General FAQs

What is your lead time?

Lead times posted on the website are up to date. They vary for the AutoTrickler and ShotMarker, as they are different production lines. Spare parts, such as AutoTrickler cups, V3 parts, ShotMarker sensors or bracket should ship within a week or so of ordering.

Will you charge my credit card right away?

We have two options at checkout. If you enter your credit card information, you will be charged immediately. You can choose the second option "Pay Later." 

When your order is close to shipping (i.e. within two weeks or less), we will send an invoice to pay online. 

This is also a great way to get in the order queue for things that have long leadtimes. If you need to change, cancel or delay in the meantime, that's no problem.

Do you ship to my country?

Most likely, YES! We ship worldwide with a few exceptions (Russia, Ukraine and Belarus at this time), due to current limitations with UPS.

What is the shipping fee?

We have flat rate shipping fees depending on the size of your order. For the most accurate shipping costs, please build a cart on our website.

Are there extra tariffs, customs or duty fees?

If your shipping address is outside of Canada, your order may be subject to your country's local customs or duty fees, which we have no control over. We will not charge additional fees after checkout, but upon shipping there may be additional fees as mandated by your country, typically payable through the courier (usually UPS). Any questions, use the Pay Later option at checkout to get your order in the queue and then send us an email at adamjmac@autotrickler.com. 

Do you have a waitlist?

Sort of. For items with longer leadtimes, I always recommend placing an order today on the website to get in the queue, no deposit or prepayment required. At checkout select "Pay Later" and we'll send an invoice when it's almost ready to ship. If you need to change, cancel or delay in the meantime, that's no problem.

Can I pay to expedite my order?

No; we treat all orders fairly and process them in the order received. To make sure you don't miss an invoice or a shipping notice, make sure adamjmac@autotrickler.com is on your safe senders email list and doesn't go to spam. 

Do you offer any discounts for veterans, first responders, police, military, etc,?

No discounts are available at this time. We're proud to say we haven't changed our prices since 2019! Instead of discounts, we try to keep all pricing as low as possible and fair for everyone.

I'm having an issue!

If you have an issue that's not addressed here, reach out to us for further support: adamjmac@autotrickler.com

Any other questions? Reach out to us at adamjmac@autotrickler.com.

AutoTrickler FAQs

Do I need to use an app?

Yes, you will need a tablet or smartphone to download the AutoTrickler app. The app is available for iOS and Android and connects via Bluetooth.

What's the height of the AutoTrickler and scale?

The V4 AutoTrickler is about 18 inches tall and the footprint of the scale is about 9 by 11 inches.

Does it work with my current scale?

Yes if you have an A&D FX or FZ 120i, 200i, 300i, or 500i  or the new FX-123. The AutoTrickler V4 is not compatible with any other brands or models. 

Does it work with the A&D FX-300iN? 

We haven't tested the 300iN, and it may need a different setup to enable grains and to work withthe AutoTrickler. Others have said they needed to contact A&Ddirectly, but you can also reach out to CE Products, as they are scaleexperts: https://ceproducts.shop/

Does it work with the A&D FX-1200i? HR-100A? EJ Series?

No, these scales are not compatible with the AutoTrickler.

The 1200i is a 10mg scale and not suitable for reloading. The HR & EJ series scales are too slow to properly work with the AutoTrickler. 

We highly recommend the A&D FX 120i or the new FX-123, but the AutoTrickler will work with any of the following: A&D FX or FZ 120i,200i, 300i, or 500i or FX-123.
Can I buy the AutoTrickler with the scale?
We don't sell the AutoTrickler with the scale, but we have a number of authorized distributors who sell the entire kit. 

There is a complete list on our website here.
Is it hard to setup?

Not at all! There are a few scale setting changes to make, but everything is described in the included manual and you can even follow along with Adam's setup video.

What powders does it work with?

The AutoTrickler is designed to be an all-in-one solution and has been tested with fine ball powders (like CFE223 and H33) all the way up to large kernel powders (like N570 and H50BMG).

Does it work with black powder?

Unfortunately, we have no experience with black powder and don't know how it would behave if the moving metal parts or electronics were to spark. We have a disclaimer in our manual to not use black powder and we can't recommend its use for liability reasons.

Why do I need this? I already have a scale/dispenser.

Most scales for reloading use load-cells which typically are accurate to 0.2 GN. The A&D FX/FZ series scales use magnetic-force restoration technology with accuracy to 0.04 GN, making them the least expensive, most accurate scales for reloading.

For context, when reloading .308, a variation of just 0.02 grains—roughly the weight of a single powder kernel—can impact velocity by about 1 fps. With dispensers limited to 0.2 GN accuracy, you're looking at a velocity spread of 10–20 fps. While this may be ok for short-range shooting, it can significantly affect long-range performance.

You could use a balance beam scale for accuracy, but it’s a slow process. The A&D scale speeds things up significantly, and when you pair it with the AutoTrickler, you’ll hit your target weight in under 10 seconds.

I have an older AutoTrickler. Should I upgrade?

If you’ve got your V2 or V3 tuned, you probably won’t notice a huge speed boost with the V4. But the AutoTrickler V4 makes swapping powders a breeze, so if you work with a variety of powders, it’s definitely worth considering. Plus, the V4 is tougher and more portable—perfect if you’re frequently moving it around, like taking it to the range.

Can I run multiple AutoTricklers at once?

Yes! You can set the target weight on one AutoTrickler and then disconnect it from the device (phone or tablet). It will "remember" the target weight and keep dispensing. Then you are able to connect to a second unit. If you need to change the target weight on the first one, you'll have to disconnect/reconnect again.


Do I need any extra parts?

Not at all. The AutoTrickler comes with everything you need to connect to your A&D scale. 

You will need a smartphone or tablet to run the AutoTrickler app to control the system. The app is available for Android and Apple devices.

Some people purchase an extra cup or hopper for convenience, but these are not required. 

The V4 parts will not wear out and do not need to be replaced over time. If you have having issues, reach out to us for support. 

What's the minimum and maximum charge weights I can set?

The minimum is less than 1 grain.
The glass cup can hold around 400 grains and the hopper holds about 1 lb of powder.

I'm having an issue!

If you have an issue that's not addressed here, reach out to us for further support: adamjmac@autotrickler.com

My scale is showing "E" and I can't reload.

The "E" error means out of range. If you turn the scale on with the cup in place, then remove the cup, the scale interprets that as out of range. Turn the scale off, remove the cup and back it back on to fix it. Remember, the on/off button on the scale is only turning off the screen. You need to disconnect the scale from power.
 
If you are still having problems with your scale, I recommend reaching out to CE Products, as they are the scale experts: https://ceproducts.shop/

My scale is showing "Lb" and I can't reload.

The Lb error is a power supply error. If you still have the power supply that came with the A&D scale, you can try that one and if it works, you can keep using it. Sometimes the A&D power supply isn't powerful enough to operate the scale and the motors, but if it works when you plug it in, it should be good to use.

If you want to purchase a new one from us, it is available in are parts store here.

Or this one from Amazon is compatible as well.

The app can't set a target weight.

Most often this error is due to a setting on the scale not being correct. Do a factory reset on the scale (in case some setting was inadvertently changed) and then go through the AutoTrickler Serial Port Configuration very carefully.

The app is not connecting to the AutoTrickler.

If this is the first time connecting, or you have updated your phone or the app, make sure to enable Location Services for both Bluetooth and the AutoTrickler app (sometimes these are separate settings). We do not use, store or access your location in anyway, but it's a requirement to use bluetooth.

If it was working, but has stopped, try these steps
- force quit the AutoTrickler app
- toggle bluetooth off/on
- restart your device

If none of that works, take a look at the lights on the AutoTrickler electronics. Adam has made a short video to explain.

Reach out to us for additional support.

How can I enable GN (grains) as a unit on the scale?

I can't find the app in the Google Play Store.

The AutoTrickler app is temporarily unavailable in the Google Play Store, but you can install the apk on Android devices manually. Instructions are here. This process is the same for V3 and V4 AutoTricklers. 

Any other questions? Reach out to us at adamjmac@autotrickler.com.

"The V4 is extremely well built and super accurate and repeatable when combined with the AND FX-120i scale."
"In a word, it’s a time machine, in that I have been granted hours and hours of more free time."
"Using the AutoTrickler is one of my favorite things in the world. It is such a fantastic piece of machinery!

ShotMarker FAQs

Do I need to use an app?
No! ShotMarker works via a local wifi connection from the Access Point and opens in any browser just like a regular website. 

You do not need a data or internet connection at your range. 

I'm having an issue!

If you have an issue that's not addressed here, reach out to us for further support: adamjmac@autotrickler.com

What target faces do you support?

Can you add a custom target face to the system?

Can I delete multiple strings at once?

Yes! To bulk delete strings, tap the globe icon in the upper left to open the Access Point configuration menu and then the folder icon. 

What's the maximum distance ShotMarker will detect shots?

ShotMarker uses a radio signal to communicate from the firing line to the target and we've tested it up to 2 miles. However, the bullet must be supersonic at the target for the sensors to detect the shot, i.e. Mach 1.03 or around 1200 fps at the target.

Any tips for shooting in the rain?

If you plan on shooting in the rain, we recommend rotating the two bottom brackets 45 deg inwards. This prevents raindrops from settling on the sensors and blocking the microphones. This doesn't affect accuracy and we do it at both our local clubs. See what we mean here.
How can I view my saved strings when I'm not at the range?
There are a couple different ways. If you are just looking to keep a photo of your string, you can take a screenshot at the range. 

If you want to be able to access your saved string, manipulate and analyze the data, you first need to export the string. 
• Tap the folder icon in the upper right and then tap "Export."
• Select the strings you want to save and then tap "Export Strings."
• You will now have a saved .tar file on your device.
If Export isn't available, ask your match director to turn off the security settings so you can save your strings.

You can then view these saved strings one of two ways:
1. Visit our online demo site and upload your strings. Note this is 100% public, so any information you share will be public. http://172.104.26.4:4000/
2. Purchase your own Access Point to use at home for $100.

The process to import saved strings is the same. 
• Tap the folder icon in the upper right and then tap "Import."
• Find the .tar file saved on your device and open it.
• Your saved strings are now added to the system.

I'm at the range and my Access Point won't turn on.
If you are at the range and the Access Point blinks once and immediately shuts off, that usually means there is another AP on in the area.

Only one AP can be on at a time, so you can either share the AP with the other person, or use the channel feature to put your system on a different channel. Then there won't be any communication with the first AP and you can use your system independently. Check the manual for more information on Channels.
My Sensor Hub isn't recording shots. 
The first step when a Sensor Hub isn't recording shots is to open the Sensor Monitor and take another shot. There may be more information there to help with troubleshooting. 

You'll also need to confirm:
- the ammo is supersonic at the target (around 1200 fps)
- the shooter is on target

You can do this by having another shooter fire on the same target or have the first shooter fire on a different target that you know is working.

If all of that has been confirmed, go down range and check the Sensor Hub. Make sure it is turned on with a solid green light. If the light is fast blinking, one of the cables is shorted and it won't detect shots until this is fixed. Unplug them one by one to see which is causing the issue.
My iPad or iPhone isn't loading the ShotMarker website.
We've identified a bug in the Safari browser that's related to ShotMarker website. We're working on a solution that will be available with a simple software update, but for now you can use Chrome browser and it should work normally. Let us know if you have any further issues. 

Any other questions? Reach out to us at adamjmac@autotrickler.com.

ShotMarker Event Mode FAQs

How do I set up a Match?
Take a look at Adam's instructional video here.

Can I import a list of competitors?

Yes, you can create your own csv using our template and instructions here.

Or, checkout TargetScore.com, which fully integrates with ShotMarker for competitor registration, match setup, squadding and result posting. 

How can I make results available after the match?

Checkout TargetScore.com, which fully integrates with ShotMarker forcompetitor registration, match setup, squadding and result posting. 

What's a spectator server?

Live stream your events using the ShotMarker Spectator Server! A good internet connection at the range is required for this. Contact us for more details. 

How do I run infiltration-style matches?

Currently, you can only have one active match/relay at a time. But, youcan modify the string after it's saved. I recommend saving the stringswith unique names; openthe string and then manually change the match it is set for. Theneverything will be correct for the scoring and aggregates.

Can I have separate delays for different shooters?

Yes, you can customize the delay for specific classes in the AP configuration menu (tap the globe icon). Make sure Event Mode is turned on.

What is the difference between Low Security and Medium Security?

If you are using the latest software version (1.20 or 1.22) there are two security settings you can enable through the Access Point configuration menu (tap the globe icon in the upper left corner). 


Low - locks out the AP configuration menu


Medium - locks out all configuration (AP, Sensor Hub, changing target faces, Event management) and saving strings. Anyone can open and view already saved strings. If the relay is active, any person logged in and squadded on that relay will be locked to that target. They can't switch to another target unless they log out or are removed from that relay's squadding. If you use the option to manually convert sighters or unlimited with the Go for Record button, the competitor must be logged in (and squadded) to see those buttons on their target.


If you forget your password, turn the AP off and on again; when it comes back, security will be disabled.

Any other questions? Reach out to us at adamjmac@autotrickler.com.