Re: [EE] Measuring increasing mass over a 1/2 day period

On Thu, 12 Mar 2026, Chuck Olson wrote:

> The mass in question would start at 263 grams (container mass) and
> increase over 11+ hours to 4000+ grams (container mass plus about 1
> gallon of water).
>
> I am trying to measure the distilled water output from a boil of maple
> sap.  I use a Still Spirits Air Still.  With the still it's like
> making candy blindfolded.  I can't measure the temperature or the
> specific gravity of the maple syrup or even see what is happening.
>
> But I can measure the input maple sap for mass and sugar
> concentration.  From that I can calculate the amount of maple syrup I
> should be able to get at a concentration of 67 percent sugar by mass.
>
> I do have a kitchen scale which can handle 6000 grams but the problem
> is that it times out and every subsequent powerup the measurement is
> zeroed (tare function).  I suppose there are AC powered digital scales
> which might stay on for 11+ hours but would the measurements still be
> accurate after that time ?
>
> The only thing I can think of is to wait until near the end of the
> boil and then start measuring the mass but that's a hassle trying to
> put the scale under the container while the still is continuously
> dripping.
>
> Any ideas ?
>
> Chuck

I guess the scale has a timeout that resets when the weight changes? If so 
you just need to upset the weight periodically so that the scale never 
times out. Perhaps a solenoid to tap the scale?

Regards
Sergio