Scales/Setup Tools

[moose]

Quick question, I know there were a couple of old threads on this, but I didn't want to pull up something from '05..

So we're planning on buying a set of scales (we have some $10 bathroom ones already) as well as improved tools for setting camber, toe, etc.

I saw from the previous thread that one team seems happy with the Longacre scales, and I've seen pegasus sells intercomp. Has anyone used both, or either, any pluses or minuses? Is it worth upgrading from the less expensive to more expensive sets?

Then for camber etc, is there any particular system you've used that works well/is quick and easy?

Thanks
matt

[J. Vinella]

We have been quite happy with Longacre's scale quality. The built in computer makes weight distribution easy. We also use Longacre's tire scribe toe setting tool and it works reasonably well. We use the a bubble level camber gauge which accuracy below .1 degree is questionable.

I would say that it is very worth it to upgrade compared to bathroom scales. Think of it as a long term investment. The scales we have were here long before I was and will be here after I leave.

Make sure you buy or make a setup table because it would be a waste of money to by nice scales and what you are measuring on it not level.

[moose]

Thats a given, as our floor is most certainly not level, let alone flat. Before we use bathroom scales, I generally try to calibrate them to myself in the location we'll be using them.. thats how bad the scales and floor are.

[Mike Cook]

Very Happy with Longacre stuff. I think they offer fsae discounts too.

Mike

[Biggy72]

We just got a set of Longacre scales and a camber/caster gauge. Very nice quality, and we were able to get 20% off. They also threw in a tire pressure gauge so I don't have to leave mine in the shop any more.

[Michael Palaszynski]

yea, +1 on the longacres.

Sure you can use the scales, hopefully get all four level, find a flat floor ( harder that you think ) record the weights and get a nice balance, make a few changes...repeat.

The great thing the longacres, their ability to speed up the process. Such that you can perform many more changes in a minimal amount of time.

They they give you instant calulation of the individual, total, distribution, and cross weights. They're also perfectly flat. That battery power comes in handy, too.

[Brian S]

The University of Washington team has a nice looking setup for leveling the scales regardless of the floor. Their site is down so I can't link to the pictures. Any of the UW guys want to comment on your setup?

[Ben Dyer]

This is the link that you were inquiring about Brian.
http://www.fsae.me.washington.edu/fsaewest2007/precomp/

It's a fairly simple and effective in my opinion. I'll let someone with more experience setting up the car comment further.

[Christopher Catto]

yeah the steel frame is a nice touch. I think that's where budget can make a difference, just having a decently sized van/truck to carry setup tools to comp or testing but also the general stuff attitude that you set up things PROPERLY!

many racing teams have a similar frame but aluminium. my way of doing it would actually be to make it stand on 3 threaded studs (two at rear, one up front) to set the bubble level. Then to have up front two more studs that are lowered in place one the main 3 are set.

Nice stuff there from UW.

[moose]

That setup looks really nice. I wish we had space in our shop to store something like that. Thanks to everyone for all the info.

[Jonathan S]

Originally posted by Christopher Catto:
yeah the steel frame is a nice touch. I think that's where budget can make a difference

I don't think we spent more than $80 (at the very most) making that setup table (not including the scales or level system). A lot of it was made out of materials left over from years of cars, test fixtures, and materials from the scrap shelves in the machine shop. It can be taken apart, and only takes up a little space under a table.

Once we figured out a system that worked well, it probably cut setup time at least in half.

[J. Vinella]

It is a great project to give to someone who is new and does not yet have much engineering knowledge but some common know how.

[nickerss]

Originally posted by J. Vinella:
It is a great project to give to someone who is new and does not yet have much engineering knowledge but some common know how.

LOL I'd kill for a new kid with some common know how...

[kapps]

http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I agree. Luckily, we got such a guy this year. Unfortunately, he's on Baja http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif . I've never seen someone who has so much stuff in his truck. Just last week, I was talking about going up to the hardware store because we ran out of cutoff discs for the angle grinder. He walks out to his truck and reappears with a handful of discs.

The great part is he's learning to use the cnc with me. I never thought I would ever say that I have to wait for Baja to get done using the cnc so I could make my part http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif