Beam scale precision - Part 1

[orkan]

Do you run a beam scale?

Do you have a computer in your reloading room?

Do you have a webcam?

If you do, you can set them up so you never get a sore neck while dumping powder ever again. Set your webcam up and focus it directly on the level meter on your beam scale. Display it as large as you want on the screen.

Trickle up to your charge and see the needle more precisely than you ever have before.

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

I'm using an RCBS 5-0-5 scale... and using this method, I can load to the granule of powder using varget. It takes a good trickler, but I'm not having any problem doing it.

I'm pretty excited about this. I'll have to build a little platform that I can get everything screwed down to, so I don't have to be so worried about bumping the webcam.

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

I was only doing a few rounds for load development tonight, but I'll leave the cam up for a while so you can see the image.

It lets me get more creative with how I setup my scale and trickler as well, since I do not have to worry about looking at the pin on the scale.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Oh well. I missed it. But it sounds like a neat idea.

 

[Unsichtbar]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Thats and idea, for us less advanced types I used a magnifier mirror setup which I did not think up www.benchrest.com/forums/showthread.php?p=470811

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Yup, same principle.

I have the camera zoomed way in, and the image displayed across a 15" monitor. It absolutely rocks.

I can see each granule of varget move the needle as it hits the pan. I was very close to buying a acculab... but not anymore.

No need.

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

I'll be doing some more, and I'll update here when I do.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Can you do a few captures or take a few photos and show us the general setup?

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Sure... I'll take some pic's tonight. I won't be home until late, so they may not be up until tomorrow.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Thanks. I'll keep a check on it.

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Here's the pics. I'm going to build a mini-itx system with an integrated 10" monitor to go on the wall between the two shelves, and get the scale mounted up permanently with the cam setup and my "quick release" trickler.

As you can see, the concept works!

The software I'm using is called FS Cam Viewer, and is available for free download. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll host it for you and get a link up.

 

[Topstrap]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Pretty good thinking and good use of stuff most of us have lying around.

What would we do without technology?

That is version I, can't wait to see version II.

Topstrap

 

[MitchInOR]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

I started doing the same a couple months ago. It sure takes the strain off of looking at the scale.

 

[Inmycrosshairs]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!


Great idea, good use of a V-cam. Plan on going to Best Buy today, tired of cranking my neck. That's why i like this web site, there's always someone with a better mouse trap.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Great Idea also the magnification helps you remain more accurate in the application of the load

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Stoffels</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the magnification helps you remain more accurate in the application of the load </div></div>

Absolutely. Like I said, I can now easily see every granule of varget make a difference, without straining at all.

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

I had a thought for the old school people too.

I bet you could make it work with CCTV cameras, if you could find a camera that focused closely enough, and could push the image to your TV. I figure if you don't have a computer in your reloading room... maybe you have a TV?

Just a thought.

 

[richardj]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Ahhhh... who needs a Prometheus II ! this is great.

Neat Idea... I'm going to steal/use it... I was just about to start using the mirror and magnifier!.... what was I thinking...


Could use a link to the software you mentioned..


Thanks!

RJ

 

[kurt]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

i use my camcorder hooked to the tv. works great now my neck does not hurt when i get done loading

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Here is the app.

FS Cam Viewer

 

[jasonk]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Great idea orkan, I like it.

With the camera, you could even turn the scale 90 degrees to get the pan closer to you.

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Yes indeed. It really sets you free in terms of how you can set up. Lets you focus on the ergonomics to make dropping powder very easy.

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

I've got a few PM's asking what camera I have.

Its a microsoft VX-3000 that has a manual focus, so I can focus it in as close as about 1/2" away from something. Works perfect for this application.

 

[Unsichtbar]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Thanks I used your web cam info to use with a Prometheus I that has an optical sensor. Works great big improvement over magnifer to see the pointers. Running this an a new powder I am hitting 4-6 rounds per min. with the accuracy which the unit is capable

 

[Suasponte]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Hats off to you! I like out of the box thinkers! I may have to pull the old beam scale back out and give it a try!

The MX-123 might get jealous! LOL!

Terry

 

[68GT]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Unsichtbar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks I used your web cam info to use with a Prometheus I that has an optical sensor. Works great big improvement over magnifer to see the pointers. Running this an a new powder I am hitting 4-6 rounds per min. with the accuracy which the unit is capable </div></div>

this is what I use on the Gen I, the flash light projects the pins on the back wall at about 2-3x. Can't get a pic of the projection though. This was an option on the early machines, wouldn't be anything to rig something similar.

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

I upgraded to a logitech c300 web cam. Double the resolution, and its a little easier to see how things line up and works in poorer lighting.

 

[Unsichtbar]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

I had not seen the light projector shadow, another great idea, thanks for posting it.

 

[Unsichtbar]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Having problems installing FS Cam viewer I am using Windows XP is there an alternate?

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Well its not something you really "install."

You just extract the file, and launch it. You need to have a webcam installed and hooked up, or it will error.

PM me your phone number if you like, and I can help you. I'm not aware of any other programs that do the full screen. The app that came with your webcam might do it as well.

 

[Unsichtbar]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Thanks I did not have the camera hooked up, I was expecting some sort of page after the down load

 

[orkan]

Re: Beam scale precision - Make it bigger!

Should also be noted that only one webcam can feed one program at a time. So if you are viewing your webcam using different software, then launch FS Cam Viewer, you may have a problem.