Doran PC200 User manual

Digital Portion Control Scale
Instruction Manual
DORAN SCALES INC.
1315 PARAMOUNT PKWY.
BATAVIA, IL. 60510
1-800-262-6844
FAX: [phone]
http://www.doranscales.com
MANUAL REVISION: 0.0
MAN0196 2/10/00
Model PC200
Made in USA

MN196-00.DOC 1 of 22
Table of Contents
Section 1. Unpacking and Installation 3
Unpacking 3
Installation 3
Electrical Connections 3
Section 2. Scale Operations Guide 4
Fig. 1 PC200 4
Display Functions 4
Basic Weighing Operations 4
Section 3. Setup and Calibration Guide 5
Power connections 5
Rs-232 Connections 5
Calibration and Parameter Setup 5-6
Analog Setup 6
Section 4. Parameter Setup 7-8
Entering and Exiting Setup Mode 7
Changing a Parameter 7
Changing Start Up Units 8
Reviewing Setup Parameters 8
Legal for Trade Restrictions 8
Section 5. Setup Menus Explained 9-13
Capacity Setup Menu 9
Calibration Menu(s) 9
Exit Setup Mode? 9
Reset Default Parameters 9
Auto Off Mode ( Ao ) 10
Auto Zero Tracking ( Zt ) 10
Motion Aperture ( nnA ) 10
Start up Zero ( SU0 ) 10
Data Output ( d.o. ) 11
Data Format ( For. ) 11
Baud Rate ( b.r. ) 11
Data Bits and Parity ( d.b.P. ) 11
Handshaking ( HS ) 12
Startup Units ( UNITS ) 12
Convert (units) Select ( CSL ) 12
Operation Mode ( oP ) 12
Exit Setup Mode ( done ) 13
A/D, Raw Counts 13
Section 6. Data Communications 14-18
Introduction to data communications 14-15

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Printer Modes 15-16
Data Output Format 16-17
Fig. 2 Format “F0” form 16
Fig. 3 Format “2P” form 17
Fig. 4 Sample “SP format 17
Bi-directional Communications 18
Section 7. Specifications and Interconnect Data 19
Specifications 19
Interconnect Data 20
Table 1 TB1 Load Cell Connections 20
Table 2 Serial Cable Assembly with Software Handshaking 20
Section 8. Troubleshooting 21-22
General Problem Resolution 21
Resetting the Scale 21
Error Messages 22

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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. Please observe the following precautions to insure years
of trouble free service from you new scale.
! DO NOT drop the scale.
! DO NOT immerse the scale.
! DO NOT drop objects on the scale.
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 under the platter shows that the scale is level.
Electrical Connections:
The PC200 uses a wall mounted transformer to provide power to the
scale. This transformer requires 115 Vac, 50/60 Hz power (230 Vac,
50/60 Hz power optional). 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. Also be sure that the power outlet
and transformer are not exposed to water while the scale is plugged in.

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Section 2. Scale Operations Guide
Fig. 1 PC200
Display Functions:
The Model PC200 controls consist of a single ZERO button located
under the main display. A 5 digit LED display is used to provide weight
indications and operator messages describing scale operation. A single
status annunciator, “NEG”, is used to display negative polarity. This
LED is located in the lower left corner of the display area. Three LED’s
located at the bottom of the display indicate the current weighing units.
Motion is indicated when the units LED’s are off. The LED for current
units is on when stable.
Basic Weighing Operations:
1) Remove all items from the scale platter.
2) Press ZERO to zero the scale. The weight display should now be
zero.
3) Place an item on the scale platter and wait for the scale to stabilize
(g, lb or oz indicator will light up.)
4) Read the weight on the scale display.

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Section 3. Setup and Calibration Guide
Power connections:
The PC200 is operated from a wall mounted transformer. This
transformer has a power cord which plugs into the power jack located on
the back of the scale.
RS-232 Connections:
The PC200 has a standard RS-232 output. To use this feature, the
optional RS-232 cable is needed. Plug one end of the RS-232
connector into the RJ-12 connector located on the bottom of the scale.
Plug the other end of the cable into the RJ-12 to DB-9 (or RJ-12 to DB-
25) connector and attach the connector to your computer or printer.
Calibration and Parameter Setup:
1) After applying power to the PC200, turn the scale over and remove
the screw located next to the RS-232 connector. Place a thin blunt
object through the hole and press straight down. The scale should enter
the Setup/Calibration mode, and the scale should display “CAP 5” (or
“CAP 10”, depending on capacity).
2) Turn the scale upright and press the hidden button located 3/4” to the
right of the “ZERO” button. The scale should now display “CAL 0”.
3) Remove any unnecessary weight from the scale platter and wait 10
seconds. Press zero. Wait for the scale to count from “7” to “0”, about
30 seconds. If the scale detects motion, the display will restart the
count. When finished, the display will return “CAL F5”.
NOTE: If “r9 Err” appears on the display, the calibration zero is out of
range. Press zero to clear this error. Refer to the analog setup
section for additional information.
4) Place the correct weight on the platter and wait 10 seconds. Press
“ZERO”. Wait for the scale to count from “7” to “0”, about 30 seconds.
If the scale detects motion, the count will reset. The display will return
“donE.n” when finished.
NOTE: If “CAL 0” or “r9 Err” appears on the display, the calibration
span is out of range. Verify that the calibration weight is correct
and repeat the calibration.

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5) If no other parameter changes are needed, press the “ZERO” button
to select “donE Y”. Then press the hidden button to exit setup.
Replace and seal the screw by the RS-232 connector.
6) If addition parameter changes are needed, refer to Chapter 4.
Analog Setup:
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.
Scale Capacity Acceptable “Raw Counts”
for no load Acceptable CHANGE in “Raw Counts” for full load
5 lb 1000 - 18000 21000 - 50000
10 lb 1000 - 18000 21000 - 50000

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Section 4. Parameter Setup
The PC200 has eighteen setup and calibration parameters which can be changed
(sixteen in the Legal for Trade mode). This flexibility makes these scales versatile
weighing instruments capable of meeting almost all common weighing needs.
Entering and Exiting Setup Mode:
To enter the setup menu, apply power to the PC200, turn the scale
over and remove the screw located next to the RS-232 connector.
Place a thin blunt object through the hole and press straight down.
The scale should enter the Setup/Calibration mode, and the scale
should display “CAP 5”, “CAP 2” (1000g), or “CAP 10”, (depending on
capacity).
The parameters are accessed by pressing a hidden button located 3/4”
to the right of the “ZERO” button. Pressing this button will cause the
scale to step to the next parameter on the list.
To exit the setup mode, press and release the hidden button until the
menu prompt “donE n” appears on the display. Then press the “ZERO”
button so that “donE Y” is displayed. Press the hidden button once
more and the scale will leave the setup mode.
NOTE: No setup information is saved until the PC200 exits the setup
mode. In the event of a power failure while in the Setup Mode,
any changes that have been made will be lost. This includes
calibration parameters generated during calibration.
After all setup changes have been completed and the scale is in it’s
normal operating mode, replace the screw on the bottom of the scale.
If it is necessary to seal the scale, run a lead and wire seal through the
screw on the bottom and a cross drilled screw on the side of the scale.
Changing a Parameter:
Once the desired parameter has been found, it may be necessary to
change the option associated with that parameter. Press and release
“ZERO” to step through the individual options. When you have stepped
through all of the choices, the scale will return to the top of the list and
start over.

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Changing Start up Units:
The PC200 has been designed to allow the user the opportunity to make
weighments in Pounds, Ounces or Grams. If there is desire to change
the operating units, this change is possible without breaking the scale’s
Weights and Measures seal.
Unplug the scale and press and hold the “ZERO” button. Restore power
to the scale. Hold the “ZERO” button until the scale displays “UnItS”.
The units annunciator will continually sequence through each operating
unit until the “ZERO” button is released. Which ever unit light is on
when the button is released, will indicate the new operating units.
Reviewing Setup Parameters:
Setup parameters for the PC200 may be reviewed without opening the
scale. Remove power and press the hidden button (located 3/4” to the
right of the “ZERO” button). Apply power. Hold the button until the
scale begins to scroll through the setup parameters. The button may be
released anytime after the review has begun.
Legal for Trade Restrictions:
The Legal for Trade mode disables certain setup parameter menus and
options. The following pages list and describe the setup parameters
and option menus. Any item marked by an asterisk will not be available
in the Legal for Trade operating mode.

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Section 5. Setup Menus Explained
Capacity Setup Menu
CAP Select Scale Capacity (lbs)
2 Scale capacity set to 2 pounds
5Scale capacity set to 5 pounds
6 Scale capacity set to 6 pounds (not used)
10 Scale capacity set to 10 pounds
15 Scale capacity set to 15 pounds (not used)
Calibration Menu(s)
CAL Zero Calibration Point
0 Press ZERO to calibrate zero point
CAL Span Calibration Point
FS Full scale calibration
hS Half scale calibration
4S 1/4 scale calibration
.1S 10% scale calibration
NOTE: For maximum accuracy, Doran Scales recommends that all
scales be calibrated at full capacity. When location or installation
make it difficult to bring full capacity weights to the scale,
calibration with as little as 10% of capacity is possible.
Exit Setup Mode?
donE. Done? Allows the scale to return to
normal weighing mode.
nNo. Continue to next parameter.
y Yes. Exit Setup Mode
Reset Default Parameters
rSt Reset Parameters
Resets the scale parameters to default.
nNo. Continue to next parameter.
y Yes. Reset Parameters. Verifies by asking
“SUre.”

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Auto Off Mode
Ao Auto Off Mode
Determines how long the scale will wait
before turning off.
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
Auto Zero Tracking
Zt # of displayed divisions that are
automatically zeroed from displayed
zero
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
11 division
3 2 divisions
5 3 divisions
Start Up Zero
SUO * Controls the start-up zero point
no Scale will NOT zero on power up.
Calibrated zero point is returned.
on Scale will zero on powerup.
NOTE: The Legal for Trade mode disables certain options and selections
listed above. These items have been indicated by an asterisk ( * ).

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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.
A.1 Prints every stable weight.
A.2 Prints weights above zero. Must return to
zero before next print.
t.d. Transmits data when PRINT button is
pressed.
Data Format
For. Format of transmitted data from the
serial port
FO Basic data format.
2P Basic dual print format. Includes metric
weight.
F1 Enhanced 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)
Data Bits & Parity
d.b.P. Character transmission format. Data
bits and parity
8n 8 data bits, no parity.
7o 7 data bits, odd parity.
7E 7 data bits, even parity.
7n 7 data bits, no parity.

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Handshaking
HS Communication Handshaking
SF Software handshaking. Data is sent when
ready. Transmission can be stopped by
sending the scale an “xoff” (ASCII 19 or
Ctrl-S). Transmission resumes by sending
the scale an “xon” (ASCII 17 or Ctrl-Q).
When “xon” is received, the scale will finish
sending the data in progress at the time of
“xoff.”
The software handshaking option activates
Bi-directional RS-232 communications.
Ct Hardware handshaking (CTS)
no No handshaking.
Startup Units
UNITS Unit of measure that the scale displays
upon power-up
Press ZERO to scroll through the units
activated in the CSL mode. The selected
units will be displayed on the units
indicators below the display. Pounds is
default.
Convert Select
CSL Controls which units are available for
use
L9 Pounds, grams and ounces
9o Grams and ounces
Lo Pounds and ounces
Lh Pounds and grams.
Operation Mode
oP Sets the scale for Legal for Trade mode
St Standard mode. NOT legal for trade.
44 Handbook 44. Legal for trade.

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Exit Setup Mode
done Exit Setup Mode?
nNo. Continue to next parameter.
y Yes. Exit Setup Mode
Raw Counts Counts from A/D converter. Changes when weight is applied.
###### Raw counts from A/D converter
View these numbers if calibration is
unsuccessful. Refer to Section 3 for
interpretation of these numbers. Press
ZERO to exit.

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Section 6. Data Communications
Introduction to data communications:
In the PC200, data is sent to a printer or computer by using “asynchronous
serial data communications.” Data is broken up and sent one piece at a time to
the printer or computer. In spite of this apparent simplicity, a basic
understanding of serial data communications is needed when setting up the
PC200.
The PC200 transmits letters and numbers by replacing the letter or number with
an eight bit ASCII code. This code is then transmitted one bit at a time. A bit is
the smallest unit of data and can have a value of “1” or “0”. By combining eight
bits into a byte, it is possible to get 256 unique bit patterns. These patterns are
used to create the ASCII codes used by the PC200 to represent letters and
numbers.
When setting up a serial communications system, there are several concerns
which affect the configuration of that system. These are:
•transmission rate
•knowing when data starts and stops
•the ability of the receiving equipment to digest the data sent
The transmission rate determines how fast the data is sent from the scale and is
measured in Baud or bits per second. (For applications such as the PC200,
Baud and bits per second are interchangeable.) The transmission rate controls
how many bits can be sent in a given time. It is important that the sending and
receiving units are set to the same Baud settings. Typical values are 1200,
2400, 4800 and 9600 baud.
The term “Asynchronous serial data communications” implies that the sending
unit has no way of telling the receiving unit when a data bit has been sent or
when to expect the next bit. To correct this problem, both the sending and
receiving units use the baud rate setting to determine how fast data should be
sent. If the baud rates at the sending and receiving units differ, the receiving
unit will expect data to arrive at a different time than when the transmitting unit
sent it. When this happens, data will be lost. When the baud rates match, the
receiving unit has no problem with the data arriving early or late. The only
problem is knowing when the data transmission started.
The PC200 and the equipment connected to it resolve this dilemma by sending
a “start bit” at the beginning of each data byte. This bit tells the printer or
computer that a new data byte is on the way. When the start bit is received, the
bit timer starts running and runs until it has received the correct number of bits.

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The number of bits sent by the PC200 is controlled by the data bits, parity and
stop bit configuration. The PC200 is factory set for eight bits, no parity and one
stop bit. This means that the eight bits following the start bit will be data,
followed by a stop bit. The stop bit signals the end of the data and permits the
bit timer a chance to reset itself before the next data byte is sent. No parity bits
are sent.
In many cases, the receiving unit is a slow printer with limited memory. In these
cases, more data may be sent than the printer can use. Again, data may
become lost or “scrambled.” To prevent this from happening, “Handshaking” is
used. When the receiving unit is busy or incapable of receiving further data, it
activates the handshaking, telling the sending unit to stop transmission. Then,
whenever the receiving unit is ready for more data, it deactivates the
handshaking and data transmission continues.
Software handshaking relies on bi-directional communications to send the XON
(Ctrl-Q) and XOFF (Ctrl-S) flow control characters. The PC200 has limited bi-
directional serial communications to support software handshaking. When a
“Ctrl-S” is received, the transmission of data is halted until a “Ctrl-Q” is received.
To use this mode, the RTX line of the PC200 is tied to the TXD line of the
receiving unit.
Printer Modes:
The PC200 offers four different print control modes. These modes dictate when
data is transmitted though the serial port.
Transmit on demand (tod): In this mode, scale data is transmitted
whenever the print button is pressed or a print request is received from the
serial port. The scale must be stable and the weight must be valid (no error
codes displayed) before data is printed.
Continuous print (CP): In continuous print, data is transmitted each time
the scale has a reading ready (each time the display is updated with new
data). Readings which occur when the scale is in motion are called out by
the abbreviation “MOT.” following the data.

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Auto Print 1 (AP1): 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.
Auto Print 2 (AP2): Like Auto Print 1, Auto Print 2 transmits the first scale
reading following the scale leaving motion. In Auto Print 2, no further
readings will be sent until the scale returns to displayed zero. The reading
must be stable and must be a valid reading before it can be sent.
Data Output Format:
In order for the serial data sent from the PC200 to be useful, the data must me
organized so that it is easy to read. To accomplish this, the PC200 arranges
the displayed data with additional text to indicate the active units and to indicate
the presence of motion during the reading.
“FO” Format: The basic data format sent by the PC200 is illustrated in Fig.
2 through Fig. 4. Each line of data begins with an STX character (02 hex,
start of text) followed by a polarity sign (space for positive and “-” for
negative) which indicates the reading polarity. Next the displayed data is
sent. Six digits are used with a decimal point inserted in the correct position.
After the weight data is sent, a space followed by the units are added to the
string. When motion is present, another space is inserted followed by “MOT.”
The string is then finished by adding a carriage return and a line feed.
“F1” Format: The “F1” format is similar to “F0”, but utilizes single characters
for scale status. It is not legal for trade.
STX 2.452 lb MOT.CR+LF
Leading zeros are replaced with spaces.
Space Carriage return & line feed:
ASCII characters 13 & 10
Motion indicator. Printed only when
scale is in motion.
Displayed weight data with units.
(lb, oz, or g)
Fig. 2 Format “F0” standard form.
STX: ASCII character 02 hex
(normally a non printing character)
“+” replaced with a space

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Dual print format (2P): The dual print mode provides the PC200 with the
ability to print the current scale reading followed by the equivalent value in
Kilograms.
The weight is first printed using the “F0” format. Then the weight is
recalculated in kilograms and is sent as a second line of text. The kilogram
data follows the “F0” data format except where parentheses are placed after
the STX character and before the carriage return & line feed. Refer to Fig. 3.
“SP” Format: The “SP” format is used with the Doran SSP label printer.
See Fig. 4 for details.
STX 2.452 lb CR+LF
STX( 1.112 kg) CR+LF
Displayed weight data with
units. See fig. 1 for structure.
Carriage return & line feed:
ASCII characters 13 & 10
Kilogram weight data in parentheses.
Fig. 3 Format “2P” form
FR”L1”?
0.000
lb
GS
MOT.
0.000
kg
P1,1
(NOTE: Each line is terminated with a line feed, ASCII 10)
FR”L1”?
0.000
lb
GS
MOT.
0.000
kg
P1,1
(NOTE: Each line is terminated with a line feed, ASCII 10)
Fig. 4 Sample “SP” FormatFig. 4 Sample “SP” Format
Printer formattin
g
strin
g
s.Printer formattin
g
strin
g
s.
Current weight data.Current weight data.
Current weight units.Current weight units.
Gross weight status (always prints).Gross weight status (always prints).
Motion status (when in motion).Motion status (when in motion).
Kilogram weight data.Kilogram weight data.
Kilogram units.Kilogram units.
Printer formatting string.Printer formatting string.

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Bi-directional Communications:
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 scale is stable).
Note: In order to use bi-directional communications, the “HS” parameter must
be set to “SF”.

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Section 7. Specifications and Interconnect Data
Specifications:
Model PC200
Resolution: 2500d
Power Supply: Wall Transformer output: (scale input)
9VDC, 500mA
Pos. (+) center
Display: 5 digit LED. 0.56” high
Displayed units: lb, oz and g
Indicator Capacities: 2, 5 and 10 lbs
Printer Interface: Bi-directional RS-232
Calibration: Unit may be calibrated with 10%, 25%,
50% and 100% of capacity.
Controls: Rugged Polycarbonate touch panel with
built in ZERO switch. Also a second,
HIDDEN, switch for parameter selection.
Construction: Rugged stainless steel construction.
Options: Security cable and lock