Problems w/RCBS electronic scale

TwoDogs

TwoDogs

New member
My old RCBS scale died and I sent it back for repair. They sent me a new Rangemaster 750 for a nominal fee. As I checked it out, after EACH load, rather than go back to zero, it would be off 0.2 grains. Next load, it would be off 0.4. It would keep progressing by 0.2 grains each load. I called them on it and they just sent me another one without any further correspondence. Guess what, now I have two scales that don't go back to zero! Anybody else have this problem and if so, what did you do? Good thing I never got rid of the beam scale I got in high school. Back when you could work on your guns in the school shop:)
 
i did. here is what they told me and it seems to work

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/for...rue#Post1597332

i was having a little trouble with "creeping", readout inching up with nothing in the pan. i called rcbs, and they emailed this to me. it works, no more creep.

During the use of electronic scales over the course of a day, you may notice your RangeMaster scale's readings begin drifting or not returning to zero. This can be caused by changes in environmental conditions, especially temperature, and also residual stresses in the load cell from manufacturing. First, verify that your unit has had sufficient time to warm-up (at least 20 minutes). If you have been using your scale for more than an hour and noticed this behavior, try re-calibrating your scale, especially if you are outdoors or in an uncontrolled environment (garage, shop, etc. without air conditioning). Otherwise, your load cell may need to be stress-relieved to eliminate these symptoms. Normal use of the scale over time will break-in the load cell and cause these symptoms to stop, but could take hours of use. Follow these steps to safely accelerate this 'break-in' period of the device and eliminate this problem:

Accelerated Break-In Procedure:
1. Remove weights and pan from platen
2. Press 'ZERO' button
3. With your finger, tap the platen softly enough to barely cause the scale to overload (you will get an "OL" reading). The amount of force required will be comparable to how hard you push on a computer keyboard when typing.
**Note** the scale is equipped with a mechanical stop on the load cell to prevent it from being over-stressed. However, applying excessive force could still damage it. Do not hit your scale with more than 8 ounces (250 grams) of force.
4. Repeat this tapping 20-30 times.
5. Allow your scale to stabilize. If you have a non-zero reading, your scale did have residual stress in the load cell and should function better now.
6. Recalibrate the scale and resume normal operation.
7. If over time, you notice this behavior recurring, repeat these steps again as necessary.
 
sweaty

I did try overloading the scale a few times like you suggest since that's what they told me with my original scale, however, I didn't do it near that many times. I tried the scale both in my office at work and my shop with immediate drifting when I turned it (them) on. I'll give this a more thorough try.

Thanks
Kevin
 
Two Dogs,
I have two RCBS 750 scales and think I found the cure for creeping, zeroing issues, drfiting, etc. 1.use a surge protector with ONLY the scale plugged into it. 2. Make sure you don't have any direct artificial light from a neon overhead lamp or desk lamp above it. 3. Make sure there are no fans or any form of wind blowing air onto the scale. Once I employed these methods, no more creeping, zeroing issues or drifting. Air blowing past them or onto them seems to really affect the scale with static electrical waves being the next worst culprit. Good luck.
 
Shynloco good advice i have noticed the same things except the surge protector. mine needs the treatment sweaty posted about once in awhile. i found turn the scale on at least 30mins before you use it works wonders also. the warmer the scale the better it works. they are extremely sensitive. When i first got mine i all most gave it the sledge hammer treatment. glad i didnt once i got it figured out it works great. Wind currents will really screw them up. i had a window open an i could not even feel the breeze but the scale showed it.
 
I guess I'll have to plug it in. I've been using it on battery and it shuts off if you don't use it for a while. I thought about the early start last week and by the time I got around to it, the scale shut off already. Hopefully, I'll have time this weekend to try this method more thoroughly. Thanks to everyone for the help.
 
Electronic scales are really sensitive to temp, airflow, static and constant current. if you light in the room are on the same circut try turning the lights off and on and see what happens to the scale. Surge protector is a must. A wipe down with a dryer sheet occasionally when the air is dry can make a big difference. i wipe my RCBS down everytime i use it after it has warmed up.
 
I tried overloading the scale many, many times to little avail. I plugged it in instead of the batteries and inadvertently left it plugged in over night. Ever since then, it has pretty much stays zeroed and I will only need to zero it once or twice in a reloading session.

Thanks for all the help guys!
 


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