SP Aria calibration question

[kbvc]

I recently purchased an SP Aria and need some help with the calibration. Here is the section of the instructions that I need help with:

5. Press the green switch to pull the calibrator and note the tension shown by the calibrator.
6. The calibrator needs to show the same tension as what is shown on the display (11 LB in this example).
If the tension shown on the calibrator is higher than that shown on the display, press the “-” key until
the calibrator matches the display tension. If the tension shown by the calibrator is lower than that on the
display, press the “+” key until the calibrator shows the same tension as the display.

When I pull the calibrator at the first setting (11lbs) it says to hit the "-" button to reduce the displayed tension on the unit. I assume that this is referring to the down arrow but when I press it, the number below the tension setting changes but the tension itself stays at 11lbs. Does anyone with an Aria have any tips on calibration?

Thanks

 

[jj300]

This might be a stupid question but did you make sure to check the machine with a certified calibrator? Had my aria for close to a year and its been spot on ever since I got it

 

[kbvc]

My scale is not certified. Where can I get a certified calibrator?

Assuming I get a certified calibrator, is there a step missing from the directions for setting the tension on the Aria?

 

[jj300]

You have to get weights that are weighted with a certified scale. If you have weights at home, take them to your local post office and they should be able to help. Their scales are calibrated pretty frequently and are really accurate. If thats fails you can go to your local gym and see if they have olympic weights, these are also pretty good in terms of weight. You then take the weights, ie: 50lbs, and hang them from your calibrator, if the calibrator reads 50 then yes the aria needs to be calibrated, but if the calibrator does not read 50, you either have to adjust it or just add/subtract the poundage. Ie if your calibrator was 2lb too low and at it says 48 when the aria was set at 50, the aria is spot on, etc. Good luck

 

[barry]

One of the nice features of the Wise 2086 is it is self calibrating when powered up. You don’t have to worry about a bad calibrator or the tension getting off. I use a fish scale once a month to check it, and it is always perfect.

Surprised higher cost machines suppliers have not implemented the technology, but maybe they do a good business selling calibrators!

 

[LttlElvis]

Barry, I agree about the self calibration, and my experience is the same. I worry if it is ever off, the manual says it is easily recallibrated but we have to send it back.

 

[jj300]

what if the internal self calibration is flawed? and barry, wise is $500, aria is $1700 and you get a stand, foot pedal, higher speeds, great mounting, great clamps. Price is not a factor, for the cost to performance ratio the aria far outshines the wise. for another 1200 you get all the parts of the machine that trully make it a great machine. you saw my previouse experience with wise and I will never (as stated before) recommend it or agree that its a great product.

 

[kbvc]

jj300,
Have you gone through the calibration process? Does anybody have first hand experience with Aria calibration?

I did quite a lot of research prior to buying the Aria. I appreciate the recommendations on the Wise but I just got the Aria and have no plans to switch.

Thanks

 

[jj300]

kbvc,
My aria has been spot on since the first day I got it and I did not have to adjust the tension since then.

 

[barry]

what if the internal self calibration is flawed? and barry, wise is $500, aria is $1700 and you get a stand, foot pedal, higher speeds, great mounting, great clamps. Price is not a factor, for the cost to performance ratio the aria far outshines the wise. for another 1200 you get all the parts of the machine that trully make it a great machine. you saw my previouse experience with wise and I will never (as stated before) recommend it or agree that its a great product.

But just think, all I would have to send back is an electronic tension unit, instead of an 80 pound machine and I could still string for my customers. Big plus, and I do not need multiple machines.

After using the Aria, for me it is not $1200 better than the Wise. For my stringing, the Wise exceeds my needs. So far zero issues with the Wise.

 

[jj300]

barry,
the shipping is overblown, u get stuck with the bill both ways if something happens, I pay one way. I somewhat agree with the stringing ability part that you can swap the crank with the wise but personally I would never do that and string customers frames. The difference is way too big for me to even consider it

 

[drakulie]

Have you tried calling SP? They have excellent customer service, and I'm sure they could answer your question.

 

[barry]

barry,
the shipping is overblown, u get stuck with the bill both ways if something happens, I pay one way. I somewhat agree with the stringing ability part that you can swap the crank with the wise but personally I would never do that and string customers frames. The difference is way too big for me to even consider it

Agree the shipping both ways for the Wise is about the same as 1 way for the ARIA. Do you have a backup machine? I can use the crank if necessary. My customers like to play tennis, and really don't care if the rackets are strung on electronic or crank. Many trust my stringing, not sure why, but I turn them around quickly. Since it is a hobby business, located in my video room, my wife would have a fit it I added another machine. One machine with two tensioners more than meets my needs. I am the main beneficiary when stringing with the electronic tensioner, it is much easier. I like the accuracy better, but most of my customers can’t tell the difference.