Thunderbird T30 User manual

WEIGHING SYSTEMS
T30 Instruction Manual
Installation
Locate a weighing site that is well drained. For best weighing results, ensure the weigh bars and
weighing platform are on a level hard surface (i.e. concrete), and free from contact of any
obstruction. Do not use wooden platforms. Make sure the platform doesn’t rock, pack with
spacers if needed. If the installation has any flexing or twisting in the platform, inaccurate
weights may occur. The weight should be evenly distributed over the top of the weigh bars.
When bolting the bars down, also eliminate any twisting of the platform. Avoid bolting
everything down tight. If in a fixed situation, it is best practice to bolt the rear bars to the
concrete, then bolt the platform or crush to the bars, then leave the front bars unbolted with only
guide pins into the concrete. Shim the bars and crate with washers or similar pieces of metal so
that no diagonal rocking motion occurs before tightening all of the fixings. This will minimize
any flexing that could occur.
When weighing animals, be sure that their weight is totally on the weighing surface, and not
leaning on fixed gates, rails, etc. If at all possible use a crush or weigh box, using 3000 kg for
cattle, and place the weigh bars so that the whole structure is weighed. This will eliminate
weighing errors if the animal does lean on any part of the structure.
The 2000KG load bars are designed for platforms or sheep weigh crates.
Care and Maintenance
WARNING! DO NOT WELD TO THE WEIGH BARS OR ANY STRUCTURE THAT
THEY ARE ATTACHED TO. The voltage and current from the welder can instantly destroy
the sensitive strain gauges used to measure the weight. Welding currents create observable
damage to the strain gauges, and will void your warranty. Remove the weigh bars from the
structure before attempting to weld.
Care of cables is important to avoid erratic readings or breakdown. Plugs should be
covered when not in use to avoid corrosion of contacts and to prevent moisture penetrating the
cables. Even a thin film of moisture around the pins in the plug may cause erratic readings.
Do not allow the bars to remain wet or allow a build up of manure inside the bars for long
periods of time. This will shorten the life of the weigh bars, can cause premature failure and
may void your warranty. If the area does remain wet, remove the weigh bars when not in use.
The weigh bars are sealed, and can be hosed out with low pressure water to keep clean.

Store the indicator in a dry area away from moisture when not in use. Although it has a
gasket seal to prevent water ingress, repeated cycling of warm and cool from day to night in a
damp area may cause a build up of moisture inside the indicator.
Do not transport weigh bars or load cells with a weight on them. If the vehicle goes over a
bump, the resulting ‘G’ forces increase the effective weight applied, which may exceed the load
cell capacity, causing damage to the load cells. Load cells that have had excessive weight
applied to them are not covered by warranty.
Power
The T30 has internal Ni-MH batteries that can be recharged with the provided plug pack
or by a 12V battery. It can also be powered by 4 x AA batteries. The AA batteries are
inserted in a removable battery pack and placed in the battery compartment at the rear
of the indicator.
A battery level indicator is displayed while the scale is operating, which gives an
indication of the time remaining before the batteries go flat. The lowest segment will
start flashing when the battery level is low and the charger is not plugged in. Turn off
the indicator and replace or charge the batteries when this occurs.
To conserve the batteries, the T30 will turn itself off after 30 minutes if no keys have
been pressed or the weight hasn’t changed.
Note: All statistics will be lost if the internal batteries are flat and the AA batteries are
removed without first turning off the indicator.
Good quality alkaline AA batteries will power the scale for up to 30 hours running time.
Rechargeable AA batteries may be used, but the battery level indicator will not be as
accurate.
The fully charged internal Ni-MH batteries will power the scale for up to approximately 8
hours of use. Ni-MH batteries will self-discharge over time though, so it’s best to charge
the scale overnight before use. It takes around 10 hours of charging to fully charge the
internal batteries.
The battery indicator will flash a segment whenever the internal battery is charged, even
when the scale is turned off. The segment flashing depends upon the battery voltage.
The indicator will display the battery condition during charging while it’s turned off, and
automatically shut down when the charger is removed or turned off.
Note: The internal batteries will not be charged if the charging voltage is less than
7.5V. The provided charger is rated at 9V, so will adequately charge the batteries.

Operation
Tare
Up
On-Off Kg/lbs
Weigh
Settings Mode
OK
Back Down
Draft
Auto tally
Stats
Load cell 1 Load cell 2
The T30 has a water resistant 13 button keypad for a user interface. An extra large 40mm digit
display provides the user with the ability to view the weight at a distance. The display also has
other indications that are used at various times. All mode settings and changes are memorized at
the time of change, so that the indicator will return to the previous set up when it is turned on.
The T30 contains highly stable and sensitive circuitry, which is designed to improve accuracy.
Following is a description of each button and what it does:
Off/On
This button does what it says. There is no power drained from the batteries when the scale is
turned off.
When powering up, the indicator will display all relative segments for a short time, then the
firmware version number, and then a tare is performed automatically after a short delay. If there
was a weight on the load bars when the indicator was turned off, this weight is displayed if it
hasn’t changed, otherwise zero weight is displayed. The scale is then ready for weighing. This
means that no buttons need to be touched if the scale is used for weighing the same thing each
time.

Tare
When pressed during normal weighing, the scale will display 4 dashes (----) and cancel any
weight that exists on the weigh bars. After a few seconds the display will show zero weight,
regardless of any weight (such as a weigh box) that may be present. The tare button also has
other purposes that will be described during other various functions.
Mode
Mode selects the weighing mode. The current mode is displayed during normal
operation. There are 3 available weigh modes, each with a different purpose. They are:
Livestock –(Cow icon) This mode is designed to weigh moving weights, such as animals. The
indicator switches to a damping system that filters out sudden changes in weight, and averages
many weight samples over a couple of seconds. Two weights are displayed at first at one second
intervals, then there is a delay until the weight becomes stable, at which point the actual weight
is displayed. The displayed weight will change if the indicator determines that the weight isn’t
quite right.
Livestock Locking –(Cow with a lock icon) Locking mode works the same as normal livestock
mode, except that once a weight is displayed, any change in weight won’t be shown until the
change exceeds +/-5% of that displayed.
General –(Trolley icon) This mode is for weighing static weights and produce. The displayed
weight is updated every second, and doesn’t have any weight damping or zero tracking. It is
suitable for weighing products that are slowly added to, such as weighing grain being augured
into a bin.
Weigh
The weigh button has different functions depending on the mode setting.
In livestock locking mode, pressing the weigh button will cause a new weight reading to be taken
and displayed, regardless of a change in weight.
In livestock and general modes, pressing the weigh button will cause the weight to be held on the
display, even after the weight has been removed. The large lock icon will be displayed. This
held weight will disappear automatically and a new weight will be displayed when another
weight is applied onto the scale. Pressing the weigh button again when the weight has been
removed will cause the display to return to zero.
Kg/lb
The indicator is capable of displaying weights in either pounds or kilograms. Alternate presses of
this button swaps between units. The unit the weight is shown on the display.
Settings
Pressing the settings key once will cause the system capacity to be displayed. Pressing
it again will cause the scale to return to normal weighing. The calibration mode may be
entered by pressing the settings key once, and then pressing the down arrow key.
OK
The OK key is pressed to accept values selected during draft setup, stats, and
calibration. It is also used to enter the animal’s weight into stats when manual drafting.

Back
The back key allows you to go back to the previous step when calibrating or setting up
the draft weights.
Draft
The T30 can visually draft in up to 5 ways. Pressing the draft key takes the T30 into the
draft setup mode. Please refer to the draft setup procedure later in this manual.
Stats
The stats key causes the weighing and drafting statistics to be displayed. Please refer
to the statistics section for a full description.
Up, Down, Back
These keys are used during calibration, statistics viewing and draft setup. Please see
the relevant sections later in this manual.
Autotally
Autotally will only be active if draft values have been set up and drafting is turned on.
When autotally is pressed, the display will show ‘Autotally’ if it’s enabled, or no text if it
has been disabled. See the section on Autotally later in these instructions.
Calibration
The T30 has the capability of being calibrated in the field. The electronics in this
weighing system is very stable, and this calibration procedure should rarely need to be
done. However, if the weights are critical, it is advisable that the scale be calibrated
every year or two. If the load cells have been slightly overstressed, or specific errors
have been displayed as described later, it is also advisable to re-calibrate the system
before returning the scale for repair. It may be that recalibration will solve the problem.
Re-calibration may not fix the problem if the weigh bars or load cells have been grossly
overstressed.
To perform the calibration, a known fixed weight must be at hand. Also, if the indicator
is not connected to standard Thunderbird load cells, the capacity of the total system and
the number of load cells in the system must be known. The capacity should be printed
on the label attached to the weigh bar or load cell. The test weight must be a minimum
of 5% of the capacity of the system, and small enough to be able to balance easily on 1
weigh bar or load cell. The maximum test weight is the total capacity of the system
divided by the number of weigh bars or load cells. For example, a 2 tonne system with
2 load cells would have a maximum test weight of 1 tonne. Similarly, a 500kg system
with 2 bars has a maximum test weight of 250kg.
Each weigh bar or load cell is calibrated independently, and they must be removed from
any structure that they’re supporting before calibration starts.
The calibration procedure may be aborted at any time up until ‘donE’ is displayed by
turn the indicator off. The back key may be used to repeat a procedure at any time.

When inputting a value, the up and down arrows may be pressed briefly to increase or
decrease a value, or held down. When held down, the value will increase by 1 unit at a
time until a tens digit changes, and then the value will change by 10 units at a time.
Releasing the key will re-start the procedure.
The procedure is as follows:
1. Turn the indicator on
2. Press the settings key once
3. Press down arrow key (CAL -) will be displayed
4. Press OK
5. bAr1 will be displayed and zero weight will flash. Press OK to continue
6. rdY will be displayed and zero weight will be flashing. Press OK to continue
7. Zero weight will cease flashing and - - - - will be displayed for 4 seconds
8. Test weight will start flashing. A default test weight will be displayed. Use the UP or
DOWN arrow key to set the test weight that you are going to use. Press OK once the
correct weight is displayed
9. rdY will be displayed with “test weight” still flashing. Place your test weight onto load
bar 1 so that it is balanced evenly in the middle. Press weigh or OK to continue
10.“Test Weight” will cease flashing and - - - - will be displayed for 4 seconds.
11.bAr2 will be displayed and zero weight will be flashing. Press OK to continue
12.rdY will be displayed and zero weight will be flashing. Press OK to continue
13.Zero Weight will cease flashing and - - - - will be displayed for 4 seconds
14.Test weight will start flashing and the test weight used for bar 1 will be displayed.
Use the up or down arrow key to adjust weight if necessary. Press OK once the
correct weight is displayed
15.rdY will be displayed with “test weight” still flashing. Place your test weight onto load
bar 2 so that it is evenly balanced in the middle. Press Weigh or OK to continue
16.“Test Weight” will cease flashing and - - - - will be displayed for 4 seconds
17.donE will be displayed. This is the final step. Remove the test weight before
pressing OK.
18.A Tare will be performed. The new settings will be remembered until another
calibration procedure is performed.
The new settings will be remembered until another calibration procedure is performed.
Drafting
The T30 has the ability to visually draft animals from 2 up to 5 ways.
For draft mode to work, weight boundary settings must be entered. The number of
settings depends on how many ways the T30 is to draft. For example, for 2 way drafting
only one setting is needed. Any weight greater than the setting falls into the high range,
if the weight is lower or the same as the setting, it falls into the low range. For 5 way
drafting, 4 weight boundaries need to be entered. If a weight is equal to the boundary,
it’ll be drafted into the lower range.

In visual drafting, the range that the weight falls into is indicated on the display. For 5 way
drafting, the possible ranges are LOW, LOW MID, MID, MID HIGH and HIGH. Other drafting ways have
varying combinations of these.
To start draft mode, follow this procedure:
1. Press draft. Draft will flash and ‘dr 2’ will be displayed.
2. Use the arrow keys to select the number of ways.
3. Press OK to accept the number of ways. A 4 digit number will appear. This is the
lowest weight boundary setting.
4. Use the arrow keys again to adjust the weight, then press OK. Alternatively, if the
value display is correct, press OK to accept the setting.
5. The next setting will appear if there are more than 2 ways of drafting. Repeat step 4
until all settings have been entered.
Draft mode is now on and the display will indicate which draft range the weight falls into.
To turn draft mode off:
1. Press draft. .OFF?. will be displayed.
2. Press the down arrow if you want draft to remain enabled.
3. Press either OK or the up arrow to turn draft mode off, the weigh key returns to
normal weighing.
Autotally
Autotally is a feature that can automatically add weights to the statistics as each animal is
weighed. No button pressing is necessary if the animals are co-operative.
Pressing the Autotally button alternately turns the Autotally mode on or off, and the text
‘Autotally’ is shown on the display if it is enabled. Autotally will only operate in one of the
livestock modes, it will not be enabled in general mode.
When the Autotally button is pressed to enable the function, ‘Clr?” will be displayed and flash.
You have the choice of clearing the existing statistics in the indicator by pressing OK or the up
key, or to add to the existing statistics by pressing the down key.
Autotally will function irrespective of whether drafting has been set up. If drafting is not
enabled, only the overall statistics are collected. If drafting is enabled, both overall and drafting
statistics are collected.
If autotally is enabled and a livestock mode is active, when a stable weight has been
detected it is automatically added to the statistics. The weight will disappear from the
display for 0.5 seconds to indicate that the statistics have been updated.
If an animal has not walked completely onto the weighing platform by the time that
statistic is added, you can remove this latest statistic addition by pressing the back key.
The displayed weight will disappear for 0.5 seconds again to confirm that the weight has
been removed from the statistics. Once the animal is fully on the platform, you may add

its weight by pressing the OK key, and the weight will disappear from the display again
for 0.5 seconds. The OK key can only be pressed once while the animal is on the
platform, and will not be available after the weight returns to zero.
A weight is added to the statistics only once automatically while a weight is applied, and
the sequence will reset only after the weight returns to zero.
Statistics
Statistics may be accumulated on animals or objects weighed. The recorded weight is
entered into an overall statistics collation, as well as draft statistics if draft mode is on.
There are up to 5 sets of draft statistics, depending on how many ways the draft mode
has been programmed for. This means that there are up to 30 separate statistical
values recorded.
All statistics are remembered when the T30 is turned off, provided it is turned off using
the on-off button. The statistics will not be saved if the battery is simply unplugged
while the internal battery is flat. This applies also if the battery lead is accidentally
disconnected. This feature is to allow a break in a weighing session, and then continue
with the same session at a later time. The statistics must be cleared if a new weighing
session is to be recorded. Otherwise the weights will be added to the old statistics.
There are 5 distinct values recorded for each range of statistics. They are;
number weighed
minimum weight
maximum weight
average weight
total weight
To view the statistics, press stats. The overall number weighed will be displayed. Use the arrow
keys to scroll up and down the overall statistics values. The statistic displayed will be indicated
on the screen. The statistics mode can be exited by pressing the weigh key.
If the draft mode is on, the draft statistics may be view by subsequent pressings of the stats
button. The screen will indicate which draft statistic is being displayed by showing LOW, MID
or HIGH, or a combination of two. Use the arrow keys again to scroll through the values for
each draft range.
To exit the statistics display function, press weigh. Normal weighing will resume.
To reset the statistics, press stats, and then press tare. ‘Clr?’ will be displayed. Press the up
arrow or OK to confirm, or the down arrow to keep them. All values will be reset to zero once
the up arrow has been pressed.
There are 2 ways of adding to the statistics. They are:
1. Manual entry. OK must be pressed each time a weight is to be added to the
statistics. The weight may be added in either livestock mode, and only the weight
displayed at the time will be added. This method will not work if auto tally is on. For

livestock locking mode, the statistic will only be added when OK is pressed after the
large lock icon appears. For livestock mode, the statistic will only be added when
OK is pressed after the cow icon disappears for 0.3 seconds. The weight will
disappear from the display for 0.5 seconds to confirm that the weight has been
entered into the statistics. Pressing the back key will cause the weight to be removed
from the statistics if the weight is still applied, and pressing the OK key again after
the back key has been pressed will add the weight to the statistics again, but only if
the weight continues to be applied. These buttons will not work after the weight
returns to zero.
2. By autotally. Autotally will only work in a livestock mode. Please refer to the
Autotally section.
Note: The weight automatically recorded may not be the true weight if the beast pauses while
moving on to the scale using autotally. Please refer to the Autotally section.
Increments
The T30 displays in varying weight increments, depending on a number of factors.
These factors include the capacity of the system, the weighing mode, and the amount of
weight applied. The guide below shows the increments used.
If system capacity is 200kg (440lb) or less;
General - 0.1kg (0.2lb)
Livestock - 0-50kg (0-110lb), 0.2kg (0.4lb)
50-200kg (110-440lb), 0.5kg (1lb)
For 201kg (441lb) to 2000kg (4400lb) load cell systems;
General - 0-50kg (0-110lb), 0.1kg (0.2lb)
50-500kg (110-1100lb), 0.2kg (0.4lb)
500-1000kg (1100-2200lb), 0.5kg (1lb)
>1000kg (2200lb), 1kg (2lb)
Livestock - 0-100kg (0-220lb), 0.5kg
100-500kg (220-1100lb), 1kg (2lb)
>500kg (1100lb), 2kg (5lb)
For systems over 2000kg (4400lb);
General - 0-50kg (0-110lb), 0.2kg (0.5lb)
50-500kg (110-1100lb), 0.5kg (1lb)
>500kg (1100lb), 2kg (5lb)
Livestock - 0-100kg (0-220lb), 1kg (2lb)
100-1000kg (220-2200lb), 2kg (5lb)
>1000kg (2200lb), 5kg (10lb)
Error Messages
The T30 has a very comprehensive self monitoring system that detects any problems
that may occur. Should such a problem be detected, an error message will be
displayed on the screen, for example ‘Er36’. Most error messages displayed concern
problems with the signal coming from the weigh bars or load cells. The signals from the

sensitive strain gauges are extremely small. A load bar that has its rated capacity
weight applied outputs less than 0.007 volts of signal.
Each load cell is sampled independently many times per second, which allows the T30
to continuously monitor any problems that could occur. One of these problems is an
overload condition. Any bar that is overloaded will be displayed, even if the overload
only lasts for a fraction of a second. This feature enables the user to minimize possible
damage and ensure a more reliable weight, as well as extending the useful life of the
scale.
If an error message is displayed, turn the indicator off, and closely inspect the cables
connecting the weigh bars or load cells. If there is a cut in the outer sheath, or a
squashed section of cable, it may have to be replaced.
If there doesn’t appear to be any visible damage after inspecting the installation, contact your
supplier or distributor, quoting the error number that appeared. They may be able to help with a
cure.
The possible error messages are as follows:
Error Explanation Possible Cause/Remedy
Err Load cells not plugged in properly Connect load cells
Er01 Load cell 1 at minimum signal Broken cable, new cable
Er02 Load cell 1 at maximum signal Broken cable, new cable
Er03 Load cell 2 at minimum signal Broken cable, new cable
Er04 Load cell 2 at maximum signal Broken cable, new cable
Er09 A/D converter not communicating Servicing required
Er13 No EEROM Servicing required
Er15 3.3V low Shorted cable or failure
Er28 No A/D samples Servicing required
Er32 A/D converter timeout Servicing required
Er36 Test weight < zero weight Incorrect wiring, L/C inverted
Er38 No load cell in socket 1 Connect load cell 1
Er39 No load cell in socket 2 Connect load cell 2
Er40 Shorted identifier in socket 1 Wiring error, incorrect load cell
Er41 Shorted identifier in socket 2 Wiring error, incorrect load cell
Er42 Not enough span in load cell 1 Faulty load cell
Er43 Not enough span in load cell 2 Faulty load cell
Er44 Can’t turn off Servicing required
Er45 Circuitry mismatch Servicing required

Troubleshooting
Problem Cause Remedy
Won’t turn on Batteries are flat Fit new batteries
A battery has been Fit batteries correctly
put in backwards
Short in load cell cables Disconnect cables and try.
If still won’t turn on, servicing
is required.
Faulty indicator Return scale for service
Won’t tare Moving weight The weight must be still and stable
before the indicator is able to obtain
a tare reading, make sure any weight
on the load cells does not move.
Poor installation The load bars must be installed on a
solid base such as concrete. Sitting the
load cells on the ground is not
satisfactory. Refer to the installation
guide.
Flexible platform Any platform that may be used on top of
load bars must be rigid, and the load
must be spread over the entire bar.
Timber paneling is not acceptable.
Moisture in plug Moisture is the most common cause of
erratic weights in any scale. If there is
moisture in the plug, undo the plug and
thoroughly wipe out and dry all parts of
the plug before reassembling.
Erratic weight Moisture in plug Moisture is the most common cause of
erratic weights in any scale. If there is
Moisture in the plug, undo the plug, and
thoroughly wipe out and dry all parts of
the plug before reassembling.
Poor installation The load bars must be installed on a
such as concrete. Sitting them on the
ground is not satisfactory. Refer to the
installation section.
‘OL’ displayed There is too much This error will self clear when the weight
on the load cells applied is removed.

Er15 is displayed There is most likely a If the cable is damaged it must be
short in the weigh bar replaced. If the problem is in a weigh
or its cable bar, return the complete scale for
service.
‘1 OL’ displayed There is too much weight This error will self clear when the weight
on the bar indicated. removed. This display could flash up for
a fraction of a second if there is a
momentary overload due to a heavy
weight being put down.
Options
The T30 can be supplied with various load cell options. These are:
Easymove 500kg bars- 2 bars, 580mm in length designed for portability.
Easymove 2000kg bars- 2 bars 580mm in length also designed for portability.
Extender 3000kg bars- 2 bars 1000mm in length.
The 3000kg bars are designed to fit under cattle crushes or large weigh bins for maximum
stability.
Specifications
Indicator:
Battery Voltage - 6Vdc (4 x AA batteries)
Charger Rating - 9Vdc 500mA
Supply Current:
Indicator only - 10mA
System with 1 weigh bar- 39mA
System with 2 weigh bars- 68mA
Load Cell Excitation Voltage - 3.3Vdc
Load cell input sensitivity - 1.2-3.2mV/V
Maximum offset voltage:- +/- 20mV
Accuracy - Greater than 99%*
IP Rating - IP56
Weigh Bars:
Gauge resistance - 120 Ohms
Offset Error - Within +/- 10mV
Sensitivity - 1.35 –2.1mV/V
Overload Capacity - 150% of rated capacity
*Provided installation is done correctly.
E&OE. This information was correct at the time of compilation. Changes may be made to improve the product.

WARRANTY
THUNDERBIRD
Agricultural Scales
Thunderbird warrant all scale indicators and load cells against defective
workmanship and faulty materials for 2 years from the date of purchase.
We undertake, at our option, to replace or repair free of charge each
product, or part thereof, on condition that it is returned to our factory
freight prepaid, and found on examination to be suffering from material or
constructional defect. We cannot be held responsible for any repair other
than those carried out by us or our authorized agent. Warranty is limited to the
value of the product.
A photocopy of your proof of purchase and a request for warranty
must also be returned with the item.
This warranty is void if the product is subject to improper use or handling,
incorrect power input voltage, load cells found to have electrical damage
caused by welding, damage through contact with chemicals, flooding, fire,
explosion, excessive heat, lightning strikes, insect damage, moisture
damage or damage to external wiring. Any warranty on load cells will
become void if they are found to have been subject to excessive
weight, or failure caused by corrosion due to excessive buildup
of manure and moisture.
Thunderbird Ag Pty Ltd
ABN 75 145 262 246
11 Industrial Avenue PO Box 391
Mudgee NSW 2850 Mudgee NSW 2850
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
For your records:
Model No.: ...............................................................................................................
Serial No.: ...............................................................................................................
Date of Purchase: ...................................................................................................
Place of Purchase: ..................................................................................................
Receipt No.: ............................................................................................................