Doran PC-500 User manual

Model PC-500
Portion Control Scale
Instruction Manual
Doran Scales, Inc.
1315 Paramount Pkwy
Batavia, IL 60510
1-800-262-6844
www.doranscales.com
MAN0266 Revision 0.3

Table of Contents
Section 1. Unpacking and Installation.............................................................................1
Unpacking:.................................................................................................................................................................1
Installation:................................................................................................................................................................1
Electrical Connections:..............................................................................................................................................1
Care & Cleaning:.......................................................................................................................................................2
Section 2. Scale Operations Guide................................................................................3
Display Functions:.....................................................................................................................................................3
Basic Weighing:.........................................................................................................................................................3
Units Select:...............................................................................................................................................................3
Low Battery:..............................................................................................................................................................3
Power:........................................................................................................................................................................3
Automatic Sleep Function:.........................................................................................................................................3
Section 3. Setup and Calibration Guide.........................................................................4
Optional AC Power Connection: ...............................................................................................................................4
Optional RS-232 Connection:....................................................................................................................................4
Optional Remote Zero Switch: ..................................................................................................................................5
Calibration and Parameter Setup: ..............................................................................................................................6
Calibration Troubleshooting:.....................................................................................................................................7
Section 4. Parameter Setup...........................................................................................8
Entering and Exiting Setup Mode:.............................................................................................................................8
Scrolling Through Parameters: ..................................................................................................................................8
Changing a Parameter:...............................................................................................................................................8
Saving Parameter Changes: .......................................................................................................................................8
Changing Start up Units:............................................................................................................................................8
Legal for Trade Restrictions:.....................................................................................................................................8
Section 5. Setup Menus Explained ................................................................................9
Resolution Setup Menu..............................................................................................................................................9
Capacity Setup Menu.................................................................................................................................................9
Calibration Menu(s)...................................................................................................................................................9
Reset All Parameters to Default Settings? .................................................................................................................9
Auto Off Mode ........................................................................................................................................................10
Operation Mode.......................................................................................................................................................10
Auto Zero Tracking .................................................................................................................................................10
Motion Aperture ......................................................................................................................................................10
Start Up Zero ...........................................................................................................................................................11
Data Output..............................................................................................................................................................11
Data Format.............................................................................................................................................................12
Baud Rate ................................................................................................................................................................12
lb, oz, kg Units Enabled...........................................................................................................................................12
g Units Enabled........................................................................................................................................................13
Startup Units............................................................................................................................................................13
Raw Counts..............................................................................................................................................................13
Section 6. Data Communications.................................................................................14
Introduction to data communications:......................................................................................................................14
Remote Scale Commands: .......................................................................................................................................17
Section 7. Specifications...............................................................................................18
Section 8. Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................19
General problem resolution: ....................................................................................................................................19
Error Messages:.......................................................................................................................................................20

Section 1. Unpacking and Installation
Unpacking: Before unpacking your Doran scale, please read the instructions in this
section. Your new scale is a durable industrial product, but it is also a
sensitive weighing instrument. Normal care should be taken when
handling and using this product. Improper handling or abuse can
damage the scale and result in costly repairs that may not be covered by
the warranty. If you notice any shipping damage, notify the shipper
immediately. Carefully remove the scale from the shipping carton. Be
sure to retain all shipping materials in case the scale must be shipped
elsewhere.
Installation: Place the scale on a stable flat surface. Verify that the bubble level
located left of the scale display shows that the scale is level. Adjust the
four feet to obtain a level condition (bubble level centered).
Electrical Connections:
An optional transformer is available for 115 or 230 VAC operation. See
section 3 for installation instructions.
Be sure the AC power is not excessively noisy –this can occur if large
inductive loads, such as solenoids or motors, are on the same power
line. Subjecting electronics to problematic AC power lines may result in
damage not covered by the warranty. Also be sure that the power outlet
and transformer are not exposed to water while the scale is plugged in.

Care & Cleaning:
With reasonable care, this product will last for many years. Here are
some tips to care for your PC-500 Portion Control Scale.
! DO NOT drop the scale.
! DO NOT immerse the scale.
! DO NOT drop objects on the scale.
Hand clean with a damp cloth using mild detergent.
Do not wash the scale in a dishwasher –the removable platter is
dishwasher safe.
Do not use strong solvents or abrasive cleaners as this can damage
the touch panel or other plastic parts.
Do not overload the scale.
Do not use sharp objects to press any of the buttons.
Always use the PC-500 on a stable, vibration-free surface for best
weighing results.
Do not lift the scale by the weighing platform.
To ensure the scale retains its IP66 rating, keep the battery
compartment fully installed and keep the rubber plug on the battery
compartment in place.

Section 2. Scale Operations Guide
Fig. 1 Display
Display Functions:
The Model PC-500 controls consist of ON/OFF, UNITS and ZERO buttons
located under the main LCD display. The display is used to provide weight
indications and operator messages describing scale operation.
Basic Weighing:
1. Select the desired weighing units by pressing the UNITS button.
2. Empty the scale platter and press ZERO to zero the scale. The center of zero
annunciator will activate, indicating an accurate zero has been achieved.
3. Place an item on the scale platter and wait for the MOTION indicator to go out.
4. Read the weight on the display.
Units Select:
Press the UNITS button to change weight display units from lb - oz - kg - g - lb:oz.
Low Battery:
When the batteries need to be changed, the “LOW BATT” indicator illuminates.
Power:
The PC-500 is powered by six (6) D alkaline batteries or an optional AC wall
transformer. Turn the scale on or off by pressing ON/OFF.
Automatic Sleep Function:
The PC-500 has a feature called “Auto Shut-down” that turns the scale off after a
preset time of no activity. This helps conserve battery life. The preset time is
selectable from 1 minute to 60 minutes or it can be disabled so the scale
remains on continuously. The default setting is 5 minutes.

Section 3. Setup and Calibration Guide
Optional AC Power Connection:
The optional AC transformer has a power cord which plugs into the power jack
located under the battery compartment cover. WARNING: Installing this option
incorrectly will allow water to enter the scale and void the scale warranty.
To install this option:
1. Remove the battery compartment cover
2. Open the rubber plug in the battery compartment cover
3. Feed the AC jack and some cord through the rubber plug
4. Connect the AC jack to the Power socket inside battery compartment
5. Replace the battery compartment cover, leaving some slack on the AC
cord
6. Then push the rubber plug completely back into place, creating a seal
around the AC cord. NOTE: Regularly check the rubber plug to ensure a
proper seal is attained.
Optional RS-232 Connection:
The PC-500 has a standard RS-232 output. To use this feature, the optional
RS-232 cable is required. WARNING: Installing this option incorrectly will allow
water to enter the scale and void the scale warranty.
To install this option:
1. Remove the battery compartment cover
2. Open the rubber plug in the battery compartment cover
3. Feed the RS-232 cable jack and some cord through the rubber plug
4. Connect the jack to the RS-232 connector inside battery compartment
5. Replace the battery compartment cover, leaving some slack on the RS-
232 cord
6. Then push the rubber plug completely back into place, creating a seal
around the AC cord. NOTE: Regularly check the rubber plug to ensure a
proper seal is attained.

Optional Remote Zero Switch:
The PC-500 has an optional remote zero switch. To use this feature, the
optional Zero Switch is required. WARNING: Installing this option incorrectly will
allow water to enter the scale and void the scale warranty.
To install this option:
1. Remove the battery compartment cover
2. Open the rubber plug in the battery compartment cover
3. Feed the Remote Zero jack and some cord through the rubber plug
4. Connect the jack to the Remote Switch connector inside battery
compartment
5. Replace the battery compartment cover, leaving some slack on the RS-
232 cord
6. Then push the rubber plug completely back into place, creating a seal
around the AC cord. NOTE: Regularly check the rubber plug to ensure a
proper seal is attained.
Displaying Calibration and Audit Counters:
To display the values of the audit counters:
1. Turn on the scale.
2. Press and hold the ZERO button until the CX is displayed.
3. The scale will return to the weighing mode.

Calibration and Parameter Setup:
1. After turning on the PC-500, turn the scale over. If the battery compartment
has a lead and wire seal, you will require the assistance of a state certified
scale technician to retain legal for trade status. Remove the battery
compartment, and push the CAL button. The scale will enter the
Setup/Calibration mode.
2. Turn the scale upright, and the scale will briefly display the calibration and
parameter counters and will then display “div 2.5” (or “div 5.0“or “div 10”
depending on the scale resolution). Press the UNITS button twice. The
scale should now display “CAL 0”.
Fig. 2 Battery Compartment
3. Remove all weight from the scale platter. Press ZERO. Wait for the scale to
count down from “7” to “0”. If the scale detects motion, the count down will
restart. When finished, the display will display “CAL F5”.
NOTE: If “rg Err” appears on the display, the calibration zero is out of range.
Press ZERO to clear this error. Refer to the Calibration Troubleshooting
section for additional information.

4. The display will read CALXX, where XX is the span calibration weight in lb or
kg. The units annunciator to the right of the weight display will indicate the
current unit selected. Press ZERO to change the calibration unit.
5. Place full capacity on the platter and press ZERO. Wait for the scale to count
down from “7” to “0. If the scale detects motion, the count will restart. When
finished, the scale will return to the weigh mode and the calibration audit
counter will be incremented.
NOTE: If “SPnL” or “SPnH” appears on the display, the calibration span is out of
range. Verify that the calibration weight is correct and repeat the
calibration. Refer to the Calibration Troubleshooting section for
additional information.
6. Replace the battery compartment and tighten knobs.
Calibration Troubleshooting:
The following table shows the acceptable “Raw Counts” for no load and full load.
“Raw Counts” can be viewed through the last setup parameter. Refer to Section
4, Parameter Setup, for more information regarding parameter viewing.
If the scale’s raw counts are not within the ranges specified in the following table,
contact a Doran certified scale technician or Doran’s Technical Assistance
department at 800-262-6844.
Acceptable “Raw Counts”
for no load
Acceptable “Raw Counts”
for full load
-8,000 –100,000
30,000 –242,000

Section 4. Parameter Setup
Entering and Exiting Setup Mode:
Quick Setup:
Quick Setup is recommended for customer use as this setup mode allows the non-
meteorological parameters to be modified and will not affect scale calibration.
Parameters with the ↑ symbol in section 5 are available in this menu.
To enter the front-panel setup mode, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the scale.
2. Press and hold the UNITS button.
3. Press and hold the ON/OFF button for approximately one second.
4. Release both buttons.
The scale will now be in the Quick Setup mode as indicated by “Ao XX”.
Full Setup:
The Full Setup mode is recommended for authorized technician use only. To
enter the complete setup menu, perform the following steps:
1. Turn on the PC-500.
2. Turn the scale over and remove the battery compartment cover.
3. Press the calibration switch.
The scale should enter the Setup/Calibration mode as indicated by “div 2.5”,
“div 5.0”, or “div 10”, (depending on the scale’s resolution.)
Scrolling Through Parameters:
Pressing UNITS button will cause the scale to step to the next parameter on the list.
Changing a Parameter:
Once the desired parameter is displayed, it may adjusted. Press ZERO to step
through the parameter selections.
Saving Parameter Changes:
To exit the setup mode, press and release the UNITS button until the scale returns to
the weighing mode. At this time the parameter changes will be saved. Setup
information is not saved until the PC-500 exits the setup mode. A power failure while
in the Setup Mode will cause changes to be lost.
Changing Start up Units:
The scale will “power-up” with the same units that it was using when it was last turned
off.
Legal for Trade Restrictions:
The Legal for Trade mode disables the lb:oz mode and forces several parameters to
specific settings. These restricted parameters are indicated by an asterisk. Changes
to these parameters will increment the calibration audit counter.

Section 5. Setup Menus Explained
Resolution Setup Menu
div
Select Scale Capacity (lbs)
2.5
# of scale displayed divisions is 2,500.
NOTE: Use this resolution for Legal for
Trade applications.
5.0
# of scale displayed divisions is 5,000
10
# of scale displayed divisions is 10,000
Capacity Setup Menu
CAP
Select Scale Capacity (lbs)
5
Scale capacity set to 5 pounds
10
Scale capacity set to 10 pounds
25
Scale capacity set to 25 pounds
50
Scale capacity set to 50 pounds
Calibration Menu(s)
CAL
Zero Calibration Point
0
Press ZERO to calibrate zero point
CAL
Span Calibration Point
Full scale calibration is required. Press
ZERO to select calibration units.
NOTE: This parameter is only visible after a
zero calibration is performed.
Reset All Parameters to Default Settings?
rst
Default parameters?
n
No. Parameters are not defaulted.
y
Yes. Set all parameters to their default
values when UNITS is pressed.

Auto Off Mode
Ao
↑↑
Auto Off Mode
The amount of time before the scale will
shut off, if not in use. (Stays on if
plugged in.)
oF
Off. Scale will run continually
60
60 minutes
30
30 minutes
20
20 minutes
10
10 minutes
5
5 minutes
4
4 minutes
3
3 minutes
2
2 minutes
1
1 minute
Operation Mode
oP
Sets the scale for Legal for Trade mode
St
Standard mode. NOT legal for trade.
44
Legal for trade setting
Auto Zero Tracking
2t *
# of displayed divisions that are
automatically zeroed from displayed
zero, while the scale is stable.
of
Zero tracking is disabled
0.5
1/2 division
3.0
3 divisions
1.0
1 division
Motion Aperture
nnA *
# of displayed divisions that must
change before motion is detected.
1
1 division
3
2 divisions
5
3 divisions
NOTE: The Legal for Trade mode disables certain options and selections listed above.
These items have been indicated by an asterisk ( * ).
↑ Indicates non-metrological parameters available from the quick setup mode.

Start Up Zero
Suo *
Controls the start-up zero point
No
Scale will NOT zero on power up.
Calibrated zero is loaded on power-up.
FS
Scale will zero up to 100% of scale
capacity on power-up.
20
Scale will zero up to 20% of scale capacity
on power-up.
(Legal for Trade Setting)
Data Output
d.o.
↑
Controls when information is
transmitted from the scale though the
serial port
C.P.
Continuous data transmission. Transmits
data each time the display is updated.
Readings that occur when the scale is in
motion are identified by the abbreviation
“MOT.” following the weight data.
A.1
Auto Print 1 transmits the first scale reading
after the scale leaves motion. The reading
must be stable and must be a valid reading
before it can be sent.
A.2
Auto Print 2 transmits the first stable scale
reading above 1% of scale capacity. In
Auto Print 2, no further readings will be
sent until the scale returns to within 1% of
displayed zero.
A.5
Auto Print 2 transmits the first stable scale
reading above 0.1% of scale capacity. In
Auto Print 2, no further readings will be
sent until the scale returns to within 0.1% of
displayed zero.
t.d.
Transmits data when the “W” command is
received through the serial port. The scale
must be stable and the weight must be
valid (no error codes displayed) before data
is printed.
NOTE: The Legal for Trade mode disables certain options and selections listed above.
These items have been indicated by an asterisk ( * ).
↑ Indicates non-metrological parameters available from the quick setup mode.

Data Format
For.
↑
Format of transmitted data from the
serial port
FO
Basic data format.
2P
Basic dual print format. Includes metric
weight.
F1
Legacy data format.
Output NOT Legal for Trade.
SP
Basic format for an Eltron SSP printer.
Call Doran for details.
Baud Rate
b.r.
↑
Serial port transmission rate
12
1200 Baud (bits per second)
24
2400 Baud (bits per second)
48
4800 Baud (bits per second)
96
9600 Baud (bits per second)
lb Units Enabled
↑
Enables/Disables pounds
on
lb is enabled.
of
lb is disabled.
lb:oz Units Enabled
*
↑
Enables/Disables pounds:ounces
on
lb:oz is enabled.
of
lb:oz is disabled.
oz Units Enabled
↑
Enables/Disables ounces
on
oz is enabled.
of
oz is disabled.
kg Units Enabled
↑
Enables/Disables kilograms
on
kg is enabled.
of
kg is disabled.
↑ Indicates non-metrological parameters available from the quick setup mode.

g Units Enabled
↑
Enables/Disables grams
on
g is enabled.
of
g is disabled.
Startup Units
Units
↑
Determines scale startup units
lb
Scale starts up in lb.
lb:oz *
Scale starts up in lb:oz.
oz
Scale starts up in oz.
kg
Scale starts up in kg.
g
Scale starts up in g.
Raw Counts
######
↑
Raw counts from A/D converter
View these numbers if calibration is
unsuccessful. Refer to Section 3 for
interpretation of these numbers. Press
UNITS to exit.
↑ Indicates non-metrological parameters available from the quick setup mode.

Section 6. Data Communications
Introduction to data communications:
Basic understanding of serial data communications is needed when setting up the
PC400 to communicate with a printer or PC.
When setting up a serial communications system, there are two concerns which
affect the configuration of that system. These are:
Baud Rate
Data Bits and Parity
The baud rate determines how fast the data is sent from the scale. The sending
and receiving units must be set to the same baud settings. Typical values are
1200, 2400, 4800 and 9600.
The PC400 is factory set for eight bits, no parity and one stop bit also known as
8n1. The receiving units must be set to 8n1 for proper communications.
“F0” Example (Negative weight, in motion)
☻-2.452 lb MOT.♪◙
“F0” Print String Definition for Each Weight Unit:
Pounds
STX | POL | WEIGHT| SP | lb | SP | ST | CR | LF
Ounces
STX | POL | WEIGHT| SP | oz | SP | ST | CR | LF
Kiligrams
STX | POL | WEIGHT| SP | kg | SP | ST | CR | LF
Grams
STX | POL | WEIGHT| SP | g | SP | SP ST | CR | LF
Pounds-ounces
STX | POL | WEIGHTLB| SP | lb | POL | WEIGHTOZ | SP | oz | SP | ST | CR | LF
STX and ☻= ASCII 02.
POL = minus sign for negative weight or a space for a positive weight.
WEIGHT = 6 character field plus decimal if needed.
WEIGHTLB = pound portion of lb-oz weight.
WEIGHTOZ = ounce portion of lb-oz weight. (WEIGHTLB and WEIGHTOZ total 5 characters
plus decimal)
SP = ASCII space.
ST = MOT. if in motion or a space if stable.
CR and ♪ = Carriage return.
LF and ◙ = Linefeed.
| = Separator, not printed.

“F1” Example (Negative weight, in motion)
☻-2.452 LBM♪◙
“F1” Print String Definition for Each Weight Unit:
Pounds
STX | POL | WEIGHT| SP | LB | ST | CR | LF
Ounces
STX | POL | WEIGHT| SP | OZ | ST | CR | LF
Kiligrams
STX | POL | WEIGHT| SP | KG | ST | CR | LF
Grams
STX | POL | WEIGHT| SP | G | SP | ST | CR | LF
Pounds-ounces
STX | POL | WEIGHTLB| SP | LB | POL | WEIGHTOZ | SP | OZ | SP | ST | CR | LF
STX and ☻= ASCII 02.
POL = minus sign for negative weight or a space for a positive weight.
WEIGHT = 6 character field plus decimal if needed.
WEIGHTLB = pound portion of lb-oz weight.
WEIGHTOZ = ounce portion of lb-oz weight. (WEIGHTLB and WEIGHTOZ total 5 characters
plus decimal)
SP = ASCII space.
ST = M if in motion or a space if stable.
CR and ♪ = Carriage return.
LF and ◙ = Linefeed
| = Separator, not printed.
“2P” Example (Negative weight, in motion)
☻-2.452 lb MOT.♪◙
☻(-1112 g MOT.)♪◙
The dual print mode provides the PC400 with the ability to print the current
scale reading followed by the equivalent value in grams.
The weight is first printed using the “F0” format. Then the weight is
recalculated in grams and is sent as a second line of text. The gram data
follows the “F0” data format except where parentheses are placed after the
STX character and before the carriage return & line feed.

“SP” Example (Negative weight, in motion)
FR"L1"◙
?◙
-1.052◙
lb◙
GS◙
MOT. ◙
-0.478◙
kg◙
P1,1◙
“SP” Print String Definition for Each Weight Unit:
Pounds
FR”L1” | LF | ? | LF | POL | WEIGHT | LF | lb | LF | GS | LF | ST | LF | POL | WEIGHT2 | LF | kg | LF | P1,1 | LF
Ounces
FR”L1” | LF | ? | LF | POL | WEIGHT | LF | oz | LF | GS | LF | ST | LF | POL | WEIGHT2 | LF | kg | LF | P1,1 | LF
SP, kilograms
FR”L1” | LF | ? | LF | POL | WEIGHT | LF | kg | LF | GS | LF | ST | LF | POL | WEIGHT2 | LF | kg | LF | P1,1 | LF
Grams
FR”L1” | LF | ? | LF | POL | WEIGHT | LF | g | SP | LF | GS | LF | ST | LF | POL | WEIGHT2 | LF | kg | LF | P1,1 | LF
Pounds - ounces
FR”L1” | LF | ? | LF | POL | WEIGHTLB | SP | lb | POL | WEIGHTOZ | LF | oz | LF | GS | LF | ST | LF | POL | WEIGHT2 | LF |
kg | LF | P1,1 | LF
POL = minus sign for negative weight or a space for a positive weight.
WEIGHT = 6 character field plus decimal if needed.
WEIGHT2 = Kilogram weight. 6 character field plus decimal if needed.
WEIGHTLB = pound portion of lb-oz weight.
WEIGHTOZ = ounce portion of lb-oz weight. (WEIGHTLB and WEIGHTOZ total 5 characters
plus decimal)
SP = ASCII space.
ST = MOT. if in motion or four (4) spaces if stable.
CR and ♪ = Carriage return.
LF and ◙ = Linefeed
| = Separator, not printed.

Remote Scale Commands:
The scale will respond to the following single letter ASCII commands.
“W” initiates transmission of current weight data (if scale is stable).
“U” changes the displayed weight units.
“Z” zeroes the scale (if in motion, scale will wait until stable, then zero.)