overthinking it.

 

[Texas Solo]

Read your instructions. No where does it say to leave it plugged in.

Nowhere does it say to unplug it either.
AND....it DOES say to let it warm up.

 

[M-61]

It also doesn’t say NOT to throw it down the stairs.
The only ‘warm up’ is what I stated if the unit was moved from one room to another with different temperatures.

 

[M-61]

Here's a copy of a letter I got 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
Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery.
Thanks for being an RCBS customer
Happy Reloading!
605 Oro Dam Blvd. E.
Oroville, CA 95965
1-800-379-1732

Of course you do whatever you want. Read the instructions anyway you care to interpret them. I don't post bullshit as I do my best to verify my responses. Personally I don't care what if any way you read them.
They also didn't say not to shoot at the ChargeMaster.
If I can't understand the manufacturers instructions I then contact them.

 

[Texas Solo]

"We don't specifically advise against it in our instruction manual"

Thanks for making my point.

Do you feel better after your little rant?

Blocked.

 

[M-61]

Blocked.

Thank you