Tal-Tec LS4 User manual

Tal-Tec Livestock Scales
User Manual
Serving Agriculture
Since 1974

CONTENTS
Introduction……………………….....................……...1
Installation………………………........….............…….2
Operation………………………....................…………3
Functions…………………………....................………5
- Zeroing……….………….............…........…...5
- Statistics……….……….............…........…….6
Installation of Loadcells………….............…........……8
Care and Maintenance…………….............….......…..10
Possible Problems.........................................................11
Fault Finding.....………………..............………......…12
Specifications………………....................……………15
Warranty..................………..............………….......….16
Tal-Tec

Tal-Tec
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of your Tal-Tec Livestock
Scale. It is a quality product and will serve you faithfully
for many years to come.
Our Mission
Today and since 1974 we at Tal-Tec strive to help the farmer
manage and control his livestock herd with quality equipment
that is affordable and robust.
Description
This product consists of two LOADBARS, INDICATOR,
BATTERY CABLE, AC-DC Adaptor, pack of BOLTS and
USER MANUAL. (The loadcells can also be referred to, as
loadbars and are either 600mm or 1000mm long)
Optional Extras
- Cattle platform
- Cattle crate with gates
- Sheep or Pig crate
1

INSTALLATION
1. Unpack and place the indicator in a secure position.
2. Install the loadbars.
3. Run the loadbar cables to the indicator,
making sure they are protected from damage.
4. Insert the plugs into the sockets at the bottom of the
indicator. Tighten the retaining collars by hand only.
The plugs can go into either socket. Important:
Keep the plugs and sockets clean and dry.
5. The instrument has an internal battery to power the
system. You can also use the 12 volt battery cable or
Mains adaptor to power the system
6. By connecting the instrument to the power supply
using the battery cable (Bakkie battery) or the AC-DC
Adaptor the internal battery will charge.
- The instrument is reverse polarity protected and
will not work if connected incorrectly.
- The scale will not function properly if the internal
battery is flat or the power supply does not supply
a good 12-volt source.
7. The scale is now ready for operation.
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ON
OFF
OPERATION
Using the scale is straight forward and logical.
Safety
To avoid damage, never load the scale with more than
the total capacity (2000kg) , i.e. the live weight and
platform must not exceed 2000kg.
The cables must be protected at all times from being
trampled, tugged or knotted.
The Display normally shows the current live weight on
the platform in kilograms.
The Resolution is the smallest weight change that can
be displayed at a particular time or the smallest
division. Normally 1kg (This can be changed by
selecting fine mode)
Switching On
Press display shows LS4
- 0 -
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Note: do not stand on the scale while it is busy “zeroing”.
The weight shown on the display is a Live weight and
never locks on a value, when the weight changes the
reading changes. However, if the weight is about half
way between two values, the instrument will calculate
the average weight and this average weight will reflect on
the screen. This function works in the case of an animal
that will not stop jumping. The reading will flicker on the
calculated weight.
Weighing
1. Make sure the indicator is displaying 0kg. If not,
zero the scale again.
2. Move the animal onto the platform making sure it
does not lean or touch any other structure.
3. Wait for the reading to stabilise.
4. The weight is then displayed and can be recorded.
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FUNCTIONS
1.ZERO
To zero the scale press the zero key
Press displayed
kg
The instrument returns to
live display.
2. HOLD
Press the hold key to continuously display the weight
even after the animal has been removed from the
platform or scale.
To return the scale to zero or to display the next
weight press the 'LIVE' key.
3. FINE MODE
When weighing items of less than 200kg, you can set
your scale to fine mode for a higher accuracy. The
Resolution is the smallest weight change that can be
displayed at a particular time or the smallest division.
- 0 -
0
ZERO
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Normally 1kg. This can be changed by the pressing
the 'FINE MODE' Key.
The resolution in Fine Mode is 0.1kg for a maximum
of 200kg
4. LIVE
This is the escape key. If you are stuck in a setup
function or reading the statistics press the 'LIVE'
key to return to the weigh screen.
5. STATS
The LS4 scale has a built-in statistics feature.
Press the 'STATS' key to enter into the stats program
and view the following:
COUNT - Number of weights recorded
TOTAL - Total mass of all the animals
AVE - Average mass of all the animals
HI - The highest mass recorded
LOW - The lowest mass recorded
To delete the data press the 'CLEAR' key
To return to weigh screen press the 'LIVE' key
6. SETUP
There are a few settings we can change or check the
battery voltage. Remember to press the 'LIVE' key
to exit setup.
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To navigate through setup press the UP and DOWN
arrow keys. To change a setting press the 'ENTER' key.
1. This setting has been disconnected and is not
operational. But can be used for a back light in the
display.
2. ZERO TRACKING.
As a result of temperature changes during a
weighing session, the instrument can
fluctuate from zero. Cattle excrement, etc.
also adds weight. You can continue to zero
the instrument automatically when it registers
weights of 10kg or less.
3. WEIGH MODE
HI – High movement of animal
Lo – Low movement of animal
Std – Standard weighing (Default)
4. CHARGING VOLTAGE
Operating Range 5.8V - 6.3V
5. BATTERY VOLTAGE
7. RECORD
To record a weight into the stats press
“ENTER/RECORD” once. The display will
momentarily flash ‘rEc’ and the weight recorded.
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INSTALLATION OF LOADBARS
The loadbars and indicator are unique and cannot
necessarily be interchanged with another set, without
re-calibration.
A PLATFORM scale is a system where the entrance and
exit gates are not connected to the platform and therefore
not weighed.
A CRATE is a box type scale including entrance and exit
gates. The advantage of a crate scale is that when the
animal touches and pushes on the gates or sides of the
crate it has no effect on the reading, thus giving the most
accurate weight.
- Platforms and crates will require mounting holes to
suit the loadbars.
- The 'hoof' width (width on which the animal can
stand) of the platform/crate must be no wider than the
length of the loadbars.
- The loadbars should be mounted as near to the ends
of the platform/crate as practical.
1. Select a convenient position for the platform or crate.
A level concrete foundation or other firm surface is
essential. Note: For accurate weighing the
platform or crate must not make contact with any
part of the race.
2. Place the crate in the required position in the race.
Lift each end in turn and position the loadbars in
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place, with the mounting holes lining up with those
in the crate.
DROPPING the crate or platform with the
loadbars fitted, or dropping the crate or platform
onto the loadbars, can overload and damage the
loadcells.
3. Attach the crate to the loadbars using the four (4)
bolts supplied (M10 x 75 bolt & nut).
4. If required, fit shims under the foot pads to
eliminate rocking.
5. To prevent the crate or platform sliding during
weighing, the loadbar foot pads can be bolted or
pegged to the foundation. This is not absolutely
necessary and weighing can be continued.
6. Mark the hole positions in the foot pads onto the
foundation and unbolt and remove the platform.
7. Drill the holes and fit at least one raw bolt into each
end of the load bar. Leave the bolts slightly loose.
8. Gently lower the platform onto the loadbars and
check that the platform mounting holes line up with
those in the loadbars. If not move the foot pads or
platform slightly using the free play in the mounting
holes, or drill out the mounting holes in the platform.
9. Bolt the platform to the loadbars and then tighten the
foot pad bolts.
Note: If the holes do not line up and the bolts are
forced, the scale will not Zero properly.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The Tal-Tec electronic scale is rugged and robust,
designed to withstand the punishment of livestock
handling. However, below are a few simple rules that
should be followed to ensure the maximum life of the
equipment.
1. The loadbars are designed to be splash and rinse
proof. Under no circumstances should the equipment
be submerged in water.
2. For maximum life, the loadbars should not be
exposed to moisture or animal manure for extended
periods. Although the loadcells have been
electroplated to prevent corrosion, prolonged
exposure to moisture will cause the cells to fail.
3. The loadbars should be stored in a clean and dry
state.
4. The cables should be placed so that they will not
be walked on or squashed in any way. Fitting
cables inside heavy plastic, under timber,
underground or up posts are possible options. Any
cuts or splits in the cable will affect the performance
of the scale and lead to failure, even if the slightest
amount of moisture gets in. It is advisable to return
damaged equipment to Tal-Tec for repair. If
emergency repairs are needed, it is very important
that the cable be thoroughly dried. Each core should
be individually soldered and insulated.
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POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
Problem
When the indicator is on
and the loadbars are
plugged in, the display
shows a big erratic value
which is positive or
negative.
Solution
Repair the cables.
Problem
When the indicator is on
and the loadbars
connected, the display
does not stay on zero, it
creeps up and down by a
few kilograms.
Cause
The loadbars have been
bolted to the ground and
there are uneven horizontal
forces acting on the
loadbar feet.
Solution
Loosen the foundation
bolts and re-align them.
Cause
Problem with cables, cable
damage.
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FAULT FINDING
The Tal-Tec LS4 scale is a robust scale manufactured to work in
the farm environment, but like all electronics are not
indestructible. If your scale has been damaged or has stopped
working you can follow these steps to pin point the fault.
The LS4 instrument – Battery
acid sealed) battery and not mains. If the battery
is low it will affect the performance of the scale.
Charge the battery using the Mains adaptor or
Car battery jumper lead both supplied with a new
scale.
2. To check the internal battery voltage, turn
the instrument on; press the setup button; and
then the up arrow button until position 5. The
display shows for example 5 =6.20. Good voltage is above 6, but it
will work from 5.80 volts. Position 4 indicates the charging voltage
if the charger is connected and working.
3. If the battery has been so dis-charged or run down over time that
it does not turn the instrument on, the battery must be replaced,
charging it will not help.
4. The battery voltage as displayed must be stable and not fluctuate
up and down. If this is so the circuit board must be replaced.
1. The instrument is powered by a 6 volt (lead
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The LS4 instrument – Operation
field if the battery is kept fully charged.
2. By placing a wet finger on the pins at the
bottom of the instrument (you can short out the
pins) and see if the instrument responds. If not,
it could be faulty
1. There is very little that can go wrong in the
with two loadcells. There is an electric
current flowing through each loadcell.
When an animal stands on the scale
there is a resistance change in the
loadcell; this change is in the range of
millivolts. So if there is any damage to the cable, plugs or loadbar
the instrument is reading that damage and displaying an in-correct
mass.
2. To eliminate any fault that could be caused by the installation
of the platform/crate; first remove the loadbars and place on a
level concrete slab. Workshop floor is a good place. Now place a
wooden plank on the two loadbars so that when you climb onto
the scale they do not rock. See picture….
1. (Back ground)Each loadbar is fitted
The LS4 Loadbars - Testing
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plug from the loadbar; one at a time; after each
one observe the reading on the display; the
reading should be less than ±100kg and stable.
This reading is called the offset and is normal. If
the offset is above 100kg it is possible that a
loadcell has been overloaded. If the offset is
fluctuating in the hundreds it could indicate water
damage. If the offset is fluctuating in the
thousands it could indicated cable damage.
4. Once the loadbars are connected and you zeroed the scale by
pressing the zero button you can test the loadbars. Climb onto
the scale standing on a corner and take note of the reading;
now climb off. The display must return to
zero. Now repeat this on every corner;
remember to climb off every time. If the
readings are the same on every corner your
scale is in a good condition.
5. If not, identify the loadbar with the
problem (the one with the incorrect
reading). Inspect the loadbar for cable
damage; loose bolts or a shifted loadcell or
plug damage. Repair yourself or return to
Tal-Tec.
3. Switch the instrument on. Now connect the
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SPECIFICATIONS
Accuracy of the systems is plus or minus one persent.
Resolution of 1kg or 0.05% of the capacity
Total capacity of 2000kg; i.e. live weight plus the
platform/crate.
600mm LOADBAR
Nominal length 600mm
Section width 50mm
Overall height 100mm
Platform fixing centres 562mm
Foot pad 150 x 80mm
Cable length 3.5m
1000mm LOADBAR
Nominal length 1000mm
Section width 75mm
Overall height 100mm
Platform fixing centres 862mm
Foot pad 150 x 80mm
Cable length 3.5m
Indicator
Internal battery Rechargeable
Power source 12 volt DC
220 AC mains
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WARRANTY
The warranty guarantees every part of the scale against
defects caused by failure or breakdown during normal
or recommended use.
The scale is covered by a 12 month warranty, from
date of purchase.
What we ask you to do:
To get warranty service, you must provide proof of
date of purchase.
Return the product to the Tal-Tec factory.
If your product is defective and returned within one
year of date of purchase, we will repair it, or at our
option, replace it at no charge to you. The repair or
replacement will be warranted for the remainder of the
original one year warranty period.
This warranty does not cover defects resulting from
accidents, damage while in transit to our service
centre, alterations, unauthorised repairs, failure to
follow instructions, misuse, damage caused by
fluctuation in electrical power, fire, floods and
lightning.
Contact Tel: (+27-12-) 250 2188
P.O. Box 995; Brits; 0250
7 Theuns Mulder street; Brits; South Africa
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