I have had 3 chargemasters; each died within 2-3 years. In each case, it was a keypad malfunction.
RCBS was fantastic about the first replacement; free replacement with new chrgemaster. Now, they are charging me 45 bucks apiece for my two ailing chargemasters. Still better than buying a new one, and both are out of the one year warranty; I have no complaints.

But I still wonder: is it acceptable to have these devices break within 2-3 years? three times?
I was reading somewhere that the RCBS devices, if plugged in, remain "on" eeven if no power button is pressed, and all lights are off. Presumably so you can turn it on and start measuring within 5 minutes. I am leaving them plugged in. Is that the problem?

I know friends who have had a Lymans for > 5 years with no probs. But they say they may have to wait 30 min before its ready to measure. I can start measuring within 5 min. (when its working)
Any ideas?\I called RCBS. They didnt know if the device was on when plugged in but turned to OFF. at least the two ladies I talked to didnt.

Sorry to hear your misfortune

Mine is >5 years and still perfect (I'm knocking on wood right now)

From reading dozens of threads about digital powder throwers/measurers, I would say you are definitely in the minority

BTW, I leave mine plugged in and turned off and on a surge strip

Don't know the odds (bad luck) of getting 3 lemons but I have one >5 years also and no issues to date, like woods I'm also knocking on wood.

FWIW, I leave mine off AND unplugged when not in use.

I've had my Chargemaster for 5 plus years and have had good luck with it. It's never been left plugged in and it takes just a few minutes to get it calibrated and ready. That said, I've loaded only 4 or 5 hundred rounds with it with my lowest charge being for an '06 (~57 grains) and the largest charge for the 338-378 Wby (~120 grains). Many would say that's a fairly small sampling and I wouldn't argue but wanted to make sure that it's understood this machine hasn't had a hard "life".

Ken....

I bought my first chargemaster right when they came out. Immediately died, RCBS said it was a known problem on the first units out. They send me out a new one about a month later when they came available. That one has been flawless since. I’m sure I have run a couple hundred pounds of powder through it.

Mine is 4 yrs old now and over 4000 rds measured and no issues yet.

EMRON, I've had the same experience(s) but have not been asked for the $45 as yet.

Well, my experience parallels yours. I'm on my 5th Chargemaster due to key pad troubles in the first four.

In one case only the middle row of buttons died, so I could get close to some charge weights, but not exactly. RCBS customer service has been good. The last two cost me $45 each, and the newest one is ticking away at this time.

They do seem sensitive to static, so I've begun rubbing a used dryer sheet on the plastic parts. The last RCBS customer service guy told me to remove the door, as it contributed to static build up.

I bought two Chargemasters a few years ago. Recently one malfunctioned....the top row of keys on the keypad quit working. I also had to pay $45 but I received a brand new unit instead of RCBS repairing my old unit. I'm not happy about the unit failing so quickly but the replacement price seemed more than fair to me.

I've got one that is two years old and the middle, verticle, row of buttons have failed. Called RCBS and was told of the $45 fee. Will just have to bite the bullet and get it fixed.

Purely personal opinion:

I'd bet the things only cost RCBS $45 to start with so you're paying for what you get while they struggle along on the profit from the original purchase.