V4 Calibration Issue?

[Big_Daddy]

Howdy All,

Let me start off by making it clear that I have the utmost respect for Adam and his products....

With that clear, I am having an issue with trying to calibrate my AutoTrickler V4.
Following Adam's video instructions, my "Bulk" feed rate is nearly pegging the needle at 29GN/s, while the Slow feed comes out where it recommended to be at .20GN/s.
I have attempted calibrating numerous times with nearly the exact same results.
The attached picture shows what I experiencing.

And yes I have followed the instructions to set up the scale per the recommended parameters.
Scale is grounded.

I emailed Adam's company and the following is the response I received....

"Hi Randy,
Thanks for reaching out. The large tube flow rate really doesn't matter that much. It could indicate there's an issue when it's all the way at one end, but it could also be fine to keep using it that way. Have you seen Adam's official calibration and tuning videos? https://www.youtube.com/@AutoTrickler

Let us know how you are getting along. Thanks,"

My question is if the Bulk rate doesn't really matter, why do they address it during calibration?

Anyone else experiencing anything like this?

 

[Sandstorm]

Yea its common...dont worry about it like Adam says.

 

[gmr4]

Howdy All,

Let me start off by making it clear that I have the utmost respect for Adam and his products....

With that clear, I am having an issue with trying to calibrate my AutoTrickler V4.
Following Adam's video instructions, my "Bulk" feed rate is nearly pegging the needle at 29GN/s, while the Slow feed comes out where it recommended to be at .20GN/s.
I have attempted calibrating numerous times with nearly the exact same results.
The attached picture shows what I experiencing.

And yes I have followed the instructions to set up the scale per the recommended parameters.
Scale is grounded.

I emailed Adam's company and the following is the response I received....

"Hi Randy,
Thanks for reaching out. The large tube flow rate really doesn't matter that much. It could indicate there's an issue when it's all the way at one end, but it could also be fine to keep using it that way. Have you seen Adam's official calibration and tuning videos? https://www.youtube.com/@AutoTrickler

Let us know how you are getting along. Thanks,"

My question is if the Bulk rate doesn't really matter, why do they address it during calibration?

Anyone else experiencing anything like this?

So how’s it doing throwing powder? It should work just fine where you have it…. After leveling … use the calibration weight and recalibrate… I turn mine off.. unplug and turn it back on with nothing on the plate. Run another calibration and start throwing powder. Seems like alot but it takes about 10 Minutes.. I do this based on a you tube video I watched back when I got mine..
I just went through this yesterday after changing powders and was throwing in 12-15 seconds… 2 overthrows in 100.

 

[Kyle Schultz]

I think it's important to recognize that "calibration" in the AT4 world really isn't a calibration in the strict sense of how we normally use the word. The machine itself is not making any sort of adjustment on its own. A better word to describe the operation is "benchmarking".

When you run the "calibration" test, the machine is only reporting the bulk and fine dispensing rates for what that particular setup is causing. If you don't like the results, you have to make a change. The only adjustments you have are tilt angle, feed tube speeds and cutover points.

I personally feel there is a counter-productive obsession with all of these machines in dispensing a load to a 1 kernel accuracy in the blink of an eye. As a short-range benchrest shooter, I'm happy with a +/- 0.040 gr error band in 10-12 seconds. I load 1 round at a time and I can't seat the bullet any faster than that pace. Consequently I'm very happy with my AT4's performance. Good luck to all.

 

[MikeRu]

I ran mine like that. If concerned it’s easy to place shims under the front feet to lower the throw rate, try placing about 3/32” thick rubber etc on top of the fixed supports that come with the V4, then recalibrate.

 

[David Conder]

I use two cups to speed up the loading process

 

[fx77]

In that I am severely OCD
I have a powder cap with a few Kernels of powder
When the charge is -.02 I use micro-surgery pickups and add an kernel, and the opposite , i.e. remove a kernel when it overcharges .02.
The key for me is the slow feed. bulk seems to know by itself when to stop

 

[Big_Daddy]

Thank you all for the replies and information!

 

[Sandstorm]

I have always used two equal weight cups in my loading process as im too cheap to spring for another V4 ….
I do enjoy the process …about the only thing i like about the reloading process.
Its time for a Dillon ..if i can figure out where to put it.

 

[divingin]

In that I am severely OCD
I have a powder cap with a few Kernels of powder
When the charge is -.02 I use micro-surgery pickups and add an kernel, and the opposite , i.e. remove a kernel when it overcharges .02.
The key for me is the slow feed. bulk seems to know by itself when to stop

Since the V4 throws to +/- 0.02 gn, and the scale displays to 0.02 gn, you can seemingly tighten things up by selecting x.x1 as your target weight. As an example, setting 30.00 gn as a target will yield throws of 29.98 to 30.02; setting the target to 30.01 will yield throws of 30.00 to 30.02 (and yes, I realize the readings are inexact compared to actual measurements, but will still be tighter.)

To the OP: Bulk speed doesn't mean much as long as it finishes the bulk throw below the target weight with enough room for the trickle tube to start without overthrowing. As someone above said, if you need to, shim the near pads to raise the tube mouth to slow it down. IMO the trickle tube settings are way more important.

Edit to add: Also, I believe your app is a release short. I'm running version 1.2.3, which gives a few more settings on the calibration screen (though I still don't understand what all of them do.)

 

[Big_Daddy]

Edit to add: Also, I believe your app is a release short. I'm running version 1.2.3, which gives a few more settings on the calibration screen (though I still don't understand what all of them do.)

Interesting.
What platform (Android or Apple) are you using?
The latest release for IOS still shows 1.2.2

 

[pilediver]

setting the target to 30.01 will yield throws of 30.00 to 30.02 (and yes, I realize the readings are inexact compared

I do this exact thing.
Set your target for 30.01 or 31.01 and the system always aims for a little closer number since it doesn't do odd numbers

 

[divingin]

Interesting.
What platform (Android or Apple) are you using?
The latest release for IOS still shows 1.2.2

I don't know the latest iOS release. I run Android.

 

[Liven The Dream]

In that I am severely OCD
I have a powder cap with a few Kernels of powder
When the charge is -.02 I use micro-surgery pickups and add an kernel, and the opposite , i.e. remove a kernel when it overcharges .02.
The key for me is the slow feed. bulk seems to know by itself when to stop

My set up also …
Retirement gives you time relax

 

[WSnyder]

I ran mine like that. If concerned it’s easy to place shims under the front feet to lower the throw rate, try placing about 3/32” thick rubber etc on top of the fixed supports that come with the V4, then recalibrate.

^^^ along those lines these pre made spacers are available (I had a friend 3D print me some):

Autotrickler V4 Spacer Kit - Unknown Munitions

These spacers can help to fine tune trickler accuracy by adjusting straw pitch. Install this spacer around the rear rubber pad as pictured. RED=.140″, ORANGE=.160″, YELLOW=.180″, GREEN=.200″, BLUE=.220″

www.unknownmunitions.com

 

[Big_Daddy]

I don't know the latest iOS release. I run Android.

I tried to find the Android app, in the App Store, for the AutoTrickler without success.
Can you tell me how you installed the app?

 

[divingin]

I tried to find the Android app, in the App Store, for the AutoTrickler without success.
Can you tell me how you installed the app?

Interesting - I just looked on the Play Store, and it's missing. Don't know what's going on there. I'll see what I can discover about this.

To answer your question, it was a download and install like any other play store app.

Edit: From Adam's website:

May 22 2025: AutoTrickler App for Android
The AutoTrickler app is temporarily unavailable in the Google Play Store, but you can install the apk manually on Android devices. Please download the apk and follow the instructions.
AutoTrickler APK for Android
AutoTrickler apk Installation Instructions

Those links lead to:

APK: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0525/7235/6768/files/AutoTrickler_v4_123.apk?v=1747951066
APK instructions: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0525/7235/6768/files/AutoTrickler-App-APK-Install.pdf?v=1747953130

Good luck!

 

[6BRA]

In my opinion the scale needs to be perfectly level. The autotrickler unit needs the ability to pitch.
@JustDreaming makes an enclosure / pitch screw that only effects the trickler unit.

 

[Pete Wass]

I find myself adjusting the rates on the fly almost every time I use mine. I want FAST and ACCURATE so it takes some adjusting sometimes.

Something I have noticed with mine is the accuracy diminishes when the main supply tube gets below say 1/3 rd full. I load long strings when loading for multi yardage matches so I have to fill the supply tube to get it back to more consistent accuracy. This is a common problem with powder throwers I have found. I don't settle for the 0.002. I want .ooo's always.

 

[Janeau]

Howdy All,

Let me start off by making it clear that I have the utmost respect for Adam and his products....

With that clear, I am having an issue with trying to calibrate my AutoTrickler V4.
Following Adam's video instructions, my "Bulk" feed rate is nearly pegging the needle at 29GN/s, while the Slow feed comes out where it recommended to be at .20GN/s.
I have attempted calibrating numerous times with nearly the exact same results.
The attached picture shows what I experiencing.

And yes I have followed the instructions to set up the scale per the recommended parameters.
Scale is grounded.

I emailed Adam's company and the following is the response I received....

"Hi Randy,
Thanks for reaching out. The large tube flow rate really doesn't matter that much. It could indicate there's an issue when it's all the way at one end, but it could also be fine to keep using it that way. Have you seen Adam's official calibration and tuning videos? https://www.youtube.com/@AutoTrickler

Let us know how you are getting along. Thanks,"

My question is if the Bulk rate doesn't really matter, why do they address it during calibration?

Anyone else experiencing anything like this?

Yes - you can add shims on the nylon bumper on each side to tilt the unit a bit backyard. This help, but like Adam stated..nothing to worry about.