A pocket digital scale will use a digital pressure gauge to weigh objects. Normally you need special weights to calibrate the scale, however, these weights are very expensive and can be easily lost. It is also not economical to use these weights if you only calibrate the scale once or twice a year. Instead, it is possible to calibrate your scale with things lying around the house.
Step 1 - Clean the Scale Make sure that the pocket scale is completely clean. There are many things that can make it difficult for the scale to zero, and many times you may not even be able to see what is affecting the scale. First, wash the scale with water and then use acetone or ethanol. Allow the scale to completely dry, normally about 20 minutes. Step 2 - Reset Scale to Zero You want to reset the scale so that it is at zero. Do this with absolutely nothing on the scale. Once the scale is properly zeroed, you can go about calibrating it properly.
If the scale is not zeroing properly then ensure that it is on a completely level surface. Sometimes if there is air flow over the scale this can also cause a problem, so choose the location of the scale carefully. It may take up for a minute for the scale to zero, so be patient. Step 3 - Find the Calibration Weight The calibration weight for the pocket scale will be found in the manual, and you want to find something that is close to that weight.
This video shows you how to calibrate a set of digital scales without a weight by using 14 x 2p coins (United Kingdom) or 20 x nickles (USA) to replace a 100. View & download of more than 33 Nexxtech PDF user manuals, service manuals, operating guides. Webcam, Telephone user manuals, operating guides & specifications.
If you do not have the manual then check under the scale as the manual can sometimes be printed on the bottom. If not, then look in a supply catalog or contact the company.
Without similar weights, you cannot properly calibrate your scale, so knowing this number is crucial. Normally this weight will be a number range, such as one gram to 100 grams. Step 4 - Find Nickels for Great Substitute Weights Since most pocket scales will use grams for its weight measurement, nickels are a great object to use as each nickel weighs five grams. So, for example, if you need a weight of 50 grams for calibration, use 10 nickels.
It is important that the nickels are also clean, otherwise it can affect your calibration weight. Step 5 - Calibrate Press the calibration button and place the appropriate number of nickels on the scale. Normally calibration can take some time and the digital readout will flash when calibrating. You may need to put several weights on depending on the scale.
Make sure you have the appropriate amount of nickels out beforehand because if you do not immediately put on the next weight then the calibration may not work. Step 6 - Check the Calibration Once you have calibrated the scale, you want to check it. Turn the scale off and wait about a minute. Turn the scale on again and weigh another object of which the weight is known. Many kitchen food products will have the weight set on the container so they make a good test item.
If the scale reads the correct weight or within the margin of error, also noted in the manual, then your calibration was successful.
This video shows you how to calibrate a set of digital scales without a weight by using 14 x 2p coins (United Kingdom) or 20 x nickles (USA) to replace a 100g calibration weight.USA 20 x nickles (5 cent coins) = 100g. 14 x 2p coins = 99.5g (This is not exactly 100g but will work in emergencies. The difference will only be 0.005g per gram which is nothing really) The calibration process is very similar to the one show in the video for most scales however just search for the manual online for the correct procedure & the calibration weight needed. Usually the scale will display the required weight during the calibration process (As shown in the video) 1. Turn Scale On 2. Press and hold CAL button or MODE/UNIT button until CAL or weight needed is displayed (You may need to release & press it again as in video) 3. Place weight on scale.
The scale should show PASS or F (You may need to press CAL/MODE button again) 4. Remove weight. ( You may need to turn scale off) 5.
If you need a larger weight just multiply the number of coins 7 x 2p = 50g 14 x 2p = 100g 28 x 2p = 200g etc.