Iconix FX21 User manual

IMPORTANT !
Before using this equipment,
please read the section on
Page 3:
BATTERY CARE
Battery life will be considerably reduced if
correct charging procedures are not followed.

COPYRIGHT: © 2007 Iconix New Zealand Ltd
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be copied or reproduced in any form or by any
means without the prior written consent of Iconix New Zealand Ltd.
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and should not be construed
as a commitment by Iconix New Zealand Ltd. Great care has been taken to verify the accuracy
of this manual, however Iconix New Zealand Ltd assumes no responsibility for any technical
inaccuracies or typographical errors.

CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1. SYSTEM CARE ..................................................................................... 3
Battery Care ...................................................................................... 3
2. GETTING STARTED ............................................................................. 4
3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.............................................................. 5
Weighing Modes................................................................................ 5
Delete Functions................................................................................ 5
Drafting (Sorting By Weight).............................................................. 6
Draft Limit Setting.............................................................................. 6
Duplicate Tag Numbers..................................................................... 6
Groups (Mob Files)............................................................................ 7
Statistics ............................................................................................ 8
Iconix FX Printer Option .................................................................... 9
Auto-Drafting Option........................................................................ 10
4. SET-UP ............................................................................................... 11
5. SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................... 13

FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07 Page 3
1. SYSTEM CARE
The FX21 weighing system has been designed to work reliably for long periods of time
under adverse conditions. However like any equipment, common sense and care will
assist in keeping it in good operating condition.
ESSENTIAL CARE
When not in use, fit caps to cable ends and indicator sockets to protect from dirt and
moisture. Hang the cable ends up, out of mud and dust.
While in use, fit indicator and loadbar caps together to keep caps clean and dry.
Damage may occur if the capacity of the scale is exceeded.
BATTERY CARE IMPORTANT !!!
Battery life will be shortened considerably if not properly cared for.
Always recharge the battery for 8 – 16 hours AFTER USE.
If the FX21 has been unused for 1 week or more, recharge for at least 8 – 16 hours
BEFORE USE.
For long term storage, recharge ONCE PER MONTH.
For recharging, use the Iconix AC adaptor provided (18V DC output).
When the internal battery is low on charge (the LOW BAT pointer is on), weighing
may continue by connecting the AC Adaptor/Charger if mains power is available or
using the battery clip lead to connect an external 12V battery.
SITE PREPARATION
The choice of weighing site is important for accurate weighing and ease of use.
A well chosen site that is LEVEL and FIRM will ensure the best conditions for
accurate weighing.
The loadbars must be bolted to the platform or crate and be firmly attached to the
ground or concrete pad.
Any rocking or twisting of the platform could result in weighing errors.
Adequate clearance around the platform is essential. Any binding or rubbing with
posts or gates will produce weighing errors.
The race bracket is best mounted on a fence or post and not the crate.
Mount the indicator in a well lit position for best readability.
A well chosen site will help animals flow smoothly through the system with the
minimum of fuss.
Mounting the indicator away from the crate will help to keep hands free of the crate
when the weigh cycle is started.

Page 4 FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07
2. GETTING STARTED
Ensure that the battery is fully charged (see BATTERY CARE section).
Connect the two loadbar cables to the loadbar sockets marked on the rear of the
indicator.
Press the ON button. The scale will automatically return to zero. Once this is
completed the ZERO pointer will show that the scale is at zero.
NOTE: If a large load (such as a partly filled wool bale in a wool press) remains
on the scale from previous use, the last weight will be displayed. The operator
can continue the weighing session from where last finished. Alternatively press
ZERO to return the scale to zero.
During initialisation at switch-on, the currently selected group (mob file) is displayed,
for example ‘HsQ 49’, which is the same as the group last used in the previous
weighing session. If this is a new weighing session, the operator will probably want
to select a new group from the range 1 to 99. See the section GROUPS (MOB
FILES).
Check that the ZERO pointer is displayed. Load the animal onto the platform.
If required, enter the tag number of up to 6 digits on the numeric keypad.
Press the WEIGH key.
The animal is accurately weighed and the result is locked on the display (in HOLD
mode). A new record is added to the currently selected group in memory.
The record consists of:
Tag Number (if used), Group, Condition Score (if used), Weight
If an Iconix FX Printer is attached, the record will be printed.
Remove the animal from the weighing platform. The last animal’s weight remains
locked on the display. Check that the ZERO pointer is displayed between animal
weighings. If the ZERO pointer does not appear, hold the next animal back, keep
hands etc. clear of the crate and press the ZERO key. The scale will return to zero
and the weighing session can proceed.
At the end of the weighing session, switch the indicator OFF. Unplug the loadbar
cables. Recharge the battery.
ENSURE THAT THE CAPS ARE FIRMLY REPLACED
ON THE LOADBAR CONNECTORS

FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07 Page 5
3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WEIGHING MODES
The WEIGH MODE key allows the operator to choose between FREE mode and up to 3
versions of HOLD mode. A pointer on the display shows which mode is selected. At
switch-on, the weighing mode last used in the previous weighing session is
automatically selected.
Free Mode ’Gsff’
The display is continuously updated with the weight currently on the scale. If the WEIGH
key is used, the averaged weight is briefly displayed, a new record added to memory
and sent to the printer, if connected. FREE mode is suitable for static load weighing.
Hold Mode ’I1me’
A press of the WEIGH key starts an averaging process which then displays the accurate
weight of the moving animal. A new record is added to memory and sent to the printer, if
connected. The weight is locked on the display until the next key press.
Auto-Drafting Option: When the Auto-Drafting option is enabled in Set-Up, there are
two additional settings available when the WEIGH MODE key is pressed.
Speed Mode ‘TQFFe’
A fast version of the standard HOLD mode with a 1.3 second weigh time. Only for use
with special crates that restrict animal movement, allowing faster weighing. For
example, the Racewell Industries sheep crate and Rite-Weigh portable sheep crate.
High Speed Mode ‘I/tQFFe’
The fastest version of the standard HOLD mode with a 0.7 second weigh time. Only
suitable for use with special crates that restrict animal movement, allowing faster
weighing. For example, the Racewell Industries sheep crate.
DELETE FUNCTIONS
The DELETE key has 3 functions:
1. Deleting the last stored weight : To remove the last weighing record from memory
and adjust the statistics for the selected group, press the DELETE key.
‘eFMfuf’ is displayed as confirmation, or ‘opof’ if not permitted.
2. When using the numeric keypad for entering Tag numbers, Group or Condition
Score, use DELETE to remove the last entered digit (repeated use of DELETE is
permitted).
3. Clearing records (see CLEARING RECORDS section).

Page 6 FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07
DRAFTING (SORTING BY WEIGHT)
Draft limits may be set to allow sorting of animals into weight ranges. Both 2-way and 3-
way drafting are possible.
NO DRAFTING
Set draft limits Draft 1 and Draft 2 to 0.0
2 WAY DRAFTING
Set one draft limit to the required weight and set the other to 0.0
The display will show I(high) or M(low) alongside the weight.
3 WAY DRAFTING
Set the draft limits to the required weights.
The display will show I(high), D(centre) or M(low) alongside the weight.
DRAFT LIMIT SETTING
Press DRAFT LIMITS for esBGu/2
Then enter the weight using the numeric keypad.
Press DRAFT LIMITS again for esBGu/3
Then enter the weight using the numeric keypad, if required.
Press DRAFT LIMITS again to return to the weighing mode.
Auto-Drafting Option: When the Auto-Drafting option is enabled, there are two
additional settings available when the DRAFT LIMITS key is pressed. See the section
AUTO-DRAFTING OPTION below.
DUPLICATE TAG NUMBERS
If a tag number is repeated, when WEIGH is pressed, ’eVQM’ is alternately
displayed with the tag number.
If the number is correct, press WEIGH again to continue (noting that the previous use
of that number is probably incorrect).
If incorrect, use DELETE one or more times, then re-enter.
Zero is not considered to be a valid tag number, so repeated use is permitted.
The FX21 is factory set with this feature enabled. See Set-Up section for details on
disabling.

FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07 Page 7
GROUPS (MOB FILES)
A new record is stored (in permanent memory) in the selected group (mob file)
whenever WEIGH is pressed. A record consists of :
Tag Number (if used), Group, Condition Score (if used) and Weight.
In normal operation, before starting a new weighing session, a previously unused group
is selected from the range 1 – 99. At the end of the session, or at any time during, the
statistics for the group may be displayed or printed. Individual records for the selected
group may also be printed.
MEMORY CAPACITY: 7238 records in total for Version 4.01 onwards
3626 records in total for earlier versions
The version number of the FX21 is displayed at switch-on as ‘q5/12’ for example.
The memory capacity may be shared between the groups in any manner. i.e. any
number of groups may be used with any number of records in each, providing the total
number of records does not exceed 7238 (3626). See the section below USING “ALL
GROUPS” for how to check the total number of records that have been used.
When the record limit is reached, for a further press of WEIGH the message ‘GVMM’
will be displayed. No more records are able to be stored until some or all of the existing
records are cleared. Usually records from a previous weighing session (stored in
another group) can be cleared so that more records can be added to the currently
selected group.
DISPLAYING & SELECTING A GROUP
Press the key, then press *GROUP to display the selected group, for example ’HsQ
36’ where Group 25 is selected.
To continue putting records into this group, press the key again to return to the
normal operating mode.
Or, if a different group is required for the new weighing session, type the new group
number from the range 1 to 99, for example 3 9, to display ’HsQ 4:’.
To accept the new setting and return to the normal operating mode, press  .
To see whether the selected group already has records in it, check the statistics for the
group using  then *WGT STATS. See the STATISTICS section below.
USING “ALL GROUPS” (Group = 0)
Selecting ’HsQ 1’ allows access to all records in memory, regardless of which
groups individual records are stored in. The user may :
View global statistics. See the STATISTICS section below. Average weight, total
weight and the number of weighings etc. are the totals for all records in memory.
Note: The total number of weighings will show whether the memory capacity of the
FX21 will soon be reached (7238 or 3626 records, depending on version)
Delete all records in memory. See the section CLEARING RECORDS below.

Page 8 FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07
Note: ‘HsQ 1’ may not be used for storing records in a weighing session. If an
attempt is made to do so, the message ’op/Tups’ is displayed briefly.
CLEARING RECORDS
To clear all records in the currently selected group:
Ensure that the correct group for deletion is currently selected, by using the key
sequence: *GROUP 
Display any statistics function (see DISPLAYING STATISTICS below), then while
any of the statistics are flashing on the display, press the DELETE key.
The operator is then prompted with the message ’TvsF @’.
Press DELETE again within 2 seconds to confirm. ’eFMfuf’ is displayed if the
file has been cleared. If DELETE is not pressed within 2 seconds, ’op eFM’ is
displayed.
STATISTICS
Statistics apply to all records in the currently selected group.
In the case of Group 0, statistics apply to all records in memory, regardless of which
groups they are located in.
DISPLAYING STATISTICS
Pressing the key, the display shows ’TFMFDu’.
Press the corresponding number key to select from:
*WGT STATS, *AVG SCORE, *DRAFT NO’s, *DRAFT WGTS or *DRAFT TOT.
While the statistics are calculated, ‘cVTZ .( is displayed briefly.
For example :
Press *WGT STATS : op.= number of animals weighed is displayed.
Press *WGT STATS again : BvH = average weight is displayed.
Press *WGT STATS again : upuBM = total weight of animals is displayed.
Press *WGT STATS again to return to the normal weighing mode (’Foe’ is
displayed) OR press any other statistics key (eg *DRAFT NO’s) to begin displaying a
different set of statistics :
*DRAFT NO’s : I= number of animals in High Group
D= number of animals in Centre Group
M= number of animals in Low Group

FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07 Page 9
*DRAFT WGTS : I= average weight of animals in High Group
D= average weight of animals in Centre Group
M= average weight of animals in Low Group
*DRAFT TOT : upuBM/I = total weight of animals in High Group
upuBM/D = total weight of animals in Centre Group
upuBM/M = total weight of animals in Low Group
*AVG SCORE : displays the average condition score for the selected group, taking into
account only non-zero scores.
For example : TD 6/7
QUICK EXIT
Whenever statistics are flashing, you may press the key for a quick exit back to the
weighing mode. ’Foe’ is displayed.
“WHAT IF” DRAFTING STATISTICS
Since statistics are recalculated on entry, you may change the draft limits and re-examine
the drafting statistics to determine how many animals would have been drafted into each
weight range with different settings.
ICONIX FX PRINTER OPTION
The Iconix FX Printer is a rugged, portable printer that uses standard adding machine
paper rolls. It is powered from the internal battery of the FX21 indicator.
NOTE: The FX21 must be set to a baud rate of 4800 when using the FX Printer. See the
Set-Up section for details on how to do this.
For a printed copy of statistics or records, plug the printer into the connector labelled
‘Optional I/O’ at the back of the indicator.
Press , then *PRINT RECS to print all records in memory for the selected group
(arranged with tag numbers in numeric order).
Press , then *PRINT STATS for a full statistics printout for the selected group.
If a printout is required of all records in memory, or the statistics for all records, select
Group 0 before doing the printouts. See USING ALL GROUPS above.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The ‘Optional I/O’ connector is reserved for the use with the Iconix FX Printer and the
Iconix Auto-Draft Controller. DO NOT ATTACH ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT, as damage
to the FX21 and/or the other equipment is very likely.

Page 10 FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07
AUTO-DRAFTING OPTION
The auto-drafting feature allows the FX21 to be used with sheep crate / drafting system
from Racewell Industries Ltd, when they are fitted with the Iconix Auto-Draft Controller.
When auto-drafting is enabled in Set-Up, two additional drafting settings are available
when the DRAFT LIMITS key is pressed.
Drafting Gate Direction (access using the DRAFT LIMITS key)
’IDM’ High weights=left Centre weights=centre Low weights=right
’Imd’
’diM’
’dmi’
‘miD’
’MDI’ Low weights=left Centre weights=centre High weights=right
Use the WEIGH MODE key to change the setting.
To accept the displayed setting and move to the next, press DRAFT LIMITS.
The High, Centre and Low weight animals may be drafted left, right or straight through,
in the case of 3-way drafting. For 2-way drafting, set one of the draft limits to zero and
select the direction for the High and Low weight animals (ignore the Centre weight
direction).
Auto Weigh On/Off (access using the DRAFT LIMITS key)
Use the WEIGH MODE key to change the setting.
To accept the displayed setting, press DRAFT LIMITS.
To automate the weighing and recording of an animal whenever the HOLD switch on
the Racewell crate is operated, select the ‘BVuP’ weigh mode. A signal from the
crate activates the weigh function, eliminating the need to press the WEIGH key on the
FX21. This is particularly suited to the fast drafting of sheep.
Where it is desired to enter tag numbers and/or condition scores, manual operation of
the WEIGH key should be selected. For manual operation, select’BvuP/1g’.
Fast Weighing (access using the WEIGH MODE key - see WEIGHING MODES)
Manual Override of Auto-Drafting
When auto-drafting is in progress, it is possible to override the FX21-selected drafting
direction, using the 0key on the numeric keypad (remember 0for Override).
Press 0to select the ‘DFousF’ direction.
Press 0again to select the ‘sJHIu’ direction.
Press 0again to select the ‘MFGu’ direction.
At any time during manual override, press any key other than 0to exit manual override
and return to the weighing mode.

FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07 Page 11
4. SET-UP
NOTE : The FX21 system has been factory-configured to optimum settings for the
majority of applications. It is strongly recommended that these settings are left as
is, unless there is a good reason for making a change. Please contact your dealer,
distributor or Iconix for advice if necessary.
NOTE : Ensure that the correct set of loadbars or platform is connected to the FX21
indicator before attempting to change any set-up parameters. There are three possible
scale types that are automatically recognised when plugged in, as shown by the Scale
1,2,3 annunciators on the right of the display. All of the set-up parameters are
independently set and stored for each scale type.
For access to set-up, press the WEIGH key and keep it held down while switching the
FX21 ON. As soon as ’TFu’ is displayed, release the WEIGH key, then press ZERO.
The parameters are accessed in the following order:
1. AUTO-DRAFT ’esGu/PG’ if disabled
’esGu/Po’ for normal speed
’esGu/IT’ for high speed
Use the ZERO key to change the setting.
To accept the displayed setting and step on to the next parameter, press WEIGH.
The auto-drafting feature allows use of the FX21 with sheep drafting units from
Racewell Industries Ltd. For new model Racewell crates (these have 4 infrared “eyes”
fitted), select the high speed auto-draft mode. The high speed mode should NOT be
used for older model Racewell crates.
When auto-drafting is enabled, additional drafting functions are available via the FX21
keyboard.
2. ZERO-TRACKING ’[FsP/Po’ if enabled
’[FsP/PG’ if disabled
Use the ZERO key to change the setting.
To accept the displayed setting and step on to the next parameter, press WEIGH.
Zero-tracking is a feature which automatically restores the scale to zero, by “tracking
out” small amounts of dung and dirt left on the scale. It should be enabled for most
weighing applications.
3. DUPLICATE TAG NUMBER CHECKING ’eVQM/Po’ if enabled
’eVQM/PG’ if disabled
Use the ZERO key to change the setting.
To accept the displayed setting and step on to the next parameter, press WEIGH.
When Duplicate Checking is enabled, after entering a tag number, when WEIGH is
pressed all records in the selected Group are checked for previous use of the same
(non-zero) tag number.

Page 12 FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07
4. BAUD RATE SETTING
Select from the range 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600.
’c/2:311’ for example
Use the ZERO key to change the setting.
To accept the displayed setting and step on to the next parameter, press WEIGH.
Baud rate is the rate of data transfer via the RS232 serial port. The FX21 is factory set
to 19200 for high speed data transfer when uploading records to a computer with the
Iconix WinFX Linker programme. It must be changed to 4800 for use with the Iconix FX
Printer.
5. DISPLAY RELEASE ’sFMT/Po’ if enabled
’sFMT/PG’ if disabled
Use the ZERO key to change the setting.
To accept the displayed setting and step on to the next parameter, press WEIGH.
The standard factory setting is Display Release OFF, which in HOLD mode keeps the
last weighing locked on the display, until the next weighing. For Display Release ON,
when the animal that has been weighed is moved from the scale, the displayed weight
will not remain locked on the display.
6. WEIGHT UNITS ’IH’ for kilograms
’Mc’ for pounds
Use the ZERO key to change the setting.
To accept the displayed setting and step on to the next parameter, press WEIGH.
The standard factory setting is kg. If pounds are selected, the scale calibration is
changed accordingly, and printouts will show LB.
7. LANGUAGE ’FoHMTI’ for English
’FTQBoM’ for Spanish
’eFVuti’ for German
’GsBoDF’ for French
Use the ZERO key to change the setting.
To accept the displayed setting, press WEIGH.
The display messages and printouts are shown in the selected language. There are
English, Spanish, German and French versions of the front panel decal. The language
setting should match the decal.
After the Language setting has been viewed or modified, WEIGH is pressed for the
final time. ’TBvFe’ is displayed while the settings are being stored, before
returning to the normal weighing mode.

FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07 Page 13
5. SPECIFICATIONS
Supply Voltage: Nominal .... 12V DC
Maximum .... 19V DC
Reverse polarity protection diode fitted.
Low Battery Indication: Below 11.4 Volts the LOW BAT pointer will be on.
The FX21 switches off at approximately 10 Volts.
Supply Current: Approximately 110 mA including loadbar set.
Temperature Range: -5ºC to +50ºC
Zero Tracking: Small residual weights left on the scale between weighings (dirt build
up) are automatically 'zero-tracked' out and the scale restored to
zero. As this occurs the ZERO pointer will indicate that ZERO has
been reached.
The zero-tracking amount is set to 0.5% of the weight displayed after
the last press of the WEIGH key, with a 2.2 kg maximum.
At switch-on the zero-tracking amount is initialised to 0.015% of
capacity (0.3 kg for 2000 kg loadbar set).
Resolution: Autoranges in graduated steps from the zero point of the scale.
Scale 1:
Standard Loadbars Metric Model Resolution Imperial Model Resolution
0 - 20 kg 0.1 kg 0 - 40 LB 0.2 LB
20 - 50 kg 0.2 kg 40 - 100 LB 0.5 LB
50 - 200 kg 0.5 kg 100 - 400 LB 1 LB
200 - 500 kg 1 kg 400 - 1000 LB 2 LB
500 - 2000 kg 2 kg 1000 - 4000 LB 5 LB
Minimum Capacity: 20 kg (The 0-20kg range is available but is not part of the EMC
specification).
Scale 2:
Vet Scale 0 - 100 kg 0.05 kg 0 - 200 LB 0.1 LB
100 - 300 kg 0.1 kg 200 - 600 LB 0.2 LB
Scale 3:
Heavy-Duty Loadbars 0 - 100 kg 0.5 kg 0 - 200 LB 1 LB
100 - 200 kg 1 kg 200 - 400 LB 2 LB
200 - 1000 kg 2 kg 400 - 2000 LB 5 LB
1000 - 3000 kg 5 kg 2000 - 6000 LB 10 LB
Accuracy: ± 0.5% of Displayed Reading ± 1 Division (where 1 division is
0.1kg, 0.5kg etc depending on weight range)
RF Immunity: Maximum additional error in a 3V/m RF field in the range 27 -
500 MHz is : ± 2 divisions for 20 – 50kg
± 1 division for 50 – 200kg
± 0 division for 200 –2000kg
EMC Approvals: Meets or exceeds the following standards:
IEC801-2 Electrostatic discharge
EN50081-1 Free radiation measurements
EN50082-1 RF immunity

Page 14 FX21 User Manual V5.01+ 14Dec07
STEEL LOADBAR SET 2000KG
LOADBAR DIMENSION
A
B
600 mm
1000
mm
570
970
546
946
HEAVY DUTY LOADBAR SET 3000KG
Length
Width
Height
1000
200
115
AB
TOP BOTTOM
LOAD
AREA
LOAD
AREA
12515 60
126 152
80 800 80
960
160 200
160 200
Ø
16
Ø 14
TOP
BOTTOM

Iconix New Zealand Limited
PO Box 220
345 Thames Highway
Oamaru New Zealand
Phone: 64 - 3 437 2548
Fax: 64 - 3 - 4372175