Gempro 250 what's going on?

[scorpion168]

I'll try to keep this short, but informative. I've used my Gempro 250 for a year with no problems. I've turned it on for at least 24 hrs before using. It usually was spot on after picking up powder cup and replacing it. Well, last time I used it, I left it plugged in. That was about 3 weeks ago. Last night I go to use it and it's acting funny. It does not reset, or tare back to "0". I loaded one brass with 43 gr 4064 and it filled it to the rim and then a few more. I tried it twice, then pulled out my RCBS 5-10 beam scale. Measured 43 grs and it filled the brass like it's supposed to. I then poured that powder from the brass to the Gempro and it read 38 and change. Wow! What has happened? Was it left on too long? I didn't think that would be a problem. We had a few thunderstorms, but no lightning seemed too close.when I put the powder scoop on it, it takes forever for it to start zeroing down, and then it's so sporadic. It still doesn't zero out when I mash the tare button. I'm disappointed that it is acting weird now, I liked using it. Any help would be highly appreciated.

 

[pell1203]

Seeing no one has taken a shot at this here are some things that might have happened that may be capable of affecting your scale. Even though you may not have had thunderstorms in the area it does not mean that the utility providing your electric power did not experience a voltage spike or brown out condition in its distribution grid. Either one of these could damage the delicate electronics in the scale or screw up the transformer if it were severe enough.

If your scale is powered via a transformer, I would first try to confirm the wall wart is outputting the correct/specified voltage needed to drive the scale. This may help you isolate if the problem is occurring at the power supply or within the electronics on the scale itself.

I would also try unplugging the unit for about an hour, rubbing it down with a clothes drier anti-static sheet, and then plugging it back in to see if it behaves any better. Who knows? Maybe it has somehow picked up a stray static charge from somewhere that may be affecting it.

I realize none of these suggestions are likely to fix it... just some guesses trying to give you some ideas and a place to start troubleshooting. Good luck!

 

[bobke]

If you do a Google search engine check of the many Gempro threads, you may find some clues to possible solution. Have you tried very best quality batteries? There are also snap on magnetic chokes for you power cord that mitigate power flow issues. That said, I had issues similar to your's, but for two back to back brand new GP 250's and gave up on Gempro. Returned to ever reliable beam scales and won't look back.

 

[scorpion168]

Thanks guys. I guess no more 'lectrics for me. Time to get used to the beam scale.

 

[waveslayer]

I have experienced where the powder actually gets into the stem of the scale, the part the holds the actual scale. I have had to clean it out and blow it out with my mouth. Now it reads true again.

 

[gasdoc09]

I've never had trouble with my gempro 250. I did put some ferrite cores on the power cord. I give it about 10 minutes to warm up and it is always exactly spot on.

If you're going to use a digital scale, no matter how cheap or expensive, you really ought to have a set of check weights for it. You can get a set of grain-denominated weights for $30 or so from RCBS and a couple other makers. Think I got mine from Brownells.

 

[Krebaum]

I have had two Gempro 250 the first one worked great for a couple of years and then it started acting very erratic and would not weigh accurately. I sent it back and they sent me a new one. The new one did not work as well as the old one. It would not work properly when trickling up, you would have to take the pan off the scale and then set it back on for it to read the additional few kernels of powder. I should send the second one back also. I ended up getting a Prometheus II and only check weigh the charge when setting up the Prometheus. I would send it back and have them look at it, they will take care of you, they have a lifetime warranty.

 

[bobke]

More issues with battery panels I've seen on last two GP 250's I've wound up returning.

 

[scorpion168]

I'll try to send it back. Anybody have an address or phone #?

 

[bobke]

You're best to send it back to jobber you bought it from. Believe there are instructions to that effect in box it came from. I'd picked mine up from Old Will Knott, and they handled first exchange and ultimate return of second promptly, and without issue.