What should I look for in a freon scale?

[quiet mike]

I'm getting ready to purchase a set of freon scales to weigh in a charge but before I spend the money, I would like to make sure I get the best bang for the buck and get a quality piece.

From you expirienced users, what kind of features should I look for?

Thanks in advance.

[yellowirenut]

unless you are looking for the scale to shut down the refrigerant charge i would look for something with 4 different settings... lbs with oz. , oz. only Kg. with grams and grams. only.

[addamsmasher]

Hey Q.M, I use the CPS Compute a Charge. All I do is hook up the scale to my manifold, input how much I want to weigh in, press go and thats pretty much about it.

[quiet mike]

Thanks fellas. Along with weighing my charge in, I will be using it mostly to better accurately charge our customers for refrigerant that we have used rather than the old "a pound or two.":D

[clintkennon]

I use the basic cps digital scale, Ive had it for 4 years and it still works as good as the day I bought it.

[Glenn Harrison]

I have the Uniweld Chargetron, which I purchased due to it's Ounces only option which is nice for refrigeration units that list ounces only charges. I've had mine for 4 years without a problem.

http://uniweld.com/catalog/refrig_hvac/accessories/chargetron_scale.htm

http://uniweld.com/Larger_View/53650_lg.jpg

[BamaCool]

I've got a TIF scale. Every single time I weigh in a charge with it, I either have to pull some out or put some more in. I got to where I put in 1 lb less than required and check it from there. I did that today on a unit that I fixed a leak on. It labeled 139 oz. - which is 8.7 lbs. I put in 8 lbs.(so the scale said). I had to let out at least 1 lb. to get charge correct. I think I've been ripping myself off over the last 2 years, selling 2 lbs. of freon when I actually put in 3 lbs. I'll watch this thread to see which one is worth getting as well. I could have bought a very nice one by now, considering how much freon I've been giving away.

[MechAcc]

I have the Inficon Wey-Tek. Bought the basic scale then later on purchased the add on charging meter.

[jpsmith1cm]

I use the basic cps digital scale, Ive had it for 4 years and it still works as good as the day I bought it.

Yup. That one.

[amickracing]

Yellow Jacket (and I'm sure others) now make a smaller scale like those pictured above that will weigh up to 175? pounds?

It'll do enough that you can use them on the big bottles for recovery instead of a bathroom scale. A coworker has one and it works slick. Much better than carrying 2 scales.

[thatguy]

I have the Uniweld Chargetron, which I purchased due to it's Ounces only option which is nice for refrigeration units that list ounces only charges. I've had mine for 4 years without a problem.

http://uniweld.com/catalog/refrig_hvac/accessories/chargetron_scale.htm

http://uniweld.com/Larger_View/53650_lg.jpg

This is the one that I use too. The thing works like a charm! Something that I have found nice is that it will do lbs in decimal readout as opposed to the lbs/oz readout. Its not often I get to use it but it is there for that blue moon occasion. It can also be used with the auto stop valve that weighs in the selected charge. The valve is extra but I believe it will beep at you if you dial in a specific weight. Its not exactly an option I have ever cared to learn or explore so I'm not too sure how it works but I'm pretty sure its there.

It has two sensitivity settings. One setting for objects up to I think it was 100 pounds or somewhere around there with 0.2 oz increments and the other does up to 150 ish but the increments are larger.

Like all electronics it doesn't like the rain very much. Mine got a little more wet than it should have once :o and it froze on me. I took it home and let it dry out for the weekend. Started it up and checked its calibration with various weights, Still works like a charm! That was probably 10 months ago.

I guess you can tell that I don't use the fancy options too much. I have never had a need to change the sensitivity of the scale off of the 0.2 oz increment setting (accept for when I weighed myself:)) and I watch as I charge the system so I don't care to use a beeper or auto stop. The things I do like about this scale are the multiple values and its easy to read the numbers on the display.

[blowhard7]

Recently picked up a second hand Uniweld Chargetron #53650. It's accuracy was way off. I emailed the manufacturer and obtained the calibration procedure for the scale which I could not find anywhere on the web. Very happy with my purchase after calibration. Hopefully this will assist others in the future:

Test Procedure:

Start Up

1. Exercise platform by placing hands on platform and pressing down & up 4 to 5 times. (This will lubricate the platform)
2. IMPORTANT! Make sure the cord that is attached to the platform is not touching the platform and affecting the weight reading.
3. Connect power supply and turn the scale on by pushing the “ON” button. The scale will go through a warm up procedure and flash the following: UNI-002, 999999, 888888, 777777, 666666, 555555, 444444, 333333, 222222, 111111 at the end of the count down it will flash 110.0 Lbs 0.2 OZ. and then go to the following reading: 0. Lbs 0.0 OZ. If the scale should flash 176.0 Lbs 0.5 OZ. then the scale is set to read at a higher weight capacity and must be adjusted by holding down the “UNITS” button until you hear three beeps and the reading will flash 110.0 Lbs 0.2 OZ. now the scale is set to the correct weight capacity. The final step is to zero out the current reading by pushing the “TARE” button which now the readings should be the following: 0. Lbs 0.0 OZ. The scale is now ready to be tested for accuracy.

Accuracy Weight Test:

1. This test will require 4 metal weights totaling 39.0 Lbs 8.0 OZ. (The weights are located in CPI and must be returned when testing is completed).
2. Once start up is completed place the weights on platform. The weight should read 39.0 Lbs 8.0 OZ. with a tolerance of ± . 2oz.
3. If the reading is between 39.0 Lbs. 8.2 OZ. and 39.0 Lbs. 7.8 OZ. it is within tolerance. Anything above or below these readings is out of tolerance and is rejected. Should a scale be out of tolerance and rejected please proceed with “Recalibration Procedures”.

Checking Tear Weight:

1. After completion of the Accuracy Weight Test proceed with Tare Weight Test. While the weights are still on the platform push the “TARE” button which now the readings should be the following: 0.0 Lbs 0.0 OZ. Remove the weights and the reading should be –39.0 Lbs 8.0 OZ.
2. If the reading is –39.0 Lbs 8.0 OZ. push the “TARE” button which now the readings should be the following: 0.0 Lbs 0.0 OZ.

Shut Down

1. Shut down scale by pushing the “OFF” button. Disconnect power source.

NOTE: Chargetron Scale at start up must be set at 110.0 Lbs 0.2 OZ accuracy. For procedure use Chargetron Inspection Procedure, Start Up number three.

CALIBRATE SCALE PROCEDURE:

1. Connect power supply and turn the scale on by pushing the “ON” button and immediately push and hold the “SETUP” button. While holding down the “SETUP” button the scale will go through a warm up procedure and flash the following: UNI-002, 999999, 888888, 777777, 666666, 555555, 444444, 333333, 222222, 111111 and will end with the following: “SEt - 1”
2. Push “UNITS” button again for the following: “SEt - 11”
3. Push “UNITS” button again for the following: “GOOD”
4. Reading should be between the following range: 5750 - 5950
5. If the reading is not between 5750 - 5950 you must open the case (handheld display unit) and adjust the range by turning the Uri – Adjustment Set Screw.
6. Push “TARE” button for the following: It is ok if number fluctuates between this range -2 to +2
7. At this time you will require 3 metal weights totaling 30.0 Lbs 0.0 OZ. (The weights are located in CPI and must be returned when recalibration is completed). Place weight on scale.
8. Push “UNITS” button again for the following: “GOOD” will flash and change to 50.000 Kg
9. Note: 30.0 Lbs = 13.607 Kg. At this time the number must read 13.607 Kg. To adjust the number, push “TARE” button and to shift to the next number push the “UNITS” button.
10. After number 13.607 Kg is set up, push the “SETUP” button.

Shut Down

1. The scale calibration is now complete to shut down scale push the “OFF” button and disconnect the power source.

The Scale Calibration is now complete!

[engineerdave]

I've been running on the CPS CC100 for 10 years(?) now. Seems to work just fine.....

[marvin]

take a look at the accu tool scale. priced right & very accurate.

[stickinit2thman]

I've got a TIF scale. Every single time I weigh in a charge with it, I either have to pull some out or put some more in. I got to where I put in 1 lb less than required and check it from there. I did that today on a unit that I fixed a leak on. It labeled 139 oz. - which is 8.7 lbs. I put in 8 lbs.(so the scale said). I had to let out at least 1 lb. to get charge correct. I think I've been ripping myself off over the last 2 years, selling 2 lbs. of freon when I actually put in 3 lbs. I'll watch this thread to see which one is worth getting as well. I could have bought a very nice one by now, considering how much freon I've been giving away.Ive got the tiff also but havnt noticed anything unusuall. It reads consistantly with my old analog scale I checked it day one now im gonna do it again, since you said something ill check it tomorrow, send it back maybe its defective. Any one else have problems with the tiff scale?

[itsiceman]

More problems with the tif 9010 than I can think of right now :gah:
The 9010A is rock solid IMO unless you get it wet and close the lid with out drying it out first :.02:

[marvin]

have a 9010a that slid off of a roof & bounced in to the deep end of
a pool. took it apart & blew down with nitro & let dry
for a couple of days & still works great.

[stickinit2thman]

have a 9010a that slid off of a roof & bounced in to the deep end of
a pool. took it apart & blew down with nitro & let dry
for a couple of days & still works great.Whew! I had to go grab mine to see which one I have, its the 9010a. Its been great so far, had it since may of this year. I like the idea of the ounces only funtion as mentioned by someone else on another brand. Just reading inside the cover and found that it can be used with the 9020 remote charging module through the expansion port on the right side of the controll box. Does anyone use this and if so is it woth the extra money to invest in it? By the way my computer weighs exactly 5lbs 3.8oz !:.02:

[stickinit2thman]

have a 9010a that slid off of a roof & bounced in to the deep end of
a pool. took it apart & blew down with nitro & let dry
for a couple of days & still works great.Man, your luck sounds like mine! We would go broke working together lol. Glad to hear ive got a good one.

[stickinit2thman]

I've got a TIF scale. Every single time I weigh in a charge with it, I either have to pull some out or put some more in. I got to where I put in 1 lb less than required and check it from there. I did that today on a unit that I fixed a leak on. It labeled 139 oz. - which is 8.7 lbs. I put in 8 lbs.(so the scale said). I had to let out at least 1 lb. to get charge correct. I think I've been ripping myself off over the last 2 years, selling 2 lbs. of freon when I actually put in 3 lbs. I'll watch this thread to see which one is worth getting as well. I could have bought a very nice one by now, considering how much freon I've been giving away.Which model?

[stickinit2thman]

Anyone use the fieldpiece scale? It looks like a good product. Compact and wireless If I remember correctly, anyone have feed back on it? Russell?

[ault51]

Anyone use the fieldpiece scale? It looks like a good product. Compact and wireless If I remember correctly, anyone have feed back on it? Russell?

I can tell you that our wireless scale is very popular, and built like a tank! We consistently have great feedback from users and the techs that have them seem to love them. I think there are some comments about it somewhere on this site. Try doing a search for SRS2 or SRS2C

Travis

[stickinit2thman]

I can tell you that our wireless scale is very popular, and built like a tank! We consistently have great feedback from users and the techs that have them seem to love them. I think there are some comments about it somewhere on this site. Try doing a search for SRS2 or SRS2C

TravisI will, im pretty much making a switch-over to fieldpiece products because of the versatility and factory warranty backing. Im not able finacially to replace everything all at once but am doing it as I can afford and like the idea of the wireless scale and was wondering if you have looked at an automatic charging system like tif and some others have? Im looking at that option on my tif as an alteranative to replacing my scale at this time, as there are some things I would like over the scale at this time.

[XcelTech]

I like the Fieldpeice scale.

Wireless digital gauge allows me to walk away from the scale and still see the weight in. It also measures in quarter of an ounce for critically charged units.

[marvin]

the main thing im interested is accuracy...
if in doubt i think every state has a dept. of weights &
measures that can check it for you. my accu tool is heavy
@.3# at 50#.. close enough for me

[itsiceman]

Marvin it can be easily calibrated and rechecked in the field with real or known weights :.02:

[energy star]

I have the Fieldpiece. Like it.