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Fx-120i zero drift

There are a couple of settings on the FX-120i that affect the way the scale operates and the accuracy of the result. Stability band width and zero tracking should be zero for the most accurate result. It will also be the most finicky.

Stability band width ( 5t-b ) This item controls the width to regard a weight value as a stable value. When the fluctuation per second is less than the parameter, the balance displays the stabilization indicator and outputs the data. The parameter influences the “Auto print mode”
5t-b 0 This parameter is for sensitive response of the stabilization indicator. Used for exact weighing.
5t-b 2 This parameter ignores slight fluctuation of a weight value. Used to prevent a weight value from drifting due to vibration or drafts.

Zero tracking ( trc ) This function tracks zero point drift caused by changes in the environment and stabilizes the zero point. When the weight data is only a few digits, turn the function off for accurate weighing. Note Digit indicates a unit of minimum weighing value.
trc 0 The tracking function is not used. Used for weighing a very light sample.
trc 1 The tracking function is used. Normal zero tracking.
trc 2 The tracking function is used. Strong zero tracking.
trc 3 The tracking function is used. Very strong zero tracking.

FX120 manual
 
6bra1k said:
how about the other way around.
you CLAIM IT AINT ACCURATE.
YOU PROVE IT.......FACTS AND DATA NOT "almost universal accuracy standard for scales"..THAT AINT A FACT, IT IS AN OPINION
Click to expand...
I don't claim "it aint accurate". I claim it aint as accurate as guys like yourself so often think it is and the irony is that you don't have anything better to test it against while arguing with others that do.

You are just confused between a number displayed on the read out and the actual weight of the charge.

I already did my testing. I dont have to do it again for your benefit. Proving it to yourself is your job, not mine.

My frustration with the accuracy of "milligram scales" is what drove me to an analytical balance with internal calibration many years ago. Sure its about three times the price of FX120, but its three times the price for a reason.

I'm not even saying you "need" something better. Just be honest about what it is and is not. If you are happy with it that's all that matters.
 
PracticalTactical said:
I don't claim "it aint accurate". I claim it aint as accurate as guys like yourself so often think it is and the irony is that you don't have anything better to test it against while arguing with others that do.

You are just confused between a number displayed on the read out and the actual weight of the charge.

I already did my testing. I dont have to do it again for your benefit. Proving it to yourself is your job, not mine.

My frustration with the accuracy of "milligram scales" is what drove me to an analytical balance with internal calibration many years ago. Sure its about three times the price of FX120, but its three times the price for a reason.

I'm not even saying you "need" something better. Just be honest about what it is and is not. If you are happy with it that's all that matters.
Click to expand...
thank you,,,no proof just an opinion... and who said i did not test.
my results are on the targets,,600 1000 2000....low es/sd small groups high scores.
bye
 
dskogman said:
There are a couple of settings on the FX-120i that affect the way the scale operates and the accuracy of the result. Stability band width and zero tracking should be zero for the most accurate result. It will also be the most finicky.

Stability band width ( 5t-b ) This item controls the width to regard a weight value as a stable value. When the fluctuation per second is less than the parameter, the balance displays the stabilization indicator and outputs the data. The parameter influences the “Auto print mode”
5t-b 0 This parameter is for sensitive response of the stabilization indicator. Used for exact weighing.
5t-b 2 This parameter ignores slight fluctuation of a weight value. Used to prevent a weight value from drifting due to vibration or drafts.

Zero tracking ( trc ) This function tracks zero point drift caused by changes in the environment and stabilizes the zero point. When the weight data is only a few digits, turn the function off for accurate weighing. Note Digit indicates a unit of minimum weighing value.
trc 0 The tracking function is not used. Used for weighing a very light sample.
trc 1 The tracking function is used. Normal zero tracking.
trc 2 The tracking function is used. Strong zero tracking.
trc 3 The tracking function is used. Very strong zero tracking.

FX120 manual
Click to expand...
Thanks for finding that. I couldn't find it and since I don't use this scale I wasn't sure of the term used. This function is often referred to auto zero (or Tare) depending on the scale. It is a common feature and should be used at all times OTHER than when trying to weigh very small items as described in the instructions.
 
Auto Zero is a really neat feature. It MASKS zero drift.
If drift is slow then an auto zero for each reading sets the start point.
If drift is large or fast and occurs during one charging process then it may not be a good thing.
Auto Zero, start charge, static changes the effective zero before final trickle and the reading will be in error.
Next charge it starts all over with a NEW zero.
Minor zero drift and auto zero is a good thing.
Know if zero drift is present, and what is causing it.
Evaluate, quantify, and eliminate if it bothers you.
 
The only time I have drift is when the AC kicks on. Other than that , let it warm up for 5 minutes and very little or no drift. When AC is on there is constant drift. Turn the thermostat up , end of problem. I keep the same bullet to check for accuracy, no problems. Other than the fact mine came new with a faulty cord it has been good for close 10 years.
 
the answer to drift is to tare off each time you place the cup on the pan. This is common laboratory practice. Also, if your using one of the area 419 alloy cups, heat transfer from your fingers holding it as you pour the powder into the case will change the weight of it, so therefore you need to tare off after each charge. Dont wait for the scale to re zero it self because it will just stop at its last zero. re zeroing is not taring off.
 
wolfman said:
I think that's probably a very good idea. I would dearly love to run the scale/autotrickler system from a battery, but my complete lack of electrical knowledge is stopping me from rigging this up. I’m no
Click to expand...
wolfman said:
I think that's probably a very good idea. I would dearly love to run the scale/autotrickler system from a battery, but my complete lack of electrical knowledge is stopping me from rigging this up.
Click to expand...
I run mine on a battery and it works fine with little to no drift. I also have a Mettler AM50 scale that I compare with frequently. They generally compare within 0.02gr. I’ve seen several folks use portable power packs at the range with the FX/auto trickler. I’ve loaded 220 rounds at a time and have over 75% charge remaining. I personally like it over a power conditioners.

He is what I use:

 
Rich S said:
I run mine on a battery and it works fine with little to no drift. I also have a Mettler AM50 scale that I compare with frequently. They generally compare within 0.02gr. I’ve seen several folks use portable power packs at the range with the FX/auto trickler. I’ve loaded 220 rounds at a time and have over 75% charge remaining. I personally like it over a power conditioners.

He is what I use:

Click to expand...
great for loading at the range...
 
Rich S said:
I run mine on a battery and it works fine with little to no drift. I also have a Mettler AM50 scale that I compare with frequently. They generally compare within 0.02gr. I’ve seen several folks use portable power packs at the range with the FX/auto trickler. I’ve loaded 220 rounds at a time and have over 75% charge remaining. I personally like it over a power conditioners.

He is what I use:

Click to expand...
Have you seen any drop in voltage during battery use?
 
dskogman said:
There are a couple of settings on the FX-120i that affect the way the scale operates and the accuracy of the result. Stability band width and zero tracking should be zero for the most accurate result. It will also be the most finicky.

Stability band width ( 5t-b ) This item controls the width to regard a weight value as a stable value. When the fluctuation per second is less than the parameter, the balance displays the stabilization indicator and outputs the data. The parameter influences the “Auto print mode”
5t-b 0 This parameter is for sensitive response of the stabilization indicator. Used for exact weighing.
5t-b 2 This parameter ignores slight fluctuation of a weight value. Used to prevent a weight value from drifting due to vibration or drafts.

Zero tracking ( trc ) This function tracks zero point drift caused by changes in the environment and stabilizes the zero point. When the weight data is only a few digits, turn the function off for accurate weighing. Note Digit indicates a unit of minimum weighing value.
trc 0 The tracking function is not used. Used for weighing a very light sample.
trc 1 The tracking function is used. Normal zero tracking.
trc 2 The tracking function is used. Strong zero tracking.
trc 3 The tracking function is used. Very strong zero tracking.

FX120 manual
Click to expand...
Wow
80 pages of instructions, that’s a bit over my limit.
Nice scale though
 
1bamashooter said:
Its a book but the only time I looked at mine was to learn what the buttons did and how to calibrate
Click to expand...
Yes, it's not really as complicated as some may think it is. If you can build an accurate load buy doing other things, you can use this scale to your advantage. This is not a dig on anyone, it's just my opinion, which is all it is, my opinion.
 
Dgd6mm said:
Yes, it's not really as complicated as some may think it is. If you can build an accurate load buy doing other things, you can use this scale to your advantage. This is not a dig on anyone, it's just my opinion, which is all it is, my opinion.
Click to expand...
Same with the Sartorius, but once you program them, you don't have to do it again. The Sartorius manual is pretty easy to follow and well laid out in my opinion.

On the other hand, running through some of the more advanced settings that my scale is capable of, which I don't use often, requires me to go back to the manual and follow the steps.
 
I had drift with my FX-120i and had the full Area 419 accessories. Read a few years ago where someone else was having same issue with their replacement plate installed. Removed the 419 and re-installed factory installed and drift problems went away. I still see some drift over several hours if there is a temperature shift in the room but that's acceptable.
 
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