Iconix FX41 User manual

CONTENTS
1. SYSTEM CARE.......................................................................................3
Battery Care.......................................................................................3
Site Preparation.................................................................................3
2. GETTING STARTED...............................................................................4
Display E amples..............................................................................5
Duplicate Tag Protection...................................................................5
ID Entry - Alternative Mode...............................................................5
3. WEIGH MODES.......................................................................................6
4. GROUP FILES.........................................................................................7
Selecting Group Files........................................................................7
Deleting Records...............................................................................8
5. STATISTICS............................................................................................9
Iconi FX Printer Option..................................................................10
6. MEMORY...............................................................................................11
Accessing Records in Memory........................................................11
Deleting or Editing a Record...........................................................12
Uploading Records to a Computer..................................................12
7. DRAFTING (Sorting By Weight)............................................................13
Setting Draft Limits, Minimum & Ma imum Weight.........................13
Drafting By Weight Gain..................................................................14
8. SET-UP..................................................................................................15
Prefi ing: On / Off............................................................................15
Weight Gain: Off / Auto / Manual....................................................15
Killout Percent.................................................................................15
Communication With E ternal Devices...........................................16
Duplicate ID Check: On / Off...........................................................16
Multiple Weigh: On / Off..................................................................16
Display Release: On / Off................................................................16
Zero-Track: On / Off........................................................................16
Units: kg / LB...................................................................................16
Time and Date Setting.....................................................................16
9. SPECIAL MODES..................................................................................17
Multiple Weigh.................................................................................17
Weight Gains...................................................................................18
10. AUTO-DRAFTING.................................................................................19
Using the Iconi Auto-Draft Controller.............................................19
11. ELECTRONIC ID (EID)..........................................................................21
EID Set-Up Options.........................................................................21
Drafting By EID................................................................................22
EID / VID Cross Reference Table...................................................23
Planning an EID based System......................................................24
12. SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................25

1. SYSTEM CARE
The FX41 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.
Fit caps to cable ends and indicator sockets when not in use to protect from dirt and
moisture. Hang the cable ends up, out of mud and dust.
Damage may occur if the capacity of the scale is e ceeded.
Loadbar cables must be kept in good condition.
BATTERY CARE
NOTE: BATTERY LIFE WILL BE SHORTENED CONSIDERABLY IF IT
IS NOT PROPERLY CARED FOR.
Always recharge for 8-12 hours AFTER USE with the FX41 switched ON and the
loadbars disconnected.
For long term storage, recharge ONCE PER MONTH with the FX41 switched ON
and the loadbars disconnected.
When the battery is low on charge (the LOW BAT pointer s 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 e ternal 12V battery.
It is not recommended that the battery charger be left plugged into the indicator for
long periods of time.
To display the battery voltage, press the ENTER key while the FX41 is in the normal
operating mode. The voltage should be in the range 12.6 to 13.2V for a fully charged
battery. Note that while recharging with the Iconix AC adaptor provided, the output
voltage of the charger is displayed (18-19V DC).
SITE PREPARATION
The choice of weighing site is important for accurate weighing and ease of use.
A well chosen level site 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.
FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 3

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,
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 SELECTING GROUP FILES.
For all normal livestock weighing applications check that the HOLD mode pointer  is
showing. If not, use the WEIGH MODE key to select, as shown on the display by
WEIGH MODE: HOLD.
Check that the ZERO pointer  is displayed. Load the animal onto the platform.
If required, enter the ID (tag number) of up to 8 digits using the numeric keypad.
If required, press CODE/MULTIPLE once the correct ID is on the display, then enter
a condition code (0.0 to 9.9). This may also be entered without an ID.
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:
Weight, Group, Date, ID (if used), Condition Code (if used)
If an Iconix FX Printer is attached, the record will be printed.
In the event of a problem with the weighing, press DELETE to delete the new record
from memory. The message “RE-(WEIGH) or (DEL)” is displayed. Press WEIGH to
re-weigh the animal using the ID already entered or DELETE to clear the ID as well.
Remove the animal from the weighing platform. The last animal’s weight remains
locked on the display. For about every 20 animals weighed, hold back the ne t animal
for a few seconds and check that the ZERO pointer  is displayed. If the ZERO
pointer does not appear, 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
Page 4 FX41 User Manual 08May08

DISPLAY EXAMPLES
If the DRAFT LIMITS are active, the large LCD will show H (high), C (centre) or L (low)
alongside the weight. See the section DRAFTING (Sorting By Weight).
The lower display will show the ID (if used), Group and Condition Code (if used).
For e ample: H 568
ID=3456
GRP = 5 CODE = 5.8
A press of the  key shows the kill-out weight, according to the Kill-out Percent setting:
For e ample: % OF WEIGHT = 312
GRP = 5 CODE = 5.8
DUPLICATE TAG PROTECTION
Protection is provided against accidental duplication of an ID number within a group file.
This feature may be selected ON or OFF in SET-UP.
The user is offered, by way of display prompts, the choice of either over-riding the
duplicate number protection or deleting the number before it is stored in memory along
with its associated weight.
For e ample, animal number 223 has previously been weighed and stored in the current
group file. Then 223 is re-entered and the WEIGH key is pressed.
The display will show:
ID=223 RE-USED
(DELETE), OK=(E TER)
If the ID for the animal on the scale has been incorrectly entered, press DELETE one
or more times to backspace through the digits of the ID. Then re-enter the ID and
press WEIGH again.
If the ID is correct, press ENTER to accept it. Note that there will now be two records
with identical IDs in the current group file. The previous ID is probably incorrect and
should be carefully noted.
ID ENTRY - ALTERNATI E MODE
In most situations, typing an ID and pressing WEIGH is the quickest and most suitable
method of operation. There may however be times when it is useful to type an ID, then
press ENTER to have the display respond to the weight of the animal, instead of
continuing to display the ID. The WEIGH key is pressed when the operator is ready to
record the ID and weight.
For e ample, when weighing cattle on a platform in a race, the weight can be viewed to
ensure that the animal is properly on the scale and it's true weight is being measured.
WEIGH is pressed when the operator is ready to record the ID and the accurate weight of
the animal.
FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 5

3. WEIGH MODES
The WEIGH MODE key allows the operator to choose HOLD or FREE mode. When the
auto-draft option is enabled, 3 additional versions of HOLD mode are available. A pointer
 on the display shows whether HOLD or FREE is selected. At switch-on, the weighing
mode last used in the previous weighing session is automatically selected.
Hol Mo e
HOLD mode should be used for weighing live animals. 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 ne t key press.
Free Mo e
FREE mode is suitable for static load weighing and is not intended for the weighing of
live animals. 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.
AUTO-DRAFT OPTION
When DRAFT/EID ON-LINE and AUTO-DRAFT = ON are selected in SET-UP, there are
three additional settings available when the WEIGH MODE key is pressed:
Spee Mo e
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 e ample,
the Racewell Industries sheep crate and Rite-Weigh portable sheep crate.
High Spee Mo e
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 e ample, the Racewell Industries sheep crate.
Count Mo e
This is a non-weighing mode for use with the Racewell Industries sheep crate. The
animal is held for a fi ed amount of time, as set by the operator, then released
automatically from the crate. When changing to this mode, the currently set Count Delay
Time is displayed and may be changed by pressing the  key. Ne t select from
DEFAULT DRAFT = LEFT, CENTRE, RIGHT the fi ed gate direction that applies when
operating in Count Mode.
It is recommended that a new Group is selected before using the Count Mode. The
“weight” statistics for this group will then display the number of animals that have been
held and released. When already in the Count Mode, a press of the  key allows an
adjustment to the Count Delay Time and a press of the  key allows an adjustment of
the Default Draft Direction.
While the Count Delay is in progress, "HOLDING..." is displayed. To e tend the hold time
for as long as the operator wishes, press the 0 key (remember 0 for 0verride). When
ready to release the animal, press the ENTER key (or any other key).
Page 6 FX41 User Manual 08May08

4. GROUP FILES
A new record is stored (in permanent memory) in the selected group (mob file) whenever
WEIGH is pressed. A record consists of :
Weight, Group, Date, ID (if used), Condition Code (if used)
The FX41 has an in-built clock-calendar and the date is automatically recorded every
time WEIGH is pressed.
In normal operation, before starting a new weighing session, the operator would select a
previously unused group 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: 6000 weighing records plus
3000 EID/VID Cross-Reference Table records
The weighing records 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 e ceed 6000. To check the total number of records that
have been used, press the  key, then *RECS USED.
When the record limit is reached, the message "MEMORY FULL !" will be displayed
when the WEIGH key is pressed again. No more records are able to be stored until some
or all of the e isting 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.
A press of the GROUP key shows the currently selected group (mob file) and the date of
the most recent weighing for the group.
For e ample: GRP=28 25AUG01
EW #, (E TER),  or 
To e it from group file display, press GROUP again or press ENTER.
At switch-on the last used group file remains selected, as indicated during start-up.
SELECTING GROUP FILES
Press GROUP to display the currently selected file number. For e ample:
Type new file no.: 2 9 GROUP (0 - 99) = 29
(E TER) WHE OK
Press ENTER GRP=29 O RECORDS
EW #, (E TER),  or 
The display advises that there are no records in Group 29. Press ENTER to accept this
group file selection and return to the normal operating mode. Group files may be selected
from the range 1 to 99.
FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 7

Scrolling Through Group Files
Within the group files display function, use the scroll keys  and  to step through the
active group files checking for the presence of records and the date of last use.
Only group files with records in them are displayed, allowing the operator to quickly scroll
through to find a particular group.
DELETING RECORDS
To delete all records in a particular group file, select that group then press the DELETE
key. The user is prompted to confirm this action by pressing ENTER.
GRP=15 20MAY01
EW #, (E TER),  or 
Press DELETE GRP=15 20MAY01
(E TER) TO DELETE
Press ENTER RECORDS DELETED
within 2 seconds
All records in Group 15 have now been deleted from memory.
Using The Global Group File: Group = 0
Selecting “GRP = 0 ALL RECORDS” allows access to all of the contents of memory
regardless of which group files individual records are stored in. The user may:
View global statistics. For e ample the average weight, total weight and the drafting
numbers are the totals for all records in memory.
Search for an ID number from an unknown group file.
Delete the total contents of memory.
GROUP = 0 may not be used for storing records in a weighing session. If an attempt is
made to do so, the message “GRP=0, CANNOT STORE, SELECT A VALID GROUP” is
displayed. A group file in the range 1 to 99 must be selected.
Making Goo Use Of Group Files
Management of weighing records is improved by placing groups of records in separate
group files. Please note the following suggestions:
Use a separate group file for each new weighing session on a different day.
Use a separate group file for different categories of animal.
Keep careful notes on the use of the group file numbers.
Page 8 FX41 User Manual 08May08

5. 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 "PRESS KEY FOR REQUIRED STATS".
Press the number key 1 to 9 for the required statistics or function. While the statistics are
being calculated, "PLEASE WAIT..." is displayed.
For the number of records used / remaining in the entire memory:
Press *RECS USED # RECS USED = 1500
# RECS LEFT = 4500
For average condition code:
Press *AVG CODE AVG CO D. CODE = 5.5
For average weight, total weight and number weighed:
Press *WGT STATS GRP=28 AVG=540 kg
TW=38880 kg #0072
For the total weight of animals in the High range, Centre range and Low range:
Press *DRAFT TOT HI TOT = 14976 kg
C=19084 L=4820
For the average weight of animals in the High range, Centre range and Low range:
Press *DRAFT WGTS HI AVG = 576 kg
C=530 L=482
For the number of animals in the High range, Centre range and Low range:
Press *DRAFT NO'S DRAFT TOTALS
H=0026 C=0036 L=0010
NOTE: Draft stats not available for DRAFT BY WEIGHT GAIN or DRAFT BY GAIN/DAY
For the average weight gain (in average number of days) and average daily weight gain
of the mob:
Press *WGT GAIN AVG 23.0kg 62 DAYS
GAI /DAY = 0.371kg
FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 9