Agrident APR500 Quick start guide
Agrident GmbH, Steinklippenstrasse 10, D-30890 Barsinghausen
Phone +49 5105 582573-10 - Fax +49 5105 582573-17
APR500 - Classic Mode
Operational Manual
V16/10/14
For Firmware Version 4.08 and higher
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© Copyright 2014 by Agrident GmbH
All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, scanning or other, without the prior written permission of Agrident GmbH.
Agrident GmbH reserves the right to make changes to any and all parts of this
documentation without obligation to notify any person or entity of such changes.
October 2014
Agrident GmbH
Steinklippenstrasse 10
30890 Barsinghausen
Germany
Phone +49 (0) 5105 582573-10
Fax +49 (0) 5105 582573-17
www.agrident.com
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Contents
1.Introduction.........................................................................................................5
1.1Features..........................................................................................................5
1.2APR500 Kit......................................................................................................6
2.Optional accessories...........................................................................................7
2.1APC510 RS232 cable .....................................................................................7
2.2ACC500 car charger........................................................................................7
2.3AEA580 external antenna ...............................................................................7
2.4AMA060 and AMA090 mountable antennas ...................................................7
3.Security Advice...................................................................................................8
4.Basic Operations of the APR500 ........................................................................8
4.1Keys of Operation............................................................................................8
4.2Getting Started................................................................................................9
4.3Main Screen and Acoustic Signals................................................................11
4.4Navigating through the menus.......................................................................12
4.5Communication interfaces of the APR500.....................................................13
4.6Battery management.....................................................................................15
5.Advanced Features of the APR500...................................................................16
5.1Alias ..............................................................................................................16
5.2Action Codes.................................................................................................18
5.3Weight from Scale.........................................................................................20
5.4Group Separator............................................................................................21
5.5Speed Mode..................................................................................................21
5.6Race Mode....................................................................................................21
6.The APR500 main menu...................................................................................22
6.1Operation menu.............................................................................................23
6.2Speed Mode menu........................................................................................27
6.3Race Mode menu..........................................................................................27
6.4Data menu.....................................................................................................28
6.5Setup Menu...................................................................................................31
6.6Bluetooth Menu.............................................................................................37
6.7Menu Structure and Factory Defaults............................................................38
7.Technical Data..................................................................................................40
8.Safety and Care................................................................................................41
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9.Warranty...........................................................................................................41
10.International approvals......................................................................................42
11.Annex A – Online mode output formats............................................................44
12.Glossary............................................................................................................45
13.Index.................................................................................................................46
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1. Introduction
This manual describes the basic functions, the advanced features and the menu structure
of the Agrident Portable Reader APR500.
Please read the manual carefully in order to get access to all features of the reader.
1.1 Features
Fully compatible with ISO standards 11784/11785
Reads FDX-B and HDX transponders
Up to 6000 datasets including transponder ID, time stamp, ALIAS, ACTION CODE
and ACTION CODE PLUS can be stored. The non-volatile memory of the reader
ensures that the data are protected from getting lost if the batteries run empty.
The two Hotkeys do not only initiate a reading process, they can be configured to
start several different operations, e.g. to record actions for read animal IDs.
The electronic ID can be linked to an alphanumeric string with up to 14 characters.
These strings are called ALIAS (please see chapter 5.1).
A preassembled list of ALIASES (Tag List) can be linked to scanned IDs with
the APR in the field.
The ALIASES can be assigned to IDs on the PC and the APR can display the
ALIAS instead of the ID in the field.
ALIASES can be entered manually after reading a transponder in the field
using the “Assign Ask” mode.
In combination with the SEARCH MODE feature the ALIAS allows to find
individual animals in a larger group of animals.
ACTION CODES allow assigning events to animals like sale, movement, disease,
treatment etc. (see chapter 5.2).
The ACTION CODES are free editable in the ACTION CODE LIST on the PC and
have to be uploaded before they are available in the APR.
The ACTION CODE PLUS offers the possibility to assign a numeric value in addition
to an ACTION CODE – e.g. the weight, pen number, etc. (see chapter 5.2.2).
The WEIGTH FROM SCALE feature enables the APR500 to import the weight from
electronic scales via RS232 or Bluetooth (see chapter 5.3).
Missing or defective transponder can be stored manually as an ALIAS using the NO
TAG MODE (see chapter 6.1.3)
GROUP separators allow the user to distinguish between groups of collected
datasets – e.g. operator, location, buyer or seller (please see chapter 5.4)
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In the SPEED MODE the APR500 reads continuously without pressing the according
Hotkey again after a tag was read. This allows the fast reading of larger groups of
animals within a short time (see chapter 5.5).
The RACE MODE enables the APR to operate as a data collector for Agrident
Stationary Readers (see chapter 5.6). The EIDs from the stationary readers are
received via RS232 or Bluetooth, displayed and stored in the APRs memory.
Up to 5 different configurations can be uploaded into the Handheld. These custom
defined PRESETS allow the user to switch between different operation modes (see
chapter 6.1.2) easily.
The APR500 is equipped with an internal BLUETOOTH Class 1 module, configurable
as Bluetooth Master or Slave (see chapter 4.5.2)
The APR500 comes with the APR PC-Demo Software. This program can be used for
configuring the reader and for demonstrating all features – it is not suitable for
replacing comprehensive management software.
1.2 APR500 Kit
The APR500 is usually part of a kit. The kit consists of an APR500 reader, an APC500
USB cable, an APS500 USB power supply, a Quick Start Guide and a CD containing the
manuals, the APR demo software and an APR500 USB driver.
1.2.1 APC500 USB cable
The APC500 is an USB cable for the APR500 reader. It has to be connected to the top-
mounted plug on the APR side and to an USB-A port on the PC side. It allows data transfer
between reader and PC and the internal charging of the batteries, if the Agrident supplied
rechargeable batteries are used.
You can fast charge the batteries in less than 6 hours from a computers USB port (if
Agrident supplied rechargeable batteries are used). The APS500 USB power supply or the
ACC500 car charger might also be used as power source. In this case you can charge the
batteries in 5 hours maximum.
1.2.2 APS500 USB power supply
The APS500 is a power supply with wide input voltage range (100-240V AC) and
interchangeable plugs. This allows using the power supply in most countries of the world
without the need for additional mains adaptors. The power supply contains an USB-A plug
for connecting to the APR500 via the APC500 USB cable.
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2. Optional accessories
The APR500 reader can be purchased with a wide range of optional accessories:
2.1 APC510 RS232 cable
The APC510 is an RS232 interface cable for the APR500 reader. It has to be connected to
the top-mounted plug on the APR side and to an RS232 port with a male 9pin D-Sub
connector on the other side. It allows the communication between the reader and other
devices with RS232 interface like computers or electronic weighing scales.
2.2 ACC500 car charger
The ACC500 offers the possibility to charge your APRs batteries from a cigarette lighter in
your car. The input voltage can be either 12V or 24V and thus it also might be used in
trucks with 24V battery voltage. The APC500 cable has to be used for connecting the
APR500 to the car charger.
2.3 AEA580 external antenna
The very robust AEA580 external stick antenna gives the user an extended physical read
range in order to obtain a transponder signal even from harder accessible tags. The
electrical reading distance is the same as for the internal antenna.
The APR automatically detects an external antenna. While using the AEA580, the internal
APR antenna will be deactivated. If the external antenna plug is removed, the reader will
automatically use the internal antenna again.
2.4 AMA060 and AMA090 mountable antennas
The AEA060/090 mountable antennas give the user an extended physical read range of 60
respectively 90cm. They are mounted directly to the APR500 housing and allow a one-
hand operation. The electrical reading distance is the same as for the internal antenna.
The APR automatically detects an external antenna. While using the AMA, the internal
APR antenna will be deactivated. If the external antenna plug is removed, the reader will
automatically use the internal antenna again.
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3. Security Advice
Caution! Dispose of exhausted rechargeable and non-rechargeable
batteries must be compliant with your local laws. To ensure proper
compliance is entirely the responsibility of the owner and / or user of
the reader.
4. Basic Operations of the APR500
This chapter introduces the basic operations of the APR500.
4.1 Keys of Operation
The APR500 has an ergonomic mobile phone style alphanumeric keyboard with 21 buttons
for easy operation. The function of the buttons is described below.
Hotkey A
Activates the reading function
as configured for Hotkey A
Hotkey B
Activates the reading function as
configured for Hotkey B
Enter button
Selects menu items, moves to
the next field during an
operation and confirms inputs
Arrow buttons
Move up/down/left/right
Up/Down: Scrolls through the
menu, alters selected
values, higher/lower
case letters for
alphanumeric input
C button
Switches the Handheld on/off.
Moves into the next higher
menu level, cancels the input
Left: Moves one digit back
in input fields
Right: Skips the input field
Alphanumeric keys
Are used in order to enter
numbers and / or characters
into input fields
F button
Opens the readers main menu
# button
Activates the alphanumeric
Keypad (No Tag mode, Assign
Mode)
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4.2 Getting Started
Press the button in order to activate the APR500. The display will show the APR
firmware version briefly…
…before the main screen appears.
In order to save battery capacity, the APR will switch off after a certain time – this is called
“Switch off time”. The default setting is 10 seconds but you can change this value in the
“Switch off time” submenu (please see chapter 6.5.1).
4.2.1 Reading a Transponder
After switching on your reader with the button, a reading attempt can be started
pressing or , per default the APR will try to read a transponder for 7 seconds.
You may also start reading directly without using the button. If the reader is switched
off and you press the Hotkey or , the reader is switched on and reading will be
started in one step.
A successful reading attempt shows…
…the EID (999 000000002796), the note “stored”, the number of stored data sets (here 12)
and the memory space which is left (here 5988).
If no transponder could be read the display will show the following status message:
Reasons might be that there was no transponder in range or the transponder could be
damaged. The “No Tag Mode” (see chapter 6.1.3) allows the user to enter an Alias (see
chapter 5.1) manually, if the reading attempt failed.
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4.2.2 Transponder Orientation
The APR is using a ferrite antenna. Accordingly the flux lines of the electromagnetic field
have the following characteristics:
As a result of the flux line characteristics, there is a best reading orientation and a worst
reading orientation:
The reading range does not only depend on the transponder orientation but also on the
type of transponder. Transponders with a good performance have a better reading distance
than low performance tags.
Generally HDX transponders can be read up to 25cm, FDX-B up to 20cm.
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4.3 Main Screen and Acoustic Signals
The APR500 has a large backlit graphic display and a buzzer for acoustical signals which
can give a multitude of different information.
4.3.1 Main Screen
If you switch on the APR500 by pushing the button, the display will switch to the main
screen automatically. It displays the current date, time and the configuration of the
Hotkeys. It also informs the user about the battery status and the Bluetooth status.
Chapter 6.5.1 explains how to change the contrast level of the LCD.
Battery symbol
(chapter 4.6) Bluetooth symbol
(chapter 4.5.2)
Date
(chapter 6.5.2) Time
(chapter 6.5.2)
Hotkey A
Configuration
(chapter 6.1.1.1)
Hotkey B
Configuration
(chapter 6.1.1.2)
4.3.2 Acoustic Signals
The buzzer of the APR500 emits different acoustic signals to state different reader
conditions. For changing the volume of the beeper, please read chapter 6.5.3.
Acoustic signal
Number Length Tone Description
1 short high by pressing any button the keyboard a single short
BEEP is emitted
4short high good ID read
1 long high no ID read
1short low/high double read in an configured time (see chapter
6.5.8.1)
2 short high/low Transponder in the Tag List was found in search
mode (see chapter 6.1.1) The ID has to be assigned
to an Alias
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4.4 Navigating through the menus
Button Description
Switches the APR500 on and off, changes from a submenu to the next higher menu
item and leaves settings in the lowest menu level unaltered.
Enters the APRs menu.
Scrolls up in the menu, increases numeric values in particular submenus. Changes to
capital letters in text input fields.
Scrolls down in the menu, decreases numeric values in particular submenus. Changes
to lower case letters in text input fields.
Enters a submenu, confirms changes in the lowest menu level and leaves this submenu
to the next higher menu item.
Deletes the last character in text input fields.
Example:
You want to change the contrast level of the APRs display.
Chapter 6.7 provides an overview of the menu structure and the factory default settings.
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4.5 Communication interfaces of the APR500
If you want to download collected data from the APR to your PC or upload lists to the
reader, you have to connect the APR to the PC via an interface.
The APR500 has an USB and an RS232 interface at the top plug, available via the
APC500 USB cable or the APC510 RS232 cable. At the bottom of the APR there are
contact pins for connecting via the ADS500 docking station. The APR500 is also equipped
with a Bluetooth class 1 module for wireless communication.
Beside the physical connection you need appropriate software on your PC which is able to
communicate with the APR. This can be either your management software or the APR PC-
Demo-Software.
4.5.1 Connecting the APC cable
Before you can connect your APC interface cable, you have to remove the protection cap
from the APRs top plug first.
Please be aware that the male APC connector has two noses and the plug in the reader
has two notches, the position of both has to match.
If the connector of the APC and the plug in the APR are mated correctly, push the
connector until it snaps into place noticeably. Now connect the USB-A connector resp. the
9-pin RS232 connector into the corresponding plug of the device you want to communicate
with in order to complete the connection.
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If you want to disconnect the APC from the reader, please do not pull the cable.
Take hold of the outer ring of the connector and you can remove the APC cable easily. In
order to ensure the readers protection class in the field, push the protection-cap back into
place.
When you connect the APR500 to a particular PC via USB the first time, Windows will
detect the new device automatically and ask for a driver. Please choose to install the
device manually and use the APR500.inf file from the APR product CD. For a more
detailed description please read the separate driver installation guide.
4.5.2 Bluetooth
The APR500 has an optional Class 1 Bluetooth module, for wireless communication with
other Bluetooth devices over a distance of up to 100m.
If the APR has established a Bluetooth connection to another Bluetooth device, a Bluetooth
icon will be shown in the upper right corner of the displays main screen and the green LED
of the APR will flash with regular intervals, as long as the connection remains active.
For further information regarding the Bluetooth option of the APR, please read the separate
APR500 – Bluetooth Manual.
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4.6 Battery management
When the APR is connected to a power source via USB (e.g. a PC, APS500, ACC500), the
Agrident supplied rechargeable batteries are internally charged automatically. Fast
charging will take up to 6h. The external power options of the display backlight and the
Bluetooth module can shorten the fast charging period (see chapters 6.5.1 and 6.6).
Charging does only work in a temperature range between 0°C and 45°C.
If you want to exchange the batteries of the APR500, please follow the instructions below:
Turn the screw of the battery cover 90° counter clockwise. You might use a screwdriver or a
small coin for that. Lift the lid by using your fingernail or an appropriate tool.
Remove the battery cover and then the batteries. Please pay attention on the imprinted
battery symbols in order to insert the batteries in the correct direction. Use only AA standard
or rechargeable NiMH cells, but note that only Agrident supplied rechargeable batteries can
be charged internally.
Put the battery cover back in place and turn the screw 90° clockwise. Be aware, that the
APR500 housing will only retain its protection class when the battery cover is properly
attached.
When charging for the first time after long-term storage, the battery
capacity might be decreased. Restore such batteries to original
performance by repeated cycles of charging and discharging.
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5. Advanced Features of the APR500
The APR500 can do much more than just simply reading transponders and saving the ID.
This chapter explains the additional information that can be linked to the electronic ID.
With the Hotkeys A and B you can access functions like Alias, Action Code and Weight
from Scale fast and easy. The configuration of the Hotkeys can be changed in the APRs
menu (see chapter 6.1.1) or using the APR PC-Demo Software. Presets (see chapter
6.1.2) can be used to switch between different operation modes easily.
5.1 Alias
An Alias is an alphanumeric string of up to 14 characters. It can be linked to one ID. A list
of Aliases is called “Tag List”.
The Alias function can be used for multiple different operations, for example:
xAssignment of the visual ID or management number to the electronic ID.
xIn combination with the Search Mode, particular animals can be identified in a
larger group of animals.
xIrregular conditions of animals can be recorded with the Alias function using the
Assign Ask mode or the Assign Ask Save mode.
5.1.1 Using a preassembled Tag List
A Tag List containing Aliases linked to transponder IDs can be created on the PC using
appropriate software. Instead of displaying the electronic ID after reading, the APR can be
set up to show the Alias on the display (see also chapter 6.5.8.5 “Alias if available”).
In this case, the assignment has already been made. So there is no additional Alias
assignment possible in the field and thus the Assign Ask mode or the Assign Ask Save
mode cannot be used here, at least for IDs which already have an Alias. If an ID is already
assigned and you are using the Assign Ask mode or the Assign Ask Save mode, the APR
will display “already assigned”.
5.1.2 The Search Mode with preassembled Tag List
In combination with the Search Mode (see chapter 6.1.1), particular animals can be
identified in a larger group of animals. If one of the searched animals was found in the Tag
List, the APR will indicate that using a different acoustic and visual signal.
An example: You want to sell some animals and you have to find them in a large flock. Just
create a Tag List with all animals you want to sell and add the corresponding Alias in the
list, e.g. “Sale”. Now upload the Tag List to the APR. Set up your APR in the following way:
xAlias if available = On
xMode Hotkey A (or B) = No Actioncode
xSearch Mode Hotkey A (or B) = On
Now the APR will indicate an assigned ID using a different acoustic signal and the LED will
flash green and red. Additionally your Alias will be displayed instead of the ID, for example
“Sale”.
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5.1.3 Assignment with the APR using Null-Tags
You can also assign the Alias in the field after reading a transponder with the APR using
the Assign Ask mode or the Assign Ask Save mode. For this application you also have to
create a Tag List on the PC first but you have to leave the ID blank, this is done by creating
a Tag List with so called “Null-Tags”. Please see the APR PC-Demo Software manual or
your management software manual for information about how to create a Tag List with
Null-Tags. In such a Tag List you only create the Alias entries; the corresponding IDs are
left blank and are assigned in the field. After uploading the Tag List you can start to assign
the IDs using the APR.
Set up the APR like below for this operation mode:
xMode Hotkey A (or B) = Assign Ask or Assign Ask Save
After you read a transponder with the corresponding Hotkey, the APR will open the list with
Aliases which are not assigned yet:
Choose the correct Alias using the / buttons. Confirm your choice with or
cancel the assignment with .
If you still have unassigned Aliases in the Tag List, but you want to use an Alias that is not
in the preassembled list, you can also enter it manually via the alphanumeric keys pressing
after reading the transponder. The deletes the last character of the input.
5.1.4 Assignment with the APR using the keypad
Another possibility to assign an Alias in the field is to enter the string using the alpha-
numeric keys. In this case it is not necessary to upload a preassembled Tag List to the
APR first, the APR will always ask for a manual input. One of the Hotkeys has to be
configured to Assign Ask or Assign Ask Save mode. After reading the transponder, the
APR will always display:
Type in the Alias and confirm with or cancel the assignment with . With this mode
you could record irregular conditions or any other remark. If you always want to type in the
Alias manually, make sure that there are no unassigned Aliases in the tag list.
Assignments which have been made like in the above described chapters 5.1.3 and 5.1.4
are visible in the User tag list of the Data menu:
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If you select a specific assigned Alias within the User Tag list by pressing , you can
undo the user assignment by pressing . This Alias can be reassigned to any unassigned
transponder again as described in chapter 5.1.3.
5.2 Action Codes
Action Codes are used to link a predefined action (e.g. weight, fed, sick, examined) to a
scanned transponder and thus to the animal.
An Action Code is an alphanumeric string of up to 14 characters. It can be linked to all
transponders that are scanned. Compared to the Alias, the Action Code list always has to
be sent to the APR before you can work with Action Codes. If you do not upload the list
first, you can only link numbers of Actions to the ID, not the name of the Action.
The Action Code list has to be created and uploaded using the appropriate PC software
like your management program or the APR PC-Demo software. Up to 90 different Action
Codes can be uploaded to the APR.
In order to use the Action Code function with the APR, you have set one of the Hotkeys
into the desired mode first (see Hotkey Mode menu chapter 6.1.1).
5.2.1 AC Ask mode
In the AC Ask mode, the reader will always open the Action Code List and you have to
select an action manually using the / buttons for scrolling. Confirm your choice with
. The APR will always display the Action Code selected in the Action Code list menu
item first. If you want to have last linked Action after every reading, select “last used” in the
Action Code list menu – so if you have multiple animals with the same action in series, you
just need to confirm the Action Code with enter and you do not need to scroll to the same
action every time.
Initiate the operation using the corresponding Hotkey. The APR will start a reading cycle:
If a transponder was read successfully, you can see the ID in the first line of the display.
The second line shows the Action Code:
Choose the desired Action Code from the list using the / buttons. Link the Action
Code to the ID with . The APR will confirm that the dataset has been saved:
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5.2.2 AC Ask Plus mode
The same like AC Ask but additionally to the Action Code you have to enter a numeric
value:
Use the alphanumeric keys in order to enter the value, use in order to delete one digit
Confirm your input by pressing .
If the AC Plus format is set to “On” (see chapter 6.5.8.6) you can assign values of up to
65535, “Off” only allows values up to 255.
5.2.3 AC Auto mode
The APR will always assign the Action Code that is selected in the Action Code list menu
automatically. It is not possible to select a different Action Code after each reading. If you
want to change the Action Code, for example because you want to link a different action for
the next group of animals, you have to change the Action Code list value.
If you have one and the same action for only a few animals, it makes more sense to use
the AC Ask mode in combination with the Action Code list value “last used”. In that way you
only have to confirm the same Action Code by pressing for a few times. The AC Auto
mode is more intended to be used, if lots of IDs should be linked to the same Action Code.
The reason is that every time you want to change the Action Code, you have to go back to
the operation menu in order to change the Action Code list value:
5.2.4 AC Auto Plus mode
The same like AC Auto but additionally to the Action Code you have to enter a numeric
value. If the AC Plus format is set to “On” (see chapter 6.5.8.6) you can assign values of up
to 65535, “Off” only allows values up to 255.
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5.2.5 Cancelling the data record
If you have read the transponder and you do not want to link an Action Code or Action
Code Plus to this ID, you can cancel this record by pressing . The APR displays:
If you select continue input, you skip back to the according Action Code Ask or Action
Code Auto Mode. Cancel operation will abort the entire process and discard the read EID.
Skip input will store the EID normally but without an Action Code.
5.3 Weight from Scale
The Weight from Scale feature offers the great opportunity to combine the EID with the
electronic weight, even if non EID-ready scales are used. The APR500 can import the
weight from a scale and save it together with a scanned EID.
The APR500 needs a serial connection to the scale, either RS232 (see APC510 chapter
2.1) or via Bluetooth.
The APR500 has to be set up for the correct scale and interface (see chapter 6.5.4) and
the appropriate Hotkey needs to be configured accordingly (see chapter 6.1.1.1).
Pressing the corresponding Hotkey, the APR500 will first try to scan the EID and than
import the weight from the scale.
EID: 980 000001005714
Scale Type: Tell
Interface: Bluetooth
Weight: 81.0 kg
The weight will be stored into the Alias field of the data set.
Weight from Scale can be combined with any Action Code feature (see chapter 5.2) and
the Search Mode (see chapter 5.1.2), but is incompatible with the Assign Mode (see
chapter 5.1).
For more details, please read the separate APR500 – Weight from Scale Manual.
Other manuals for APR500
4
Table of contents
Other Agrident Other manuals
