Hey all, first post, but it looks like there is a bit of interest in precision scales/balances here on Accurate Shooter. I wanted to share some experience I've had digging around for budget options for precision digital scales/balances.
I'll be the first to say most folks, if budget allows, should hit the easy button and pick up the FX-120i or other high quality scales from reliably retailers.
However, I'd bet some other folks are on a bit more of a budget and/or enjoy doing a little deal shopping. This post may offer another option to consider.
The scales I've been working with the last several years are the A&D "GF" series (200, 200P, 200N ,300, 300P, 300N & 400 models). I've only seen them mentioned a couple times here but not recently.
They seem to be a version or two older than the FX-120i, BUT performance wise they are VERY similar to the FX series:
There ARE couple smallish things to note with the "P" (pharmacy) and "N" (ntep) versions of the GF series:
I will offer my standard caveats when dealing with any used equipment and ebay in particular:
Anyway, that was a lot of words for a first post here (or anywhere) so thanks for reading it this far! Hopefully this gives some folks an option to consider if they are interested in shopping for a deal on a precision scale.
I'll be the first to say most folks, if budget allows, should hit the easy button and pick up the FX-120i or other high quality scales from reliably retailers.
However, I'd bet some other folks are on a bit more of a budget and/or enjoy doing a little deal shopping. This post may offer another option to consider.
The scales I've been working with the last several years are the A&D "GF" series (200, 200P, 200N ,300, 300P, 300N & 400 models). I've only seen them mentioned a couple times here but not recently.
They seem to be a version or two older than the FX-120i, BUT performance wise they are VERY similar to the FX series:
- 0.001g/0.02grain readability
- ~1s stabilization times
- magnetic force reduction technology
- * Supports grains (special note on the "P" & "N" versions below)
- Support an older (but functional!) 25 pin serial/RS 232 port.
With the correct adapter they can be connected to an auto trickler (they output the same data format as the FX series).
There ARE couple smallish things to note with the "P" (pharmacy) and "N" (ntep) versions of the GF series:
- The factory configuration may not include the Grain unit on the "P" & "N" versions. BUT there is a "maintenance" manual for the GF series that shows how to easily get to the factory settings and enable ANY unit, including grains.
- Secondly, the "P" & "N" versions also only send data out to the serial port down to 0.01g or 0.1 grains. This means the "P" & "N" versions are not the best option for use with an auto trickler or diy trickler setup (this is why I have a GF-400 now).
As far as I can tell this is because these versions are certified for "trade" down to 0.01g rather than 0.001g. I have a note into A&D about being able to change the output to the serial port, but no luck getting a response yet.
I will offer my standard caveats when dealing with any used equipment and ebay in particular:
- If dealing with ebay, be smart (and for those that don't want to deal with ebay I get it).
Its a good idea to look at scales that include a power adapter, power on and don't have a strange error code (although the maintenance manual DOES provide all the info on how to deal with different error codes, IF someone is so inclined to dig into it). - Don't be afraid to make an offer on higher listings, you'd be surprised what some sellers may take (like I said, I've had offers for less than half of asking price)
Anyway, that was a lot of words for a first post here (or anywhere) so thanks for reading it this far! Hopefully this gives some folks an option to consider if they are interested in shopping for a deal on a precision scale.
