The Rice Lake Weighing Systems 920i digital weight indicator has been an extremely successful indicator. It’s been utilized in thousands of different applications with accurate and reliable results. But as we all know things change and technology improves. So Rice Lake is making a few updates to the 920i which should allow it to continue to be a great choice for your scale needs for years to come.
To make the 920i programmable weight indicator even more robust and further extend its life, Rice Lake Weighing Systems is now manufacturing the 920i with enhanced display and CPU boards. These changes offer several benefits and are essential to ensure availability of components needed to continue manufacturing the 920i in the future.
ENHANCED DISPLAYS
As of February 1, 2018, Rice Lake began manufacturing the 920i with a technologically improved LED backlight display. While this change may go unnoticed, it affects the replacement part process.
If a 920i was built prior to February 1, 2018, and needs a replacement display, Rice Lake recommends replacing the old fluorescent backlight display with a new LED backlight display.
LED BACKLIGHT DISPLAY PART NUMBERS
LED backlight display
board (transmissive) …………………. 186275
LED backlight display
board (transflective)………………….. 186276
LED backlight only …………………… 187677
A new power supply cable must also be installed during this replacement:
AC POWER DC POWER
Universal models ……………………………186464 186464
Deep Universal model………………………186278 187603
Panel mount models ………………………..186278 187603
Wall mount models ………………………….186760 188345
Two-slot expansion for
Wall mount models …………………………188716 189424
Two-slot expansion for Panel mount
or Deep Universal models …………………188717 189425
Six-Slot expansion for Wall mount……… 188774 N/A
Please note, fluorescent backlight displays are temporarily available if an upgrade to LED is not desired. CPU boards compatible with fluorescent backlights are also temporarily available.
ENHANCED CPU
As of June, Rice Lake will begin implementing a new CPU board in the 920i. This updated board (PN 186272, blue in color for easy identification) is compatible with firmware version 4.0 and above, and offers the following benefits:
– Updated power regulation for 5V and 3.3V supplies
– Merged analog, digital and chassis grounding to new industry standard
– Increased transient voltage protection
– Improved signal integrity
– Digital power conditioner for safe shutdown in unreliable power environments
The new CPU board is not compatible with fluorescent backlight displays, please use caution when ordering replacement parts.
Call the sales / service team at Central Carolina Scale (919) 776-7737 to obtain the 920i indicators and replacement parts that you need. For replacement parts, you will want to have indicator serial numbers handy along with the date that you purchased the indicator.
Cardinal Armor series Smartcell digital truck scales have several distinct benefits to you, the customer. First there is the heavy duty weighbridge design the Cardinal Armor digital truck scale uses. For example, the steel deck has (12) 12 inch eye beams across the scale but most important is there’s no moving parts under the scale.
ADVANTAGES OF A DIGITAL TRUCK SCALE
With a traditional truck scale, when it comes to debris build-up under the scale, that you typically see in landfills, quarries, sand and gravel businesses; all of that debris can cause problems under the scale and cause binding. Then you will be forced to have folks out there power washing the truck scale, trying to get the scale to work properly because safe linkage systems or load cells that are mounted to piers; the debris impedes on that critical weighing process.
This can often lead to down time for cleaning and can also lead to your scale being rejected when being tested by the State weights and measures inspector.
Another key element of the Cardinal Armor digital truck scale is simple connections which can also lead to limited downtime. Most important there is no power running to the scale other than the home run cable, that’s very important. Do you know what lightning, rain, and snow can do over time to the junction boxes of a traditional truck scale? There’s over a hundred and eight connection points in many standard analog truck scales.
But, with the armor digital system, there’s ten. There’s five wires that plug into the terminal connector to go to the first load cell and there’s five that you simply wire into the weight indicator in fact Cardinal chooses 225 and the 825 as indicators of choice but most important for you; you want limited downtime for the life of the truck scale. Continue reading →
At Central Carolina Scale we focus on scales and weighing equipment, first and foremost. That’s what we’ve always done. We are constantly working and training to be the best and most knowledgeable scale company that we can be. Now most of that training and on the job training focuses on digital weighing indicators, load cells, scales, etc… We send scale weight information to various devices such as remote displays.
Customers have always been curious on how to send weight data from the scale to the computer since personal computers and laptops became prevalent.
When it comes to sending your scale weight data from the actual digital weighing scale to the computer, how do you accomplish this task?
It actually might be easier than you might think and something that you can accomplish on your own using our scale equipment and a readily available accessory.
Please note, if you are operating a legal for trade weighing scenario, then you will need to make sure that any software or method that you utilize is legal to use. For example, if you are operating a truck scale and you are looking to send truck weights to your computer, then you will most likely need to utilize a software like Cardinal WinVRS or Rice Lake onTrak. If you are using a Doran Scales indicator, you would be interested to know they have made great software available for their products. The Doran Excelerator is likely the most basic software that is offered by Doran; it allows weight data to be taken from the scale readout and placed into Microsoft Excel. Doran also has more advanced software packages available.
USB Scale
Cardinal Scale Manufacturing also offers a USB option for many of their weight indicators, which makes sending weight data from the scale controller to a USB thumb drive very simple. You can just take the USB stick out of the indicator, load it into your PC and see the weight data on your computer screen.
If you’re using a digital counting scale like the Counterpart, Rice Lake has the WeighVault computer software, which is a comprehensive software package that stores and manages data on your PC. With Counterpart, you can create custom reports for inventory, threshold, location and more. It is designed for operators with minimal computer experience and managers who require quick and accurate information. Scales can be added or moved on-the-fly without interrupting other scales operating on the network.
Likewise, the WeighVault is also available for the CW90 checkweigher. In this case, WeighVault allows CW-90/90X users to add, edit, and access IDs over a network connection. WeighVault surpasses the CW-90/90X’s 50 ID limitation and eliminates front-panel entry of ID parameters. It also collects data as transactions occur, and provides detailed transaction and productivity reports which can be exported to Excel, Word, or as a PDF.
In addition to scales with a digital USB output, there are also a few other choices available for end users to consider.
TalTech WinWedge
TalTech WinWedge Serial Device Data Collection for serial devices, including meters, balances, scales or any RS232 instrument. WinWedge captures data directly to Excel, Access or any Windows application or web page. It can even send commands out a COM port so you can control your device through hotkeys, buttons, or DDE.
WinWedge easily collects data from balances, gauges, meters, sensors, micrometers, barcode scanners, GPS, PLCs, analyzers and other measuring devices, and laboratory instruments. It can send the data directly into any Windows program, including Excel spreadsheets, Access databases, and more.
WinWedge is designed to be highly flexible and can easily parse, filter and format your device data to fit your project’s requirements. It can also transmit prompts or commands through the serial port to control your instruments. Winwedge comes in both Professional and Standard versions.
Setup is as Easy as ONE, TWO, THREE
Select your device’s parameters.
Connect your device to your PC’s serial or USB port (installing any necessary drivers) and use the WinWedge interface to select your device’s communications settings, such as the COM port, baud rate, parity, data bits, and stop bits.
Define the data structure.
Intuitive, walk-through menus allow you to tailor the data to your needs by splitting the record into multiple fields, filter out certain characters, or format the data to meet your requirements. You can also easily define hot keys and buttons to send serial commands to your device or perform other tasks.
Select the mode and activate
Select from either Keystrokes Mode, DDE Server Mode, or Log to Disk, specify the target application or file, and activate WinWedge! Watch as the data from your device “pops” into the Windows application you selected. You can even input the device data directly to a chart or use Excel’s built-in functions to perform real-time analysis.
MicroRidge designs and manufactures a broad range of wired and wireless measurement collection solutions, including WedgeLink hardware and software keyboard wedges. Measurement collection is what they specialize in. They don’t manufacture gauges, but they support gauges from a wide variety of manufacturers. The products are made in the USA and support the broadest range of digital and RS-232 gauges, digital indicators, scales, and more. They also provide free unlimited and knowledgeable technical support on all of the products that they manufacture, particularly the keyboard wedge and software keyboard wedge.
Keyboard Wedge vs Hardware Wedge
A hardware wedge reads data from digital gauges or RS-232 devices and sends the data to the PC via a keyboard or USB port. The data sent by the hardware wedge looks like keyboard data to the current application. The more common applications that are used with keyboard wedges include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and other database types of applications.
A keyboard wedge is used when you are trying to get data from some type of measuring device into applications that cannot accept data from a serial port. A software keyboard wedge reads data from a serial port and passes this data to a PC application in such a manner that the application thinks the data is entered via the keyboard.
Software and hardware keyboard wedges are used extensively in data acquisition applications that include statistical programs, spreadsheets, barcode, LIMS, etc. MicroRidge keyboard wedges can accept input data from any RS-232 serial device. The data is then passed to a Windows application in such a manner that the application thinks the data is actually coming from the keyboard.
Popular Question: How does the digital weight indicator prevent input of fluctuating weights?
The digital weight indicator can usually have a built-in solution to prevent the input of fluctuating weights. One of the key features is the Print-at-Stability function. This function ensures that the software only records weight readings when the object being weighed reaches a stable weight.
Popular Question: Can the digital weight indicator record weights automatically or manually?
The digital weight indicator or shipping scale provides users with the flexibility to choose how they want their data to be received. You could have your scale continuously sending weight data automatically or manually by pressing a button such as the Print key.
Does a scale with digital output mean the same thing as sending weight data to a computer?
Some scale users search for the term scale with digital output when they are searching for a scale that sends weight data to their computer although it is technically not quite the right terminology if you are looking to connect a scale to a computer.
Do you offer usb scale software or rs232 weight scale software?
As mentioned in this entry, Winwedge is a good choice for many of you. Also Cardinal offers the PC Companion software which works with some of the Cardinal weight indicators. Doran offers Excelerator for weight data capture. AdamDu is also available for the data stream coming from an Adam scale indicator or weighing scales.
Get Started With Central Carolina Scale
Hopefully this month’s article will provide you with available resources and ideas when it comes to sending weight information from your laboratory balance to your laptop computer (or whatever your particular needs are). As you can see, there are several available that will hopefully work for both your budget and your particular requirements. In some cases, you may very well be able to send data from your scale to your computer; and set it up all by yourself with the help of a wedge software.
For more information and assistance for your particular situation, contact our sales department by calling (919) 776-7737 or visiting our website and clicking the Request a Quote button.
Doran has been manufacturing digital scales for forty years. This milestone was a great reason for them to take a look at their indicator lineup and make some adjustments. One of the biggest changes is a focus on Made in the USA quality. They have actually been able to source many more of their components from USA sources. In fact, according to Doran, if you buy a 7000XL with a 10″x10″ base and column, all products in that build were sourced from USA vendors. That’s pretty impressive in today’s competitive environment.
Another change that Doran has made is to replace the 8000XL bench scale and digital weight indicator. Actually, this is not a surprise since the only real difference between the 7000XL and the 8000XL was a battery. So if you were a fan of the 8000XL scale or the 8000XLM digital indicator, then all you need to do is order a 7000XL with optional battery.
Doran challenged the design team to update the indicator line. Doran’s engineers have been working overtime to update our indicator line starting with the 7000XL and 8000XL. Not only that, the purchasing department found ways to bring many items back to the USA. Doran is proud to announce that they will be building many of their products in their plant in Batavia, IL again. They are sourcing metal including indicators, columns and most platforms from superior stainless steel producers in the USA. Touchpanels and boards also come from USA sources.
When you buy a 7000XL with a 10×10 base and column, know that all components were sourced from USA vendors. As they transition products back to the USA, Doran will be labeling products that are built in the US factory and USA sourced components with Built in America label that you see in this blog post. Along with USA manufacture, Doran has made some additional improvements as well. They are excited to introduce improvements like the 7000XL display, which is now 0.8” tall and expanded options. The factory now supports 34 options for the 7000XL weight indicator.
It’s no mystery why so many people turn to the Doran 7000XL for their weighing applications. From capturing plant floor data to a simple dough scale on a baker’s bench, the 7000XL is adaptable to fit your specific needs. Engineered to stand up to the harshest environment, the sealed, heavy duty “Guardian” touch panel resists moisture and puncture damage. The big, bright red LED display is easy to read. IP69K rated Washdown safe, stainless steel is a hallmark of Doran Scales. The heavy gauge 304 stainless steel construction and the gasketed enclosure ensure that the 7000XL will provide many years of trouble-free service.
Choose from a variety of Doran 7000XL models that include columns and attachment brackets to place the weight indicator at an ideal height for your weighing application. Need battery power? Just add option EXOPT308 and you have what used to be called the “8000XL” indicator.
Doran 7000XL Indicator Features
• Built in America
• Variety of data communication options including, wired Ethernet, WiFi, USB, Bluetooth or 4-20mA
• Optional internal rechargeable battery providing up to 60 hours of continuous use
• 304 stainless steel construction
• IP69K washdown protection
• Bright red, 0.8” tall 6 digit LED display
• Heavy duty touch panel with ZERO, UNITS, and PRINT controls
• Units of measure: lb, kg, oz, g, or lb:oz
• Legal for trade in US and Canada
• Dimension configuration software
• Programmable custom data strings
A couple of additional notes to consider about the Doran product line. The 7000XL display is now 0.8″ tall and the indicator now has thirty four options available. One thing that hasn’t changed is the washdown quality and stainless steel construction. So, if you need a scale for food processing environments with grease and debris clean up is needed, this is your scale. The 7000XL is ideal for washdown situations in food processing plants, dairies, packing houses, bottling plants, breweries, canneries, creameries and much more.
So when it comes to stainless steel washdown bench scales, we usually recommend Doran Scales. In fact, we have received “Top Doran Scales Dealer” awards in the past. Contact our sales team (919) 776-7737 for additional information and price quotes.
Happy New Year! It’s our goal to provide great service to you again this year and to bring you some really nice products that make your job easier. Cardinal Scale Manufacturing in Webb City Missouri has a digital weight indicator product line that is very popular with our customers. Cardinal’s weight indicators provide easy, convenient scale operation and accurate, reliable measurements. From basic truck scale weighing to complex process automation, Cardinal Scale probably makes a weight indicator for your application. Whether operators need an easy-to-maintain wash-down indicator or an indicator that provides highly visible scale readouts, a Cardinal indicator from Central Carolina Scale usually has an option available to suit a wide range of weighing needs.
The latest announcement from Cardinal Scale is very exciting for those of us in the weighing industry. Over the years customers have always asked us “can I send weight data to my pc” or “we need to send scale data to the computer”. And the answer that we usually told customers was well, yes you can…… but it might require some additional software or yes… but it might require some other type of hurdle or challenge. Over the years it has gotten easier but depending on the product and what you are trying to connect to, it could be a real challenge to send weight data reliably and consistently to a computer. But, now with the new Cardinal 2XX-USBA option board which is listed as USB-A Card, 2 USB-A Ports, One Micro SD Port – you have the ability to add a USB flash drive to a select group of Cardinal indicators like the 205, 210 and 225 and easily collect weighing data. For example, with one 4GB flash drive, you could literally collect millions of weight transactions. Then once you’re ready to view the transactions, you remove the flash drive and take a look at the CSV file on your computer. It’s easy to add titles to the columns and sum the weight column to determine the total amount of weight that you’ve weighed over a period of time. Continue reading →
Cardinal Scale leads the weighing industry with their digital weight indicator product line. Cardinal’s weight indicators provide easy, convenient scale operation and accurate, reliable measurements. From basic truck scale weighing to complex process automation, Cardinal Scale has a weight indicator for your application.
Cardinal Scale’s 825 Spectrum weight indicator can send automatic e-mail alerts through an Ethernet connection to the client’s internal SMTP e-mail server for submission to up to three recipients per scale. The 825 features up to 10 scale inputs per indicator by installing additional option cards to the multiple slots available, and each of the scales connected has completely-individual configuration for the e-mail alerts.
Originally programmed for a company to use with a series of tank scales, this 825 custom application allows users to receive instant notification on stocking levels, such as when it’s time to order refills.
Easy set-up for this application is enabled through the 825’s touchscreen LCD and QWERTY keyboard where users may assign the e-mail address the alerts are sent from, which also acts as a return address (any address may be configured). There are four preset weights available per scale for user-definable targets such as Over, Accept, Under (Reorder), and Extremely Low, which may be labeled whatever the user chooses. Continue reading →
There’s all kind of cliche’s that come to mind with the new Cardinal 201 like good things come in small packages. That is definitely the case for this new item from Cardinal Scale. The Cardinal Scale model 201 weight transmitter is a fast, accurate instrument for process control-based static and dynamic weighing applications. The 201 is capable of powering up to (8) 350 ohm load cells and comes with a 35-mm DIN rail mounting bracket. The 201 transmitter built by Cardinal Scale out of Webb City, Missouri features a 0.5-inch-high, six-digit, transflective LCD display with up to (7) different colors and is viewable in all lighting levels from direct light to total darkness. A variety of mounting options and ColorZONE control options make it ideal for quick visual verification of weight status.
The Cardinal Scale model 201 weight indicator offers sample rates of up to 200 samples per second and standard communication protocols include serial interface RS232/RS485, mini USB-B, Analog (0-10V or 4-20mA), Ethernet TCP/IP, EIP, and Modbus TCP, making it easy to connect to a PC, PLC, and other smart devices. Four programmable digital inputs and outputs are included to make it even more flexible. Connectivity set-up is simple using the printed legend on the front of the 201 enclosure. Setup and calibration of the model 201 weight controller is fast and easy using both the on-screen indicator menu prompts or Web browser interface via IP address.
The 4-in W x 4.2-in H x 1.9-in D compact size uses very little panel space, and the enclosure can be DIN rail mounted with the display either internal or remotely mounted on the face of the cabinet making it easy to implement into new and existing systems. The 201 weight indicator is both NTEP and Measurement Canada certified for legal-for-trade applications and is UL listed and CE certified.
Quite often a customer will contact us looking to buy a scale. Often they will have a list of features that they’re looking for, most of which we are able to accommodate. It could be that they need a large size floor scale or maybe they need a scale to be extremely accurate. Or maybe they need a scale that can connect to their computer system via USB or ethernet cable.
However there is one question about digital weighing indicators that makes us stop and think for a few seconds. Can I buy a Made in the USA digital weight readout for my scale? You see many of our favorite U.S. scale manufacturers actually import their digital indicators.
So as of today the best choices we can come up with for true Made in the USA quality when it comes to digital weight indicators would be the following:
Pennsylvania Scale 7600
Doran Scales 7000XLM
Cambridge CSW-10
The Pennsylvania 7600E is a really nice indicator for truck scale customers who are looking for a nice indicator that has many great features but doesn’t cost a fortune. The Cambridge CSW-10 is an entry level basic indicator that is great for simple weighing applications.
So there you have it. If you are serious about finding made in the U.S.A. scale equipment we can provide that for you. It may be a little tough to find sometimes and it may cost a little more than the chinese imported products but in most cases we can get you a MADE IN THE USA weighing product.
Doran listens to their distributors and their needs. Along with the 2200’s standard features such as Gross, Net, Tare, multiple product ID’s, full numerical keypad, accumulator, eight setpoints, two RS232 ports, Doran recently released the latest offering of advanced features for the Doran 2200 Indicator which include: Continue reading →
