#scale #HDS #decentscale #halfdecentscale #overview
This overview post explores Decent's precision scales, highlighting the ultra-fast Decent Scale and the innovative Half Decent Scale. These tools integrate with DE1 software for automated gravimetric shots and real-time data tracking, offering baristas unmatched accuracy and consistency through advanced firmware and open-source compatibility.
Source: Video: intro to the Decent Scale
This video introduces the Decent Scale, a high-precision tool featuring 0.1g accuracy, Bluetooth connectivity, and a waterproof design. Built for versatility, it supports external power via USB, an open API for developers, and a unique form factor that accommodates two cups—prioritizing raw, real-time data over artificial weight smoothing.
Source: The Decent Scale with the DE1
Integrating the Decent Scale with the DE1 enables high-end features like automated shot-stopping by weight and real-time flow rate tracking. This Bluetooth-connected setup provides precision insights into pre-infusion and extraction, allowing users to save and share brewing data via the cloud for advanced troubleshooting and community recipe sharing.
Source: Which scale is faster?
The Decent Scale is optimized for speed, avoiding the "smoothing" lag common in other scales to provide real-time flow rate data. This responsiveness ensures more accurate automated shot-stopping on the DE1, allowing baristas to match in-cup flow with puck-entry flow for precise extraction analysis and consistency.
Source: Which scale is faster? (version 2)
This update confirms that reducing the Acaia scale's "filter" setting to its lowest value significantly improves responsiveness. While this reduces latency for Acaia users on the DE1, the comparison reinforces that low-latency, "unsmoothed" weight data is essential for the precise, real-time flow tracking and automated stopping required in espresso profiling.
Source: Announcing the Decent Open Scale
After supplier issues, we are launching the Open Scale project, featuring open-source firmware and hardware. Our new Half Decent Scale offers a slim 14mm profile, OLED display, and Bluetooth/USB connectivity. By bringing production in-house, we ensure better quality control and advanced real-time flow tracking for our users.
Source: Grind-by-weight demo with Niche and Decent Half Decent Scale
We've developed a "grind-by-weight" solution by pairing our Half Decent Scale with a Bluetooth-controlled power plug. This modification allows us to transform simple grinders, like the Niche, into precision dosing tools. Our updated firmware manages power cut-offs to account for motor lag, ensuring consistent, automated dose accuracy.
Source: Individual Coffee Bean dosing device prototype
We're prototyping a new component for the Half Decent Scale: an individual coffee bean dosing device. This R&D project aims to achieve ultimate precision in "grind-by-weight" setups by mechanically counting or dispensing beans, further automating the workflow while ensuring exact dose consistency for every shot.
Source: Half Decent Scale, beta and thermal protection coasters
We're shipping 30 beta units of the Half Decent Scale in custom laser-cut packaging. To prevent sensor drift caused by heat—common in pour-overs—we've included optional silicone thermal protection coasters. While espresso shots are usually too fast to require them, these coasters ensure maximum accuracy during longer brewing cycles.
Source: Integrated weighing with the Half Decent Scale
We're embracing an open-source approach with the Half Decent Scale, enabling community-driven innovations like 3D-printable drip tray mounts. These designs allow for integrated weighing while protecting the scale from water. Compatible with numerous existing apps, the scale is set for mass availability in late March for $140.
Source: Chrome web app for the Decent Scale
We've launched a free Chrome web app for our Bluetooth scales, compatible with desktop browsers. It allows you to view real-time weight readings, save data, and export results as CSV or JSON files. This tool streamlines data tracking for baristas and developers without requiring a dedicated mobile application.
Source: Half Decent Scale firmware v3.0.0
We've released firmware v3.0.0 for the Half Decent Scale, introducing Wi-Fi connectivity and an integrated web server. This allows our web apps to work on Safari and iOS devices. The update also adds ergonomic improvements, like a long-press power-off option, while maintaining full Bluetooth and USB-C compatibility.
Source: Beanconqueror and the Decent Scale
Lars Salbach has made the free, open-source Beanconqueror app compatible with our scales. This community-driven integration enables auto-taring, real-time flow graphing, and detailed brewing journals. It's a powerful tool for our users to analyze extraction consistency and share digital coffee recipes across all brewing methods.
Source: 30 more "Half Decent Scale" beta units shipping out today.
We are shipping 30 more Half Decent Scale beta units in hand-made packaging. We've already addressed early user feedback through user-installable firmware updates via Wi-Fi or USB. Mass availability is scheduled for April at a price of $140, bringing our open-source precision scale to the wider market.
Source: The inventor's journey: Why the Half Decent Scale is so unique
In this video, Soso shares his journey from a DIY vlogger to a Decent engineer. He details how hacking kitchen scales and developing open-source firmware led to the Half Decent Scale's creation. His focus on real-time data and automation ultimately transformed a hobbyist project into a professional-grade tool.
Source: James Hoffmann's 2nd pass at coffee scales
James Hoffmann's roundup featured our Half Decent Scale, noting its solid performance and accuracy. While he bypassed software features, we've solved the "ghost tap" issue he mentioned by using load cell data to distinguish fingers from water. His focus on "stop-at-weight" further validates the DE1's core workflow.