Lyman 1000XP Scale Issues

[Chris M]

Anyone else have the Lyman 1000XP Scale? It's the scale that came bundled with the reloading kit that I recently purchased. I'd like to know if you've experienced the same issue that I've got with it...and if you were able to someone get the scale working correctly.

This thing is not consistent at all. I would expect a scale that sells for over $100 to be at least somewhat consistent and accurate.

For instance, I'll set the pan on the scale, zero it, wait several seconds (8-10) pour the charge of powder into the pan (let's say 50 grains). It'll read 50.0 grains. I'll lift the pan, and pour the powder into another temporary container, and place the pan back on to the scale. The scale SHOULD read 0.0 - because I zeroed the scale with the pan on it...but it usually will read -0.5 or so. If I leave the empy pan there, it will eventually read -1.8 to -2.0 within about 30 seconds (level surface, no draft). I pour the same 50.0 grains of powder on the scale and it now reads anywhere from 48.0 to 52.0 grains.

This is definitely not good, and could potentially be a recipe for disaster. ONLY If I zero the scale every time, AND wait 10 seconds before weighing the charge of powder, it'll display the correct weight every time.

I'm definitely going to bet getting a RCBS 505, but would like to be able to use this electronic scale. I've calibrated the scale several times, but can't seem to get rid of this issue.

[kmca]

How long do you let it warm up before doing anything? Are you sure there isn't a draft, electronic scales are very sensitive to that. Do you get the same results when on battery power or using the ac adapter?

[Chris M]

I didn't know there was supposed to be a 'warm-up' time. I'd say somewhere around ~15 seconds is the longest I let it sit after first turning it on, before trying to weigh something.

I'll have to try using the AC adapter to see if I get the same results...and I'll let it warm up for a minute or two.

I have it setup on my workbench in my garage with the doors closed.


[edit]
Maybe I should read the manual.

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/scales-measures/pdf/LyC_SM_ES_1000XP.pdf

Page 2:

1. Select a location for the 1000 XP that is level and stable. It is
recommended that the scale be located away from a loading
bench equipped with a reloading press (Oops). Most benches are not
heavy enough to prevent vibrations being transferred to the
scale. The scale should also be positioned away from any source
of drafts, air currents, or temperature changes. The 1000 XP is
sensitive enough to be affected by these conditions.

4. For the first use, it is recommended that the scale be
allowed to stabilize to its surroundings for 24 hours (Oops, again). This is
particularly important if the scale has been recently transported
or subjected to changes in temperatures.


So, I guess I'll need to place it on a separate table/workbench, not allow it to move for 24 hours, and recalibrate it every time I turn it on. I know they are sensitive - but i didn't know they were THAT sensitive.

[kmca]

I do my reloading in the garage also and I built a small 4 sided box for it to sit in. I usually turn my scale on and get a cup of coffee, usually around 15-30 minutes.

[ar15barrels]

Leave the electronic scale powered on ALL THE TIME.
That way it will be warmed up.
Then calibrate it before each loading session.
Also, get a good power strip or UPS to filter the power.
You need clean and consistent power for best results.

If I were not to leave it on all the time, I would turn it on at least an hour before I started using it.

Balance beams don't need any warm-up time.

[dirtnap]

wow, I had no idea you need to warm up a scale. What exactly is warming up in there?

[f4tweet]

I was told by someone who worked in the electronic scale industry, you should let it warm up for 30 minutes. I do it, and no problems. They are nice to have and easy to use, but I still keep my RCBS 10/10.

[Chris M]

OK...I had my wife turn the scale on (w/ AC power, plugged into a surge protector) before I got home from work. It was on for at least an hour and a half before I tried doing anything with it.

First, I calibrated the scale, waiting 15 seconds between each step. Then I zeroed it with the pan in place. I then placed the calibration weight (20.000 grams) into the pan, and it read 20.020 grams. After that, I put just under 50 grains of powder and slowly added very small amounts until it was reading a constant 50.0 grains. I took the powder out of the pan, and poured it back in several times, and was getting a consistent 50.0 grains. I left the powder in the pan and I walked away from the scale for about 45 minutes, and came back in, and the scale was reading 49.8 grains. Still not ideal, but much better than it was before.

Thanks for the tips.

[f4tweet]

Send it back. The scale should not be that difficult to use. You will probably get a new one.

[Noah]

I have the same exact problems with mine. I have concluded that it needs to be returned. I had one session where the scale function like it should. It held a zero very well and weighed consistently. The second time I went to use it I began to have the exact same problems that you are describing. I have tried everything mentioned. long warm ups, very stable level surface, not moving the scale for a day before use, battery-wall outlet, etc, etc, etc.
I am extremely disappointed in this scale. I plan to purchase a beam if lyman does not replace my scale with a unit that functions as it should.

[Chris M]

After playing with the scale a bit more tonight, I've realized that I need to re-zero it about every 8-10 powder charges, or else it'll be off by 0.4 to 0.8 grains. This definitely doesn't seem right. At least I'm finding that my powder measure is pretty accurate...within +/- 0.2 grains each time.

[gunboat]

I can let you borrow my Pacific scale with an adjusting nut and box of weights -- never varies, no warm up, no batteries, not draft sensitive, doesn't care if you put it on your loading bench. If you want to slow the occilations it has a small jar of oil and a paddle attached to the beam. Cost about $8 new in '57. A dipper and trickler hurries things on a bit. :-)

[jmpgfoto]

Seems to be a common problem with this scale. Mine also came as part of a T-Mag press outfit. The 1000XP has been trouble from the start. I use AC power, reload in the kitchen, let it warm up for at least an hour and the darned thing keeps going off zero, it's a nuisance. If I come up with some bucks I hope to change to a better, more stable scale.

Does anyone have suggestions of a good, stable scale that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

[Bill Steele]

I have owned quite a few digital scales, some inexpensive, one of them embarassingly more expensive than your $100 scale. They all sleep with the fishes these days.

I use my RCBS 1010, gavity is pretty much always lab grade.

[GUNNTZ]

My lyman scale was a huge piece of junk and so were the replacements. There is something with the way they are built, it just would not hold something close to zero. I finally bought a rcbs and have had no major issues at all. My suggestion is to just step up when you can.