Scales, an old man's ramblings.

[daboone]

For over 60 year I've accumulated 5 beam scales. A few years ago I was given, by my SIL, a Gen 6 which proved to be beneficial. Yesterday I pulled all 5 of the beam scales out, dusted them off and played with them using my RCBS scale weight set. I'm happy to say this was a fun way to spend a day and a trip down memory lane. It also proved that I never needed to upgrade. On the other hand I'm not disappointed I did.

My first scale I got from my dad and still have and occasionally use is an old oil damping Redding and it is still functions accurately. Marked $12.50 on the box. Actually this is the scale he taught me how to reload with as a kid. Well we used homemade scoops too.

My second was a Lyman M5. It's still my go to beam scale today.

The 3rd was a Lee Safety Scale. I used a slide rule a lot when I younger so that was never a problem for me. It as sensitive and accurate as the best of my my collection. It required adding a lead ingot under the housing to keep it stable or rather from moving when adjusting. It just doesn't settles as fast as the others and maybe faster than the older Redding'

Number 4 was an Ohaus 10-10. It's a similar to the M5 but I find the M5 a little easier to read. But then I've never found it necessary to read a measurement as fine as it's capable of measuring.

#5 is the new Redding #2, a recent purchase. Like the Lee scale it is very sensitive and accurate. Indeed I have to hold my breath to get a reading with this scale. A light touch is required when setting the pan on the pan holder or the beam's pointer goes above the holder for indexing zero marks and has to be adjusted to get in back inbounds. This was part of its learning curve for me but just a minor one.

The Gen6, I was given, took awhile for me to appreciate because I just refused to trust it for a year. But it has proven to be reliable consistant and fast in use. It's some 5 year old now and much appreciated for it speed and consistency.

[jmort]

Mechanical scales will never go out of style for me even though I have a couple electronic scales for less critical missions. Have a few mechanical scales. Sounds like a enjoyable time as you describe it, appreciating what you have.

[Larry Gibson]

Several different beam scales have gone through my hands over the years but I always stuck with my Redding. It is a magnetic dampened scale. I got it way "back in the day" along with a set of Pacific scale check weights. It has served me well over the years but I always lusted for an Ohaus 10-0-5 which can measure to 1005 gr. They haven't been available for many years and I'd written it off to one of those "shoulda got" items. Recently a member here had a basically new one for sale at a reasonable price so I yielded to temptation and bought it. The Ohaus is very nice and I've double checked the weight measurement through it's range with the check weights and against the Redding......both are spot on. I've a grandson who is "into" guns and shooting who I'm collecting reloading equipment for so he will probably get the Redding first and eventually the Ohaus. He's currently in the Army at training so it will be a while before he's stabilized to use the reloading equipment. He was doing well with a couple Lee loaders before enlisting so that may be his reloading method for a couple years but he could still use the scale and a powder thrower.

Anyways, as with the OP I am still a "beamer" too..........:drinks:

[atr]

I have a magnetically dampened Ohaus which I bought in the mid 60's. It is the only scale I have and it continues to serve me well.

[daboone]

Larry, kids and grandkids are the reason I haven't traded or given any of my powder measures or scales away. I have traded and sold a few presses to help defray the cost of the "new upgraded" replacements but my son have warned me they expect to see the rest of my stuff in the will or my obituary may occur sooner that I'd like.

[OS OK]

These new fangled gizmos will come and go,
but the beam, the trusty ole beam...
will always have the final word, 'yes' or 'no'?

https://i.imgur.com/iMv3dHL.jpg

I just got a RCBS Scale check weight set...kinda pricey but it gives some credence to these digitals, at least you can see whether or not the digital needs a full calibration or not...and it's a good set to make sure that they both really do agree on weight. Gotta keep the knives and bearing slot clean on the beam but she'll always be on my bench.

[Hickok]

I still use my old brown colored Herters Scale, that has a paddle and a reservoir for oil, (never used this function).

It was bought in the late 60's.

I have some electronic scales, I only use them to weigh bullets/boolits, broadheads, arrows and such.

The old Herters Model Perfect is used for all powder charges.

[lightman]

That sounds like a fun day at the loading bench. I have also owned several scales. Most of them are gone now but I still have the original Herters scale that Grandpa bought that is the one that I learned on. I'm pretty sure that Redding made it. Its oil dampened but I run it dry. I use an RCBS Chargemaster now but my old Herters scale keeps it honest! I've also had a RCBS 1010, another RCBS beam, one of the first Dillon scales and maybe another one or two. Due to bench space I'm down to the original Herters scale and the Chargemaster. I've always wanted an RCBS 304. Shoulda bought one when they were making them I guess!

Back to beam scales. Once I learned to trust my readings I quit waiting for the scale to settle back to zero. I read it on the move. Once it swings the same way a couple of times I grab the pan and dump it. I read years ago that the lab guys used this method before digital scales were made and it works for me. I really appreciate digital scales for weighing unknown weights.

On another note, I get a little tickleled reading about the guys that weigh to .0001 of a knats readend! It seems that + or - 1/10th has always been the industry standard for reloaders. This is closer than a lot of factory charges that I have weighed. Winning benchrest guys throw their charges too! You can bet that they are experts with their measures but they trust them.

[mdi]

I got my first beam scale in 1971, a Lee Safety Scale, and have been reloading with beam scales since then. (I still have a Lee SS and use it occasionally. To slow the swing I placed a rare earth magnet on the bench under the pan.) I have never had a beam scale "go bad" on me and I have owned 3 digital scales and two have died. One, the most expensive, refused to tare, then could not calibrate it, just a little over a year old. One drifts and the scale must be "tared" every time the pan is lifted/replaced. The one I have now, a cheap Frankfort Arsenal, is working OK so far, but I set it up against my RCBS 5-10 or Lyman D5 scale...

[1066]

Love my beam scales too - Not quite sure how many I have just at the moment, more than 30 anyway. I have ones with no damping, oil damping and magnetic damping. One of my favourites is a nice Webster oil damped scale - very nicely made and still working as well as it ever did. My "every day" scale is a Lyman M5.

http://i.imgur.com/LaymAujm.png?1 (https://imgur.com/LaymAuj)
http://i.imgur.com/Nfn63Cul.png?1 (https://imgur.com/Nfn63Cu)
http://i.imgur.com/lyGeUdWl.png?1 (https://imgur.com/lyGeUdW)
http://i.imgur.com/TcSgjYbl.png?1 (https://imgur.com/TcSgjYb)

[LAH]

My scale is from the early 70s which I purchased used. After all these years I've seen no reason to upgrade.

[jmorris]

I am not very impressed with some of the new stuff, it works but isn’t as precise as a good old beam scale.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmxBSOOL7Ks

[jmorris]

You can mix old with new and get very repeatable results though.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA0_KDjbBGQ

[6.5 CM]

I've check my RCBS electronic unit 1000s of time with my Redding scale. It has never been "off".

I still do it but it's really a waste of time.

[Taterhead]

This is an interesting thread. I've owned 3 beam scales and sold a Redding oil dampened scale. I've settled on my Ohaus 10-10 and RCBS (Ohaus) 5-0-5.

I also recently, out if curiosity, spent some time with check weights running up and down the scales' ranges of capabilities. They were both reassuringly precise.

The 505 is so danged convenient and easy to use that it gets used most often.

[NyFirefighter357]

https://i.imgur.com/u8wa60q.jpg

[OS OK]

NyFirefighter357 can I be in your will?

[Pressman]

NY Firefighter you are causing me to drool all over my keyboard.
That is one beauty of a scale.

[dverna]

I still have my first Lyman scale bought over 45 years ago. I hardly ever use it.

RSBC Chargemaster is my go to unit.

[NyFirefighter357]

Now, I'll make you jealous. I bought it at the LGS used for $40. I know they got it cheap because I found a $5 tag sale marking on it. I didn't know anything about them until I google searched and found what they were selling for on-line. I put it together in the store to make sure all the parts were there, didn't argue about the price and laughed all the way home!

[OS OK]

"outstanding!"

[Gewehr-Guy]

My most used scale is a Pacific, of early 80's vintage,also have a RCBS 304, but it takes up more bench space so doesn't get used as much. One of my scales which I find indespensible, is an Ohaus triple beam balance with a capacity of 5lb 2oz, that I use to weight lead ingots, monotype and tin to get consistant bullet alloys. They are common on Ebay, and at decent prices

[JBinMN]

I am enjoying this topic very much.
:)

I am using the RCBS 5-0-5 scale I got back in the mid 80's. I bought a FA digital for a backup & something I can take out in the field with the handpress & what else I need to load in the field if I want, but I prefer the beam scale. Just don't want to take it out & chance messing it up. So the FA goes instead. It runs close enough for what I want it to do.

I am a bit different than most , I am thinking, since I weigh every single throw of powder no matter which powder measure I use. So, the beam scale gets a work out. If something happened to it, I would be getting another beam scale ASAP. I have the FA as a temporary backup, but I the beam scale is what I would call a "must have", for me.

I also got a RCBS check weight kit a while back just to make sure that everything stays as it should. I was using some different jacketed bullets as check weights, but I decided to get a dedicated kit for checking.

I would certainly like to have a couple more beam scales, but due to limited income now a days, I will just have to keep on plodding along with the one I have.

That said, it is why I like to see the posts & pics in this topic to see what all of the rest of you have & are using.


Thanks for sharing what you use!
:)

[BCB]

Started with the 5-10 when I first started reloading—late 60’s or early 70’s. I got it with an RCBS Rockchucker Kit and it is a good ol’ buddy that worked well for me in the beginning and likely would be good today…

Got the Lyman 500, and RCBS Rangemaster when I purchased entire reloading packages from private individuals. I use neither very often, but the Rangemaster seldom—only for weighing boolits—too dang fussy to adjust etc. for power usage in my opinion…

I use the Lee rarely also as I got it from a Lee kit I purchase to take to my Cabin in the Woods where I fine tune loads that I have put together at my home. I also have another Lee scale there and it is DANGEROUS as far as I am concerned. It likely is their least expensive model—it is basically a paper weight. (I use the Lee press at the Cabin and I let them there. If someone breaks into my Cabin, they don’t get a heck of a lot—although I am not bashing Lee—the stuff at my Cabin works O.K.)

And finally, the scale that sets on my reloading bench in my basement—the RCBS 304. A pricey scale I purchased years ago when I likely didn’t have enough money to buy it, but I never regretted it as it is an amazing scale—would not hope to purchase anything better…

(NyFirefighter357, my 304 box looks exactly like yours--a bit faded and tattered around the edges!)

Good-luck…BCB

[ioon44]

I have used several different scales in the last 50 + years of reloading and always seem to come back to the RCBS 505 but then it's just another old man's rambling.

[airone46]

Sorry but what is the difference between OHAUS 10-10 and RCBS 10-10?
The RCBS is no longer in production, it seems to me!
I took a new Ohaus 10-10 on E-Bay and should arrive in Italy in a few days.
The price was $ 131.86 (€ 115.57) and with shipping (€ 15.61) + taxes (€ 28.38), I paid a total of € 159.56.
The RCBS, however, cost almost double (€ 279.00 !!!) + shipping, but it is no longer available!
I would like to know if anyone knows what is the difference between OHAUS and RCBS.
Thank you

[Markopolo]

Here is my old gurl...

234119

A man named Denny gave this to me when he got me started reloading back in the mid 70’s. It was already very vintage when he gave it to me, but felt it important to teach me how to use balance scales. Denny has been gone for more then 30 years, but I do keep it around in it tin box. It’s a Wells, and was never intended for powder scale I don’t think, but Denny’s lesson was to improvise, and use what you got. A lesson that still sticks with me.

Marko

[beemer]

I started with a Pacific oil dampened scale I bought directly from Hornady in about '71, I used it for 20 years till I purchased the magnetic version. Not long after I picked up another one NIB at a flea market for almost nothing. A couple of old Redding's and another Hornady and Lyman was picked up along the way but I gave them to friends that were starting to reload.

I purchased the first oil scales on advice from someone that reloaded but as I later learned didn't know how they worked. I was too young to know the difference and I guess he didn't know much more than I did.

Not long ago I found a 502 and an Ohaus Dial-O-Grain 3100 at an estate sale, both for $40. The 3100 is not as convenient as the 304 but it is still a grain scale. I don't use it much but do enjoy taking it out it occasionally.

While discussing scales with one of my friends I mentioned that I liked the 3 poise of the 505 better than the 2 poise on the 502. He traded me a beam off a 505 he found in a box of reloading parts he found. I got out my check weights and set the beam up on the 502 base, seems they are the same base. Anyway it worked out fine and it is as accurate as the 502 beam, maybe a little better.

I past needing another set 30 years ago.
Just another old guy rambling.
Have fun.

[Taterhead]

Sorry but what is the difference between OHAUS 10-10 and RCBS 10-10?
The RCBS is no longer in production, it seems to me!
I took a new Ohaus 10-10 on E-Bay and should arrive in Italy in a few days.
The price was $ 131.86 (€ 115.57) and with shipping (€ 15.61) + taxes (€ 28.38), I paid a total of € 159.56.
The RCBS, however, cost almost double (€ 279.00 !!!) + shipping, but it is no longer available!
I would like to know if anyone knows what is the difference between OHAUS and RCBS.
Thank you

Years ago, they were one-in-the-same. The exception being labels and color. Both manufactured by Ohaus in the US. I am unable to confirm this, but I believe current production of the 10-10 has been offshored, so it is likely not identical to the US made 10-10 that was discontinued a few years ago.

In fact, the 10-10 is not listed on the Ohaus website from what I can find. So the origin of the current 10-10 is murky. I've been curious for a while, so I left a message at Ohaus to clarify whether the 10-10 listed for sale at Amazon is authentically Ohaus, and if it is made in the US. I'll report back what i find if they return my message.

EDIT (sorry for the thread drift):

I received a call back from a very polite lady from Ohaus. The 10-10 is not catalogued by Ohaus any longer. So the few remaining available for sale look to be the last of a run of Chinese made units.

They have re-introduced the 5-0-5 and 5-0-2. She sent me data sheets on those, but their website hasn't been updated yet. Also made in China.

[1066]

Years ago, they were one-in-the-same. The exception being labels and color. Both manufactured by Ohaus in the US. I am unable to confirm this, but I believe current production of the 10-10 has been offshored, so it is likely not identical to the US made 10-10 that was discontinued a few years ago.

In fact, the 10-10 is not listed on the Ohaus website from what I can find. So the origin of the current 10-10 is murky. I've been curious for a while, so I left a message at Ohaus to clarify whether the 10-10 listed for sale at Amazon is authentically Ohaus, and if it is made in the US. I'll report back what i find if they return my message.

EDIT (sorry for the thread drift):

I received a call back from a very polite lady from Ohaus. The 10-10 is not catalogued by Ohaus any longer. So the few remaining available for sale look to be the last of a run of Chinese made units.

They have re-introduced the 5-0-5 and 5-0-2. She sent me data sheets on those, but their website hasn't been updated yet. Also made in China.

You're quite right about recent RCBS/Ohaus scales being manufactured elsewhere. Around 10 years or so ago they switched all production to either Mexico or China, unfortunately it's very difficult to tell where your scale was actually made - they all say "Manufactured by Ohaus - NJ USA" cast in the base. The only sure way to tell is if you have the original cardboard box - I actually says "made in China/Mexico" on the box.


RCBS dropped all their then current range about 4-5 years ago, the 502,505 and 10/10. They then introduced two new beam scales, the M500 and the M1000, both made in China.


I've not heard that Ohaus are re-introducing the 502 and 505 - I'll believe it when I see it. The 10/10's currently on offer are manufactured in China, presumably at the same factory where they were being produced for Ohaus.

[1066]

Here's a grand old 304 I tricked up some time ago - still doing its stuff well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eGThfOYsrA

[Taterhead]

You're quite right about recent RCBS/Ohaus scales being manufactured elsewhere. Around 10 years or so ago they switched all production to either Mexico or China, unfortunately it's very difficult to tell where your scale was actually made - they all say "Manufactured by Ohaus - NJ USA" cast in the base. The only sure way to tell is if you have the original cardboard box - I actually says "made in China/Mexico" on the box.


RCBS dropped all their then current range about 4-5 years ago, the 502,505 and 10/10. They then introduced two new beam scales, the M500 and the M1000, both made in China.


I've not heard that Ohaus are re-introducing the 502 and 505 - I'll believe it when I see it. The 10/10's currently on offer are manufactured in China, presumably at the same factory where they were being produced for Ohaus.

Here is a link for the 5-0-5. A search on Amazon will find the 502 as well. PM me if you want a copy of the data sheet from Ohaus that was emailed to me today. Hopefully these work as well as the originals. The selection of USA made beam scales is getting thinner.

https://www.amazon.com/OHAUS-30393272-Reloading-Height-Length/dp/B075VY8ZYB/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547767074&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=ohaus%2B5-0-5&dpPl=1&dpID=31RtLLkhtAL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

[1066]

That's interesting, thanks for the link..looks like RCBS will continue to offer only the M500 and M1000 and Ohaus will offer the "new" 502 and 505.

[Taterhead]

That's interesting, thanks for the link..looks like RCBS will continue to offer only the M500 and M1000 and Ohaus will offer the "new" 502 and 505.

It is interesting. Business dealings, being fluid as they are. I've wondered about the Dillon beam scale that I've suspected to be an Ohaus make with a different frame than the 505. The other parts look identical.

[1066]

You're right. The beams are interchangeable. All the Dillon Eliminators I've seen over the last five years or so have been made in Mexico with pretty variable quality.

[lightman]

https://i.imgur.com/u8wa60q.jpg

Yeah Firefighter, thats the one I mentioned in post #8. That one is a real beauty!

[BCB]

Yeah Firefighter, thats the one I mentioned in post #8. That one is a real beauty!

Yea, that one is a bit cleaner than mine (post # 24), so I might just spend a bit of time today and see if I can remove some of the grim on it after nearly 40 years on the bench...

My cover fell apart...

Firefighter, do you still have the gray cover for yours?...

Good-luck...BCB

[NyFirefighter357]

The cover was missing when I bought it. I may either make a cloth cover or a light weight hard cover. I have some thin plexi-glass that may provide better protection.

[BCB]

The cover was missing when I bought it. I may either make a cloth cover or a light weight hard cover. I have some thin plexi-glass that may provide better protection.

Yea, I thought of doing the same...

I checked with RCBS many many years ago and they said it was not available anymore...

Oh well...

Good-luck...BCB

[airone46]

I have just received the OHAUS 10-10 scale (NEW NO USED!).
Inside the shipment envelope I found a small magnet that I do not know what it is.scale very firmly and I had some little difficulties to open the cover (is plastic cover!) and assemble it.
For this reason it is impossible that this magnet could be detached from the scale and come out!
Please can somebody tell me what it is?

Thank you

This is the magnet

http://i64.tinypic.com/2nlby42.jpg

[Youngtimer]

I love the camera and monitor idea for viewing the beam pointer better, will have to do that for myself.

I have had and tried at least 6 beam scales and when digital scales came out I had to try them also. I believe I had tried 5 digitals but have always gone back to the beams. An old Ohaus 10-10 is my go to. The digitals all drift from zero and fail to return to zero consistently for me.

[daboone]

Yes it is one of the scales damping magnets.

Look at the underside of the scale's housing and hopefully you will see a 2 screws at each end of housing. One on the pivot end and the other on the pointer end. The 2 magnets are supposed to live at the pointer end. There is a thin metal strip held in place by screw. I suspect that screw is loose and the metal strip has moved or twisted and allow the magnet to fall out.

Where did you find a new Ohaus 10-10?

[1066]

I love the camera and monitor idea for viewing the beam pointer better, will have to do that for myself.




It's easy to do and makes a big difference - eliminated all parallax error.

A cheap usb webcam $7'ish, an OTG cable $2, a free app and an android phone will have you up and running. Or even easier and will work with any smart phone or tablet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slqE3kodO8Y&t=52s

[airone46]

Yes it is one of the scales damping magnets.

Look at the underside of the scale's housing and hopefully you will see a 2 screws at each end of housing. One on the pivot end and the other on the pointer end. The 2 magnets are supposed to live at the pointer end. There is a thin metal strip held in place by screw. I suspect that screw is loose and the metal strip has moved or twisted and allow the magnet to fall out.

Where did you find a new Ohaus 10-10?

I bought a scale on e-bay. some are found! But I spent almost 50% more on the original price between shipping and especially for the taxes that Italy puts!
When looking at the scale from below I see that there is a dark piece (GREEN ARROW) and I think it is a magnet (a small piece of iron remains attached).

http://i68.tinypic.com/ae8x9x.png

If I understand correctly, the other magnet should be inserted where there is the red arrow or in another place? If so, how should the second magnet be fixed?
Or should you put only one and the second magnet that I found outside the original box is a spare part?
In fact it is impossible that the piece could have come out of the scale (it was closed with its plastic cover fixed to the cast-iron frame with a plastic sheet) and out of the cardboard box!

Thanks for the reply

[Alan in Vermont]

Sorry but what is the difference between OHAUS 10-10 and RCBS 10-10?
The RCBS is no longer in production, it seems to me!
I took a new Ohaus 10-10 on E-Bay and should arrive in Italy in a few days.
The price was $ 131.86 (€ 115.57) and with shipping (€ 15.61) + taxes (€ 28.38), I paid a total of € 159.56.
The RCBS, however, cost almost double (€ 279.00 !!!) + shipping, but it is no longer available!
I would like to know if anyone knows what is the difference between OHAUS and RCBS.
Thank you

Not trying to be glib but the only difference I ever saw was the color.

[airone46]

http://i68.tinypic.com/15rz7l2.jpg

I put the magnet that I found in the envelope in the seat indicated by the red arrow in the previous photo. It stands still because by magnetic force, it attracts the body of the iron scale.
IS IT CORRECT IN THIS WAY?

http://i64.tinypic.com/16c2vlk.png

[1066]

Yes, that the correct way round.

[airone46]

Grazie!!!!

[Three44s]

My evolution of scales over the past 44 years:

Began with an Ohaus 505, used it for 40+ years.

Bought a cheap digital, did not like all the hokey pokey then a early RCBS (Pact) unit that has a dispenser and the scale linked by an optical port on their respective sides. SLOW!

About 4 years ago I bought a 510 RCBS, right on the heals a 1010 RCBS.

THEN I missed a 304 but nano hairs!

I went to Craigslist and another popped up in the upper Midwest and for a hefty price I snagged it.

Yes, they (304) are that sweet and at Sixty something it is nice to not have to tilt my head and twist my neck to have a level look at the pointer!

My 510 and 1010 are waiting for my nephews. They can fight over the 304 when I leave this existence!

Three44s

[daboone]

234494

airone46 your photo looks exactly like my Ohaus 10-10 magnet locations. I didn't realize, as you pointed out, that the magnet actually attached themselves to each of the metal plates. So you got it right despite my directions.

[daboone]

Can anyone explain how the approach to weight spring, that long thin metal strip where the free floating end lays between the two magnets, actually works?

The end of this spring can be seen in airone46 photo. 234495

[1066]

The approach to weight spring is fitted on both the RCBS/Ohaus 5-10 and the 10/10 (also on the Lee safety scale), it serves two functions.
On a scale without a ATW system such as the 505 the copper damper plate rests on the bottom of the damper slot and the beam will not move until within about two grains of the desired weight, this might be a problem if you are trickling fast as it's easy to overshoot your desired weight. With an ATW, when the beam is at its rest position with no pan the copper blade is resting on the spring, this means the beam will start to lift at 5-10 grains (it's adjusted by a grub screw near the knife edges). By the time the beam has lifted about 1/4 inch it is free of the spring and it has no influence.


So basically it gives the beam a smooth lift from 5 grains or so rather than a sharp lift from 2 grains. It also eliminates the beam from "sticking" to the bottom of the damper slot and causing the beam to jump up when trickling.


Also handy, when you throw an initial charge, to know you are only 3-4 grains short - on a scale without ATW it might not be easy with some powder/measure combinations to indicate anything if you're just below it's rest position.


Here's a system I fitted to a Hornady scale (works on gravity)
http://i.imgur.com/H0ftyfll.png?1 (https://imgur.com/H0ftyfl)

[retread]

Love my beam scales too - Not quite sure how many I have just at the moment, more than 30 anyway. I have ones with no damping, oil damping and magnetic damping. One of my favourites is a nice Webster oil damped scale - very nicely made and still working as well as it ever did. My "every day" scale is a Lyman M5.

http://i.imgur.com/LaymAujm.png?1 (https://imgur.com/LaymAuj)
http://i.imgur.com/Nfn63Cul.png?1 (https://imgur.com/Nfn63Cu)
http://i.imgur.com/lyGeUdWl.png?1 (https://imgur.com/lyGeUdW)
http://i.imgur.com/TcSgjYbl.png?1 (https://imgur.com/TcSgjYb)

That set up using our phone or computer to see the scale in great! My eyes are not what they used to be and that looks like the answer. Being computer and phone challenged I would really like to learn how that is done and what components are needed. Any chance for some instruction?

[OS OK]

That set up using our phone or computer to see the scale in great! My eyes are not what they used to be and that looks like the answer. Being computer and phone challenged I would really like to learn how that is done and what components are needed. Any chance for some instruction?

Don't get sucked into a high-tec-solution to a problem that doesn't exist...solve your problems with something that's prolly in the bottom of your junk drawer already...


https://i.imgur.com/yzDyebf.jpg

[1066]

The very easiest way is just with any smart phone - I show how to do it about half way through this video. HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slqE3kodO8Y)


The next easiest way is with a PC or laptop (I know zero about Macs/Iphones)
With a PC or laptop you can just plug in a USB camera like this: HERE (https://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-HD-Webcam-Web-Cam-Camera-for-Computer-PC-Laptop-Desktop-With-Clip-Stand-NEW/312408107494?hash=item48bcf969e6:g:W4MAAOSwEVtcKX5 M:rk:47:pf:0)


Depending on your laptop or PC you may need a host program for the camera, this is a free one with no extra rubbish attached. HERE (https://www.sharpcap.co.uk/sharpcap/downloads)

The camera I have linked to works well and has an adjustable focus down to a couple of inches.

The cameras also run on most android tablets, but not all - you will need a free app HERE (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shenyaocn.android.usbcamera)


To run a camera on an android phone or tablet you will need an OTG cable to convert the standard USB plug on the camera to a mini USB on the tablet or phone.

HERE (https://www.ebay.com/itm/UGREEN-Micro-USB-OTG-Cable-OTG-Adapter-For-Samsung-LG-Android-Tablet-Phone-Cable/152657668066?hash=item238b1b27e2:m:mo_XFnjHp7QzWvM TkTChpqg:rk:10:pf:0)


I've used the same system here for a spotting scope for 10 metre airpistol shooting:
http://i.imgur.com/qUURP7Yl.jpg (https://imgur.com/qUURP7Y)