Digital scales get a lot of forum coverage, and not just on this forum . . . "under $100, get a beam scale." "GemPro250". "RCBS Chargemaster".
There seems to be general agreement (though not universal) that the relatively inexpensive (strain gauge) digital scales can be less reliable and more problematic than desired.
OTOH, the Prometheus Gen 1 and Gen 2 scales have long been the gold standard for dispenser scales, providing speed, precision, and repeatability . . . automating a RCBS PM and a precision beam scale. Folks willing to go to the extreme
lease them for many thousands of dollars (videos are available on Youtube).
Digital scales using magnetic force restoration can actually give excellent precision and repeatability down to 0.02gr and better. The least expensive such scale ATM is the A&D FX120i which a careful shopper can find for ~$550US. This scale handles trickling very well, and many folks have upgraded to it. It also outputs data via a serial port for lab automation.
Along came a guy named Adam MacDonald who decided to use a couple of Arduino micro-controller boards, attach them to the FX120i serial port, and use those readings to control an RCBS trickler via a stepper motor.
This video describes the "mod" and shows a bit of operational use::
. . . and this video gives you an idea of the repeatability of the trickler/dispenser (Note that 0.2g = 3.09gr):
(Power failure lol) (OK came back on - thank you UPS
)
The "mod" costs $199 + shipping from
Automatic Powder Trickler - Home , seeming to bring Prometheus-like accuracy and speed down to under $800. I'll let you kow how it goes probably in May-June when mine arrives.
Adam is working on interfacing this device to the Sartorious line of scales, a more expensive but popular reloader's tool.
Electronics are making progress
A Precision "Chargemaster" !?!
Linear Mode
