My lab scale officially hates me and I think it is plotting my doom

Posted by rust_pdx86 in General Discussion

So I was measuring out some dry powder for an ongoing bench test this morning and my scale decided to start fluctuating wildly. I am talking about numbers jumping around like a caffeinated frog while there is literally nothing on the tray. I tried recalibrating it with the little metal weight three times and it just stared back at me with its cold blue LCD glare. At this rate my precise data collection is going to turn into absolute fiction. I am half tempted to start using a tiny spoon and just guessing based on vibes because the universe clearly does not want me to have accurate measurements today. If anyone needs me I will be staring blankly at a pile of white powder wondering where my life choices went wrong.

5 Comments

protocol88

Try changing the batteries even if the indicator says they are full. Low voltage makes those internal sensors go completely haywire.

rust_pdx86

I swapped the batteries and now it just tells me zero with supreme confidence before immediately jumping to random integers again. Truly a masterclass in gaslighting from inanimate laboratory equipment.

bench2146

Static is definitely the silent killer of micro weighing sessions. I learned that the hard way after losing half a milligram into the ether.

amberrat

Digital scales are possessed by angry spirits I am completely convinced of this. Mine always drifts when the air conditioner turns on.

kineticx

Actually you might just have static electricity buildup on the plastic shield. Wipe it down with a dryer sheet and see if that calms it down.