WAOAW Scale Problem

[gk3]

I decided to try a WAOAW scale, but it's having an issue after a month of use. It works on the original batteries, but I am having problems getting new batteries to work in it. It's this version with 0.00 grain resolution.

The original batteries are almost dead and the display shows 'Lo' after the unit has been on a few minutes, but it will initialiaze and turn on.

When I install new AAA batteries, it powers on and locks up on startup with the display and all of the LCD luminated. See attachment. It will stick like the attached image and never recover. I've left it like that overnight.

If I put the old weak batteries back in, it doesn't freeze on startup and works for a little while. I've contacted the manufacturer on Amazon for replacement, since it's likely defective, but I wondered if anyone here has run into this.

I've tried Amazon Basics alkaline and thought maybe lower voltage would help and also tried NiMH 1.2v. Maybe some half dead batteries might power it on if I can find some.

I guess I'll try the Gem20 next. I'm looking for something to compliment my RCBS 5-0-5.

 

[mdi]

I would try the "tare" function to see if it "unlocks" the scale. Or read the instructions for calibration...

 

[Walkalong]

bds has a great thread on electronic scales running around here somewhere.

 

[LiveLife]

WAOAW scale ... new AAA batteries, it powers on and locks up on startup with the display and all of the LCD luminated ... I wondered if anyone here has run into this ... also tried NiMH 1.2v. Maybe some half dead batteries might power it on

No and I have the same scale.

Digital scales work best with fully charged batteries and after being calibrated with included calibration weight(s) on flat surface without air movement. They become less consistent/act up as charge drains from the batteries. My digital scales have worked well with both alkaline and rechargeable batteries.

If replacement batteries have good charge, I would suspect defective scale (perhaps got damaged/dropped during shipment) and would agree with invoking replacement with Amazon.

Another thing to keep in mind is using in normal operating temperature range. Digital scales should operate in typical room temperature conditions and most manufacturers recommend around 59F to 95F (check with owners manual or manufacturer). If used outside of recommended temperature range, digital scales tend to act less consistent or act up/weird.

I guess I'll try the Gem20 next.

There are two types of same looking scale. I have the GEMINI-20 with small weighing platform (about half inch) that cannot be used with reloading powder pans. While it is the most accurate scale I have, it is not practical for daily use because of small size of platform - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012TDNAM/ref=psdc_678508011_t1_B00ESHDGOI

While I have not used one, I would suggest buying the GEM20 with larger flat weighing platform for the same price that could be used with reloading powder pans - https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Weigh-GEM20-Precision-Milligram/dp/B00ESHDGOI

bds has a great thread on electronic scales running around here somewhere.

Old locked thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...mation-busting-digital-scale-accuracy.759750/

Current unlocked thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/revisited-myth-busting-digital-scales.821449/

 

[ray15]

While it is the most accurate scale I have, it is not practical for daily use because of small size of pan

I'm actually seeing this as an advantage. I've settled on a methodology where I first weigh the primed case and tare the scale, drop the charge, and weigh the case again. For me this is faster and I don't make a mess. In this scenario you don't use a pan and the base only needs be large enough for the case head. The smaller the platform the less air can act on it.

 

[LiveLife]

I'm actually seeing this as an advantage. I've settled on a methodology where I first weigh the primed case and tare the scale, drop the charge, and weigh the case again.

Issue with using the case to weigh powder charge is small powder granules getting inside flash hole.

With small granule powders like Sport Pistol, W231/HP-38, WSF, AutoComp, etc., filling the case with powder will fill the flash hole and inside the primer cup with granules of powder and all granules must be tapped out to get a true weigh of powder charge. IME, amount of granules inside flash holes ranged up to several tenths of grain depending on small or large primer cup.

 

[ray15]

You don't have to tap out the powder to know how much it weighs - it's the difference between the uncharged and charged case weight. Taring the scale after weighing the pre-charged condition keeps one from having to subtract the weights. And if you pour out the charge and re-weigh against that tare you don't ever see a difference. If there's any charge in the primer it's small enough as to be lost at a 0.1gr. resolution.

 

[LiveLife]

If there's any charge in the primer it's small enough as to be lost at a 0.1gr. resolution.

Not according to my scales.

Depending on small or large primer cup, powder granules inside flash holes ranged up to several tenths of grain.

 

[Walkalong]

I'm actually seeing this as an advantage. I've settled on a methodology where I first weigh the primed case and tare the scale, drop the charge, and weigh the case again. For me this is faster and I don't make a mess. In this scenario you don't use a pan and the base only needs be large enough for the case head. The smaller the platform the less air can act on it.

Interesting.

 

[ray15]

Not according to my scales.

Depending on small or large primer cup, powder granules inside flash holes ranged up to several tenths of grain.

You aren't tapping very hard then. I've re-measured against the tare many times with W296, the smallest-grained powder I have, and it never shows even a tenth. But even if it did, unless you re-set your tare it's of no consequence. You still have the zero set with the case completely empty, so if when you measure a given charge above that it's valid even if some of that powder entered the flash hole and was not removed and then replaced. It's still weight empty vs. weight full.

 

[LiveLife]

I just weighed the granules that filled the flash hole of newly primed 45ACP brass and got the following weights on my Gemini-20 scale (Scale verified with Ohaus ASTM Class 6 check weights that go down to 1 mg/.015 gr):

Bullseye - .18 gr
HP-38 - .26 gr
WSF - .34 gr

You aren't tapping very hard then.

I agree. If I ensured I tapped out all the granules out of flash hole, I could use the case as weighing pan.

But depending on the headstamp, flash holes are not uniform and some are challenging to tap out all the granules, especially on smaller caliber cases with smaller flash holes/jagged edges.

 

[LiveLife]

you don't use a pan and the base only needs be large enough for the case head. The smaller the platform the less air can act on it.

Interesting.

For accurate and consistent readings, scales should be used in an environment where they are not affected by movement of air.

My two Ohaus 10-10, RCBS 5-0-5, Gemini-20 and WAOAW scales are sensitive to air movement if door/windows to the reloading room are open. When I am weighing, I ensure door, windows and HVAC vents are closed.

 

[Walkalong]

When I am weighing, I ensure door, windows and HVAC vents are closed.

I just wait for the A/C or heat to cycle off. I make sure to shake all the powder, as well as I can, out of the flash hole primer area when weighing charges. I cycle 5 cases in the LNL over and over weighing each charge until I am confident I have the right setting. At first I just toss the powder back in the hopper for the first 20 or so charges. After tossing the powder back in I turn the case over and tap it on the LNL which will show me if I did not get it all out. After the initial 20+ charges that I throw back I start weighing them each on the scale. I will usually weigh another 10 or so charges after I think I have the setting right to get a good mix. For my most recent load (9MM) a setting of 16.1 on my 10X measure threw from 5.28 to 5.32 Grs of Silhouette for the last 10 throws. I probably went through 30 getting there though. So, for my logged charge weight of 5.3 I feel pretty good about my average charge. I usually do average charge weights, unless I am up at max, then I do a max charge weight. If I don't log "Max, not average" by the charge weight, it is an average.

 

[LiveLife]

Good powder handling practice for consistency. I may not have the patience you do.

For my most recent load (9MM) a setting of 16.1 on my 10X measure threw from 5.28 to 5.32 Grs of Silhouette for the last 10 throws.

Metering range of .04 gr - That is very good.

 

[LiveLife]

I've settled on a methodology where I first weigh the primed case and tare the scale, drop the charge, and weigh the case again. For me this is faster and I don't make a mess.

I misread your post thinking you were using the case as a "reusable" pan.

If the case is used only once for powder charge, taring with the case method is fine. I actually have done it as well to skip the transfer of powder from pan to case.

 

[gk3]

Somehow, I managed to resurrect the scale with fresh batteries inatalled, but I'm not quite sure what I did to fix it. Afterward, I calibrated and it passed.

Earlier this evening, WAOAW support sent me an Amazon promo code for 99% off of a new order, so I got a new one for 19 cents shipped. Kinda odd, but I'll take it. They don't want the old one back either. Not too bad for such a cheap item.

I'm still researching quality digital bench scales since I have several cheapo portables.

 

[Walkalong]

Maybe some of your "new" batteries were not as new as you thought. ??