FX120 DIY wind Breeze Break?

[Msfinlayson]

New to using the FX120 I am manually throwing my powder then Trickling up to weight with a dandy trickler. I have a Tripplite in-line conditioner and the scale is level on a granite slab.

Has anyone made a glass wind breeze break with a access door. I thought I would see what’s out there before ordering the Large wind break.

I like in the desert so always turn the Ac off is not the best option.

I am getting inconsistent empty pan weights and trying to get it figured out. Thanks

 

[PigButtons]

What kind of pan are you using. I was befuddled too with mine, would calibrate, warm up for 30 minutes, air conditioner off ( or things got way weird ), still had a 3D printed pan that kept getting heavier. As far as I've been able to tell it is humidity and atmospheric pressure related. Mine came with a short wind screen all the way around and I just the took top off and the right side panel and it seems plenty stable in calm air, ( remember air conditioner is off ). Without a 30 minute warm up it will wander around but the warm up then calibrate routine gives me good repeatable results. As far as the AC is concerned, I just weigh stuff at night when I can turn the AC off for a couple of hours without major impact. Any breeze will be visible on the readout as a fluctuating number, sometimes up to 0.1 grain.

Hope this helps

 

[Msfinlayson]

Thanks, I am trying to use MKM anti static printed pan. But have tried many. I tried area 419 and it definitely didn’t like it. Could weigh it 10 times and never repeat the same.

I have had better repeatability with the MKM and a Lyman plastic pan. But still some times they both fluctuate .02-.06 not a ton but enough. The MKM pan has gotten lighter then when I got it last week.
I have placed a cardboard box around it to try and help as a 2nd wind break but that makes things difficult.

 

[Straightshooter1]

New to using the FX120 I am manually throwing my powder then Trickling up to weight with a dandy trickler. I have a Tripplite in-line conditioner and the scale is level on a granite slab.

Has anyone made a glass wind breeze break with a access door. I thought I would see what’s out there before ordering the Large wind break.

I like in the desert so always turn the Ac off is not the best option.

I am getting inconsistent empty pan weights and trying to get it figured out. Thanks

I use my FX-120i in the same way. I stopped using the little pans and now use the shot-glass with handle to weight the powder in. The heavier glass receptacle tends to make it easier to get fast and consistent measurements.

I guess you could say I live in the desert too . . . just a few miles west of Phoenix AZ. So, AC does present a challenge. Early morning is the best time for me and even so, I avoid turning the AC off and will simply load when the AC cycles off. And I'll monitor the air movement by watching an envelope flap sitting up against the scale; when it's not moving, I'm busy weighing.

 

[Msfinlayson]

I use my FX-120i in the same way. I stopped using the little pans and now use the shot-glass with handle to weight the powder in. The heavier glass receptacle tends to make it easier to get fast and consistent measurements.

I guess you could say I live in the desert too . . . just a few miles west of Phoenix AZ. So, AC does present a challenge. Early morning is the best time for me and even so, I avoid turning the AC off and will simply load when the AC cycles off. And I'll monitor the air movement by watching an envelope flap sitting up against the scale; when it's not moving, I'm busy weighing.

originally from Chandler now in Northern Nevada. I’ll give the envelope a try. The MK pan weighs 256.30. But a shot glass would be heavier.

 

[RegionRat]

@Msfinlayson , any chance you are also working in very low humidity such that static charge builds up on your work? Your description sounds like low relative humidity might also be a concern in terms of static charge.
ETA, in addition to affecting the scale stability directly, the pan weight over time, low humidity can alter your perception of charge weight due to the effects on the powder. If the wind break looks like it works, do remember to check your RH and watch for drift.

 

[Chiquita]

I don't know if this is what you are looking for but I use this with a front window when I reload at the range. Even during 10 MPH wind both electronic & beam scale stay solid. So it may help you as well.

 

[Straightshooter1]

originally from Chandler now in Northern Nevada. I’ll give the envelope a try. The MK pan weighs 256.30. But a shot glass would be heavier.

Here's what that looks like:

 

[Msfinlayson]

@Msfinlayson , any chance you are also working in very low humidity such that static charge builds up on your work? Your description sounds like low relative humidity might also be a concern in terms of static charge.
ETA, in addition to affecting the scale stability directly, the pan weight over time, low humidity can alter your perception of charge weight due to the effects on the powder. If the wind break looks like it works, do remember to check your RH and watch for drift.

@RegionRat So I just got home and set up the temp and Relative Humidity is very low at this time. 75deg Rh 15%. What would be optimal RH% just add a humidifier?

 

[ronemus]

Humidity at or above 35% suppresses static electricity fairly well. There are also anti-static surface sprays that are fairly effective, and would need to be applied infrequently. I haven't used them in 25 years so I can't advise which ones are the current best value. You'll want to get one that is formulated specifically to be compatible with electronics.

 

[Sandstorm]

I use dryer sheets to wipe stuff down with...and that works well for me.
Plus I have the V3 from Adam...use his glass pan's..two of them to speed things up a bit.
Trip lite conditioner....although it worked well without it too.
I dont turn the AC off but do load between the cycles and redirected the duct away from my loading bench.
Im in the desert and dont have hardly any issues at least not enough to complain about.
My loads have low ES and SD's and work out to 1000 yds real well.

 

[RegionRat]

@RegionRat So I just got home and set up the temp and Relative Humidity is very low at this time. 75deg Rh 15%. What would be optimal RH% just add a humidifier?

Yes, a regular humidifier can get the room RH back up.

To have margin, we kept the factory between 40 - 60 % to avoid static damage to circuits. Labs where sensitive circuits were vulnerable were kept from 45 - 55%.

Any level above 30% will help reduce static build-up from activity and sliding parts around.