Hello,
I recently saw an ad for a precision 0.0001 g / 120 g balance from VEVOR. For about $220 delivered, I couldn't resist trying it out, and I have some findings.
The scale itself is of acceptable quality, but there were two key issues when I tried to use it. First, the scale's units don't include grains, only grams. Second, the 100 g check/calibration weight is actually 99.00 g, from what I can tell.
To get around the units problem, I used AI to code a WinForms program.
It took me a while to figure out the calibration issue. The scale wouldn't read the same as my Hornady Auto Charge Pro. Eventually I tried multiple check weights and discovered that the check weight included with the VEVOR was 99.00 g. I can only assume the other use case for this scale is people making drugs, so that could cause some issues for them. Regardless, I was able to get around it by combining 50 g check weights.
The purpose of this scale is as a comparative tool, not for true accuracy. To use it to increase the precision of my loads, I set a target of, say, 43.4 gr on my Hornady Auto Charge and then trickled up to 43.5 gr on the VEVOR scale.
My conclusion for those considering adding this to their process is that it's worth considering for some use cases, but the precision you gain probably isn't worth it for most uses. After using it, I can say that for most reloading I won't need it. With IMR 4350, I was seeing about ±2 kernels of powder with my Hornady Auto Charge Pro. Although the VEVOR let me get precise down to the kernel, I don't find that worth the extra time in most circumstances. I'll only use it for maximum-effort loads like long-range hunting, where components are expensive and volumes are low, so the extra time doesn't bother me. after this venture I do not personally understand why anyone that isn't an A-tier competitor would invest in brand-name lab grade scales.
The Program, once completed, I can share. If anyone wants to play with it. it doesn't require the scale. The intention is to combine a couple different parts of my process into one program. I have group measuring working. I see a lot of pay-walled versions of this stuff and I would rather provide it free. The scale uses a DB9 connector with RS232 serial. its pretty easy to set up with a $15 cable. I will probably post or update this when I get the program more fleshed out. For now I am running through testing it. If anyone has any interest in trying it please DM me. I haven't setup an installer or anything yet to make it easily shareable but I will soon. I previously used google drive but I am interested in moving away from it to a local solution like this.
one other thing; The program will/(IS? i still have to test it) be able to parse Garmin CSV files and populate the associated test. I could add bluetooth support but it's not a priority right now.
I recently saw an ad for a precision 0.0001 g / 120 g balance from VEVOR. For about $220 delivered, I couldn't resist trying it out, and I have some findings.
The scale itself is of acceptable quality, but there were two key issues when I tried to use it. First, the scale's units don't include grains, only grams. Second, the 100 g check/calibration weight is actually 99.00 g, from what I can tell.
To get around the units problem, I used AI to code a WinForms program.
It took me a while to figure out the calibration issue. The scale wouldn't read the same as my Hornady Auto Charge Pro. Eventually I tried multiple check weights and discovered that the check weight included with the VEVOR was 99.00 g. I can only assume the other use case for this scale is people making drugs, so that could cause some issues for them. Regardless, I was able to get around it by combining 50 g check weights.
The purpose of this scale is as a comparative tool, not for true accuracy. To use it to increase the precision of my loads, I set a target of, say, 43.4 gr on my Hornady Auto Charge and then trickled up to 43.5 gr on the VEVOR scale.
My conclusion for those considering adding this to their process is that it's worth considering for some use cases, but the precision you gain probably isn't worth it for most uses. After using it, I can say that for most reloading I won't need it. With IMR 4350, I was seeing about ±2 kernels of powder with my Hornady Auto Charge Pro. Although the VEVOR let me get precise down to the kernel, I don't find that worth the extra time in most circumstances. I'll only use it for maximum-effort loads like long-range hunting, where components are expensive and volumes are low, so the extra time doesn't bother me. after this venture I do not personally understand why anyone that isn't an A-tier competitor would invest in brand-name lab grade scales.
The Program, once completed, I can share. If anyone wants to play with it. it doesn't require the scale. The intention is to combine a couple different parts of my process into one program. I have group measuring working. I see a lot of pay-walled versions of this stuff and I would rather provide it free. The scale uses a DB9 connector with RS232 serial. its pretty easy to set up with a $15 cable. I will probably post or update this when I get the program more fleshed out. For now I am running through testing it. If anyone has any interest in trying it please DM me. I haven't setup an installer or anything yet to make it easily shareable but I will soon. I previously used google drive but I am interested in moving away from it to a local solution like this.
one other thing; The program will/(IS? i still have to test it) be able to parse Garmin CSV files and populate the associated test. I could add bluetooth support but it's not a priority right now.
