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Jan 18th, '09, 15:35
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nutty scale

by Cinnabar Red » Jan 18th, '09, 15:35

My Salter scale has decided to go on strike. When weighing out tea, the reading jumps all over the place. I tried removing and re installing the batteries to no effect. It will sometimes work ok, but less and less.

Anyone have similar problems, or suggestions?

Thanks!

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Jan 18th, '09, 15:39
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by tenuki » Jan 18th, '09, 15:39

Try not using a scale for a while. You may be surprised at the results. :D
Do something different, something different will happen. ( Gong Fu Garden )

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Jan 18th, '09, 16:00
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by Drax » Jan 18th, '09, 16:00

peanut < cashew < almond < walnut ...

Oh, that's not what you meant by nutty scale?

;)

Okay, okay, it does sound like the scale is starting to die. However, it could just be a simple mechanical issue. Does it have pieces that you can remove and clean? It's possible that gunk has built up in some parts and is causing a problem.

The only other thing I can think of is that there's a really strong breeze blowing nearby (heater vent?) but I'm guessing you would have picked up on that one.

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Jan 18th, '09, 16:02
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by scruffmcgruff » Jan 18th, '09, 16:02

Have you checked the electrical contacts for deposits? If so, you might try cleaning them (and your batteries). Have you dropped anything on it or exceeded its maximum rating for weight?

Scales are pretty sensitive instruments, so it may be time to find a replacement if cleaning the contacts doesn't work. A lot of us tea-heads like the MyWeigh 300z-- it's cheap and is certainly precise enough. The one Upton Tea Imports sells is also nice.
Tea Nerd - www.teanerd.com

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Jan 18th, '09, 16:02
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by Chip » Jan 18th, '09, 16:02

Sometimes my Upton unit will do that when a little leaf gets in the gap between the weighing surface and the base of the unit. The leaf fragment is probably touching both.

I can usually dislodge it by either carefully tapping the weighing surface a few times and/or blowing carefully into the gap between the weighing surface and the base of the unit.

This has solved the problem each time.

Long live scales :D

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Jan 18th, '09, 16:23
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by Cinnabar Red » Jan 18th, '09, 16:23

Drax wrote:peanut < cashew < almond < walnut ...

Okay, okay, it does sound like the scale is starting to die. .
I'd better arrange last rites, then. :roll:


You all have excellent suggestions. I'll give them a try in the order that they were received :) Thanks!

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Jan 20th, '09, 17:40
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by JoeCha » Jan 20th, '09, 17:40

I don't know if you're using your scale near an active microwave, but I've had a couple of scales freak out and jump all over the place when the microwave is running.

I did everything (batteries...cleaning...shaking of fists) before I put the two events together.

My two cents.

Oh...first time poster, long time lurker.

-- Joe

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Jan 20th, '09, 20:20
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by Cinnabar Red » Jan 20th, '09, 20:20

hi, Joe,

Nice to see you on stage.

I'll try the scale away from the microwave and see how it does.

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Jan 20th, '09, 20:53
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by Salsero » Jan 20th, '09, 20:53

JoeCha wrote: Oh...first time poster, long time lurker.

Welcome, Joe!

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