VPG BHL Nobel AST 3 Operating instructions

Operating instructions, Quick operation
Contents
Introduction
....................................................................... 1
Operating instruction
General ........................................................... 2
Power supply .................................................. 2
Start-up ........................................................... 2
View alternatives ............................................ 3
Zero setting .................................................... 4
Installation
Mechanical installation ................................... 5
Electrical installation ....................................... 5
Set-up programme deltaCOM ........................ 6
Quick set-up, calibration
General ........................................................... 7
Common parameters ...................................... 7
Data sheet calibration ................................... 11
Dead weight calibration ................................ 14
Parameter survey
...................................................................... 18
Quick set-up list
................................................................ App. 1

Analogue Signal Transmitter AST 3
1
Introduction
AST 3 is a high performance transmitter, designed for industrial measuring
by means of strain gauge transducers. The compact module is easily
installed on a DIN rail or a flat surface.
Two slightly different versions of the transmitter module are available:
AST 3B, designed for operation together with a control unit.
Instructions for installation and set-up are found on a diskette,
delivered with the transmitter module.
AST 3P, with display window and function keys for set-up and
measuring operations.
This instruction includes the basic installation and set-up, required for correct
measuring with the instrument.
Additional installation and set-up of more instrument functions, not covered by
this description, can also be performed.
For a complete instrument description, refer to publication 600 232:
AST 3 Technical Manual
This description deals with the following points:
•Using the AST 3P panel for measuring.
•Quick installation.
•‘Quick set-up’ for AST 3P.
•Data sheet calibration.
•Deadweight calibration in two points.
•Installation of deltaCOM.
This description does NOT deal with the following points:
•Connection of relay output.
•Complete set-up (password, filters etc.).
•Adjustment of levels and relay functions.
•Adjustment of the analogue output.
•Setting of communication parameters.
•Table calibration.
•Troubleshooting.
•Diagnostics.
AST 3P
Transducer
24 V DC
AST 3B
Transducer
24 V DC
Control unit
(deltaCOM)
Figure 1. Different versions need different installation for parameter set-up.

Operating instructions, Quick installation
2
Operating instructions
General
This section describes display and function key operation for AST 3P
in normal Operating mode.
Power supply
Power supply to the signal transmitter should not be turned off during week-ends
and over-night. Continuous power supply to electronics and transducers prevents
moisture condensation in the units.
Start-up
As soon as power is connected to the instrument, start-up is performed.
The text ‘AST 3’, the programme name and the serial number of the module
are displayed for about five seconds.
Then AST 3P is automatically switched over in Operation mode.
(If the instrument is set for operator start-up, the text
‘Press ENTER to start AST’ is displayed until the key to the right
is pressed and the instrument enters Operating mode.)
If an error occurs the start-up stops and an error message is displayed.
Error codes and error corrections are described in section 7. Troubleshooting in
the Technical Manual for AST 3.
As AST 3 is in Operating mode, a view with the weight value and the instrument
address is displayed.
For the internal relays in use, the status is displayed (R1/R2: On or Off).
Figure 2. Front view of AST 3P in Operating mode. A weight value and
information about address and relay status being displayed.

Analogue Signal Transmitter AST 3
3
View alternatives
AST 3P set-up may allow display of more views than Weight value. In that case
the function keys and are used, according to figure 3, to select a view.
Weight value, normal view.
This view displays the actual measurement value, here called weight value, and
the instrument address. For the relays in use the status, On or Off, is displayed.
Zero setting.
This view displays the weight value and the address, and on the second line
the text ‘Zero’ above the key .
Zeroing of the weight value is performed as is pressed.
The zeroing performed in this view is only temporary. After power-off or reset
it will be replaced by the zero setting from the latest calibration.
Analogue output.
This view displays the weight value and the address, and also the actual analogue
output signal.
Level settings.
This view displays the switching levels for the two supervising channels.
If these channels are not in use, level 0 is displayed.
Input signal.
This view displays the actual input signal from the connected transducer(s).
The instrument address and status for the used relays are also displayed.
S/N:, Progr.
This view displays the instrument serial number and the name of the installed programme.
Weight value
R1:On R2:On
0.18200mV/V 001
Input signal
5.430 V
Analogue output signal
Progr. XXXXXXXX
S/N: XX-XXXX
S/N:, Progr.
L2 0.0 kg
L1 99999.9 kg
Level settings
Start up/Reset
Zero
Zero setting
123.4 kg 001
Set On/Off in Zero function
Set On/Off in More views
Set On/Off in More views
Set On/Off in More views
Set On/Off in More views
R1:On R2:On
Normal view.
View alternatives.
123.4 kg 001
123.4 kg 001
Figure 3. AST 3 in Operating mode can always display the weight value.
Depending on the setting, display of alternative views
can be selected by keys + and –.

Operating instructions, Quick installation
4
Zero setting
Zero setting in normal operation can be performed if the ‘Zero setting’ view is
enabled, see previous page, but that zero setting is only temporary.
To perform a zero setting, saved in the instrument memory, the normal operation
must be interrupted and the following sequence in set-up mode carried out.
This type of zero setting is included in the calibration sequences, but a separate
zero setting may also be needed, for example if the equipment on the scale has
been changed, influencing the weight.
Procedure
1. Check that the scale is unloaded before performing the zero setting.
2. Switch to set-up mode by holding ESCAPE ( ) pressed for 2 seconds.
3. Enter the valid password, if this is demanded.
4. The text ‘Main menu Quick set-up’ is displayed.
Press ENTER ( ).
5. The first parameter name, ‘Language’, is displayed.
Press a number of times until ‘Set zero’ is displayed. The parameter value
for ‘Set zero’ is a live weight value.
6. Press . The parameter value is set to zero and a blinking cursor appears to
the left on the second line.
(The zero setting can be cancelled by pressing )
7. Press and hold for 2 seconds to confirm the new setting.
The cursor disappears and a live weight value is displayed.
8. Press , read and make a note of the ‘Zero offset’ value in Appendix 1.
(The ‘Zero offset’ value can be used for set-up of a replacement instrument.)
9. Press .
The display changes to ‘Main menu Exit set-up.’
10. Press .
The display changes to ‘Save changes? No Esc. Yes’.
(Press (Esc.) if you do not wish to exit from the set-up mode.)
11. Press (No) to cancel the change and return to the previous zero setting,
or
Press (Yes) to save the new zero setting in the instrument.
12. AST 3P restarts with the selected zero setting.

Analogue Signal Transmitter AST 3
5
Installation
Mechanical installation
Each signal transmitter module AST 3 contains several circuit boards, built
into a protective plastic housing. The module can be snap-mounted on a
35 mm wide DIN rail, or mounted on a flat surface by two 4 mm screws.
Mounted modules should have at least 10 mm free space on each side.
Electrical installation
For the electrical connections to the terminal blocks, shielded cables are needed
except for the power supply. All cables should be routed so that electromagnetic
interference from power cables is avoided.
Cable connection is shown in the diagrams below.
Transducer input
Terminals 1 – 7 (8).
Transducer connection should be handled with great care to achieve good measuring
data. Integrated transducer cables may not be shortened.
NOTE! Transducer cables must be routed at least 200 mm away from 230/380 V,
50/60 Hz power cables. By cables with other frequencies or high power, an even
wider distance is preferable.
4-wire connection should be used if the integrated transducer cable can be connected
directly at AST 3. By 4-wire connection, excitation and sense
must be interconnected at AST 3, see diagram below. The cable shield and
terminal 5 should be connected to earth via the mounting rail.
6-wire connection should be used if the integrated cable must be lengthened or if
several transducers should be connected to one AST 3 unit.
Connect the cable shield and terminal 5 to earth via the mounting rail. In the diagram
below connections are shown for the junction box SL-4 from Nobel Weighing
Systems.
2
1
3
6
4
7
EXC+
SENSE+
SHIELD
SIGN.+
Excitation +
Excitation -
Signal +
Signal -
Transducer
Junction box SL-4
4-wire connection
6-wire connection
5
8
CAL
EXC–
SENSE–
SIGN.–
Exc.+
Sign.-
Exc.-
Sign.+
Transducer
Transducer
Transducer
J11
J12
J13
J14
J1
J101
J102
J103
J104
J106
J108
J10
J105
J107
J59J58
CAL
R
EXC+
SENSE+
SHIELD
SIGN.+
CAL
EXC–
SENSE–
SIGN.–
Exc.+
Sign.-
Exc.-
Sign.+
Exc.+
Sign.-
Exc.-
Sign.+
J21
J22
J23
J24
J31
J32
J33
J34
J41
J42
J43
J44
J2
J3
J4
2
1
3
6
4
7
5
8

Operating instructions, Quick installation
6
Power supply
Terminals 17, 18.
The AST 3 module is powered by 24 V DC.
Rail mounted power supplies can be ordered
from Nobel Weighing Systems.
Analogue output
Terminals 24, 25.
The measurement value is presented as a current
or voltage signal, according to set-up selection.
Connect the cable shield to ground, preferably to
a ground terminal at the mounting rail.
Serial communication
Terminals 19 – 23.
Set-up by serial communication is needed to take
AST 3B into operation. All AST 3 have a serial port
for RS-485 on 2-wires or 4-wires with common
earth (COM). If necessary, a converter unit should
be connected to adapt the interfaces.
The line must have 120 ohm termination at both
ends. For AST 3 it should be mounted on separate
terminals and connected according to the diagrams.
Refer to manufacturer instructions for termination
at the control unit (PC), or at the converter unit.
Connect the cable shield to ground, preferably to
a ground terminal at the mounting rail.
Set-up programme deltaCOM
AST 3B must be connected to transducer(s) and power supply, and also to a
PC with Windows 95/98/2000/XP/NT4.0 to make set-up possible. Included in
the AST 3 delivery is a diskette with the set-up programme deltaCOM. This
diskette also contains instructions for connection and set-up of the serial
communication between the instrument and the PC.
To install the programme, insert the diskette in the computer, press the ‘Start’
button and select ‘Run...’ from the menu, type [drive letter]:\setup in the dialogue
box and then follow instructions on the screen.
If nothing else is stated, the programme deltaCOM and a ReadMe file will be
found in Start > Program > deltaCOM.
By use of deltaCOM it is possible to find all AST 3 modules communicating with
the PC, and to study and edit all set-up parameters for these modules.
IN1
IN2
15
16
+
OUT+
OUT–
24
25
2-wire
*
Terminating resistor on separate
terminals at the last unit on the line.
120Ω
19
20
21
22
23
TXD–
TXD+
RXD–
RXD+
COM.
4-wire
Terminating resistor on separate
terminals at the last unit on the line.
*
*
19
20
21
22
23
TXD–
TXD+
RXD–
RXD+
COM.
120Ω
*
120Ω
*

Analogue Signal Transmitter AST 3
7
Quick set-up, calibration
General
Set-up of all parameters in AST 3 can be performed from the programme deltaCOM
by serial communication. For AST 3P set-up can also be performed from the panel of
the module, for example the ‘Quick set-up’ of certain parameters described in this
section. To make a similar set-up for AST 3B, the ‘Quick set-up’ parameters can be
selected from the tabs ‘General’, Analogue output’ and ‘Calibration’ in deltaCOM.
Calibration is essential for the instrument to give correct measurement results.
Two calibration methods are available in the ‘Quick set-up’:
Data sheet calibration, for calibration when load cell data is available and
the installation is free from disturbing mechanical forces.
Dead weight calibration, normally the most accurate calibration method,
where known weights are used to give well defined loads on the scale.
Before selection of calibration method, the value of some common instrument
parameters must be set.
All parameter values from the calibration should be noted in the set-up list,
see Appendix 1. These values are useful later, if the instrument must be replaced.
Common parameters
These parameters are defining: the language, measurement unit and resolution
for the instrument and also the capacity and signal type for the analogue output.
Set-up
1. Access ‘Quick set-up’
At normal operation AST 3P displays the actual measurement value and the module
address. Status for the internal relays (R1/R2) in use is also displayed.
123.4 kg 001
R1:On R2:On
Press and hold the ESCAPE key for 2 seconds.
Main menu
Quick set-up
2 seconds
This switches the instrument into Set-up mode, displaying the main menu
for ‘Quick set-up’.
As AST 3 is in Set-up mode, normal measuring functions are interrupted!

Operating instructions, Quick installation
8
2. Showing the parameters.
Press ENTER.
Language
English
The first parameter in ‘Quick set-up’ will be displayed.
3. Edit the language (a choice parameter).
‘Language’ is a choice parameter with a number of alternatives available.
Press ENTER to make editing possible.
Language
English
A cursor starts blinking to the left on the parameter value line.
Press +to step forwards to next alternative, or press –to step backwards
to the previous alternative, until the correct alternative is displayed.
Language
(alternatives)
Press ENTER for 2 seconds to accept the displayed alternative.
2 seconds
Language
English
The cursor disappears and the displayed alternative is activated.
4. Edit the measurement unit for the instrument.
By this parameter, the unit of the measurement value is defined.
Press +to get parameter ‘Measurement unit’ displayed.
Measurement unit
kg
Press if the measurement unit should be edited,
and edit the value like in point 3. above.

Analogue Signal Transmitter AST 3
9
5. Edit the instrument resolution.
With this parameter, the number of decimals and the resolution of the last digit
of the measurement value are defined.
This parameter influences all measurement values using the measurement unit.
Press +to get parameter ‘Resolution’ displayed.
Resolution
0.1 kg
Press if the resolution should be edited, and make the editing
like in point 3. on page 8.
In the following examples, resolution with two decimals is used.
6. Edit the instrument capacity (numeric parameter).
This parameter defines the capacity of the instrument, i.e. the weight value that
corresponds to full range at the analogue output.
Press +to get the parameter ‘Capacity’ displayed.
Capacity
500.00 kg
Press ENTER to make editing possible.
Capacity
0500.00 kg
A cursor starts blinking to the left on the parameter value line, indicating which sign or
digit that can be edited.
Press ENTER to move the cursor, step by step to the right in the parameter value, to
the digit to edit.
Capacity
0500.00 kg
Press +(or –) until the wanted digit value is displayed (1 in this example).
Capacity
0100.00 kg
(repeated)
When necessary, press ENTER again to move the cursor to another digit to edit.
Press ENTER for 2 seconds when the capacity parameter value is correct.
Capacity
100.00 kg
2 seconds
The cursor disappears, and the edited parameter value becomes active.

Operating instructions, Quick installation
10
7. Edit the analogue output type.
The signal type for the analogue output is defined by parameter ‘Ana. output type’
that has a number of alternatives.
Press +to get parameter ‘Ana. output type’ displayed.
Ana. output type
4-20mA
Press if the parameter should be edited, and make the editing
like in point 3. on page 8.
8. Chose a calibration type.
Two calibration types can be chosen in ‘Quick set-up’: Data sheet and Deadweight.
As a new calibration shall be performed, AST 3P must first be set for editing,
indicated by a cursor at the parameter value. Then one of the alternatives must be
chosen and accepted.
Press +to get the parameter ‘Calibration type’ displayed.
Calibration type
Data sheet
The value points out which type of calibration that was performed last time.
If a new calibration shall be performed, press ENTER to set the instrument
for editing.
Calibration type
Data sheet
A cursor starts blinking to the left on the parameter value line.
Chose an alternative for the parameter like in point 3. on page 8.
When is pressed for 2 seconds, the chosen calibration type gets active and
the calibration can start.
The choice of calibration type determines which parameters will follow:
For Data sheet, se point 9. on page 11.
For Deadweight, se point 9. on page 14.

Analogue Signal Transmitter AST 3
11
Data sheet calibration
This calibration type can be used when transducer data is available, the load is
evenly distributed on the support points and the weighing installation is not influenced
by disturbing external forces.
Before editing of the following parameters is started, set-up of common parameters,
described in point 1. – 8. on pages 7 – 10 should be performed.
9. Edit the conversion factor.
If the ‘Data sheet’ alternative was selected at 8. on page 10, next parameter will
be ‘Conv. factor’. This parameter defines a constant by which a weight value,
expressed in the measurement unit, should be multiplied to be expressed in
the data sheet unit.
Default value for the parameter, 9.80665, can be used when the data sheet unit
is Newton (N) and the measurement unit is ‘kg’.
If data sheet unit and measurement unit are equal, the value should be 1.00000.
Press +to get the parameter ‘Conv. factor’ displayed.
Conv. factor
9.80665
Press ENTER to make editing possible.
Conv. factor
09.80665
A cursor starts blinking to the left on the parameter value line.
Now editing can be performed for each digit individually.
See point 6. on page 9 (numeric parameter).
Press ENTER for 2 seconds when the conversion factor is set to a correct value.
Conv. factor
9.80665
2 seconds
Cursor and leading zeros disappear, and the edited conversion factor will be active.
10. Edit the number of transducers.
This parameter defines the total number of support points for the load, including
transducers and fixed supports.
Press +to get the parameter ‘Number of transd’ displayed.
Number of transd
3
Press if the parameter value should be edited, and make the editing
like in point 6. on page 9 (numeric parameter).

Operating instructions, Quick installation
12
11. Set the rated load for one transducer.
It is assumed that all transducers connected to the instrument have the same
rated load and impedance. The rated load for one transducer, expressed in
the data sheet unit used to calculate the conversion factor (see 9. on page 11),
should be entered.
NOTE! If the data sheet value is for instance 5 kN,
this parameter should be set to 5 000 (N).
Press +to get the parameter ‘Rated load’ displayed.
Rated load
2000.0
Press if the parameter value should be edited, and make the editing
like in point 6. on page 9 (numeric parameter).
12. Set the rated output for the transducers.
Rated output for each transducer, a value in mV/V, is given in the data sheet.
For fixed support points the rated output should be set to ”0.00000”.
Press +to get the parameter ‘Rated output 1’ displayed.
Rated output 1
2.03900 mV/V
Press if the parameter value should be edited, and make the editing
like in point 6. on page 9 (numeric parameter).
Parameters will follow for the number of support points given at 10. on page 11.
Set the parameter value to the rated output for each transducer/fixed support.
13. Set the scale to zero.
This parameter displays the weight value with actual settings (but with one decimal
more than what is set in ‘Resolution’). Use it to set the weight value to ‘zero’ for
the unloaded scale.
Press +to get parameter ‘Set zero’ displayed, and check that the scale is unloaded.
Set zero
XXXX.XXX kg
Press ENTER to set the parameter value to zero.
Set zero
+0000.00 kg
The value is set to zero with leading sign and a cursor blinking.
Press ENTER for 2 seconds.
2 seconds
Set zero
0000.000 kg
The cursor disappears and the zero setting is accepted.

Analogue Signal Transmitter AST 3
13
14. Read the zero offset.
By installation later of a replacement instrument, it is useful to know
the total zero offset value for the scale.
Press +to get parameter ‘Zero offset’ displayed.
Zero offset
X.XXX kg
Make a note of the zero offset value in the Quick set-up list, appendix 1.
15. Exit ‘Quick set-up’.
Press ESCAPE to get to ‘Main menu Exit set-up’.
Main menu
Exit set-up
16. Save the changes.
Before ‘Quick set-up’ is closed, the new parameter values should be saved,
i.e. copied to a specific memory in the instrument.
Alternatively the new values can be cancelled, and all parameters will resume
the values they had before ‘Quick set-up’ was started.
Press ENTER to get the sub menu displayed.
Save changes?
No Esc. Yes
(Press if you do not wish to exit from the set-up mode.)
Press to answer ‘Yes’, and save the new parameter values.
Press to answer ‘No’, and cancel the new parameter values.
In both cases ‘Quick set-up’ is finished and the instrument switches over
to Operating mode, displaying a measurement value that depends on
the load and the active parameter values.
000.00 kg 001
R1:On R2:On
The scale is now ready for use.

Operating instructions, Quick installation
14
Dead weight calibration
This is the most accurate calibration type. It requires that known weights
to at least two-thirds of the scale capacity are available.
Below, a dead weight calibration in two points is described.
Before editing of these parameters is started, set-up of common parameters,
described in point 1. – 8. on pages 7 – 10 should be performed.
9. Set the value for calibration point 1.
If the ‘Deadweight’ alternative was selected at 8. on page 10, next parameter
will be ‘Value cal. p.1’. This parameter defines the known load on the scale for
the lower calibration point.
Press +to get the parameter ‘Value cal. p.1’ displayed.
Value cal. p.1
X.XX kg
The displayed parameter value is the load on the scale that was set for the lower
calibration point in the last calibration, normally zero (= unloaded scale).
Press ENTER.
Value cal. p.1
XXXX.XXX kg
Actual measurement value for the scale is displayed (as a ‘live’ weight value)
with a cursor and one decimal more than what is set in parameter ‘Resolution’.
Check the load on the scale (normally unloaded).
Press ENTER again to make editing possible.
Value cal. p.1
+0000.00 kg
The displayed parameter value is the value for calibration point 1 from the last
calibration, with leading sign and a cursor.
The parameter value can be edited, according to point 6. on page 9 (numerical
parameter), to correspond to the actual load on the scale, normally zero.
Press ENTER for 2 seconds.
2 seconds
Value cal. p.1
X.XX kg
This finishes the editing and the load that is set for the lower calibration point
is displayed without cursor.

Analogue Signal Transmitter AST 3
15
10. Set the value for calibration point 2.
This parameter defines the known load on the scale in the higher calibration point.
Press +to get the parameter ‘Value cal. p.2’ displayed.
Capacity
500.00 kg
The displayed parameter value is the load on the scale that was set for
the higher calibration point in the last calibration.
Press ENTER.
Value cal. p.2
XXXX.XXX kg
Actual measurement value for the scale is displayed (as a ‘live’ weight value)
with a cursor and one decimal more than what is set in parameter ‘Resolution’.
Load the scale with known weights to at least two thirds of the scale capacity.
Press ENTER again to make editing possible.
Value cal. p.2
+0500.00 kg
The displayed parameter value is the value for calibration point 2 from the last
calibration with leading sign and a cursor.
The parameter value can be edited, according to point 6. on page 9 (numerical
parameter), to correspond to the actual load of known weights on the scale.
Press ENTER for 2 seconds.
2 seconds
Value cal. p.2
XXX.XX kg
Editing is finished and the load that is set for the higher calibration point is displayed
without cursor.
11. Read the transducer signal for calibration point 1 (read only).
By installation later of a replacement instrument, it is useful to know
the value of the transducer signals for the two calibration points.
Press +to get parameter ‘Transd.sign. p.1’ displayed.
Transd.sign. p.1
X.XXXXX mV/V
Make a note of the parameter value in the Quick set-up list, appendix 1.

Operating instructions, Quick installation
16
12. Read the transducer signal for calibration point 2 (read only).
Press +to get parameter ‘Transd.sign. p.2’ displayed.
Transd.sign. p.2
X.XXXXX mV/V
Make a note of the parameter value in the Quick set-up list, appendix 1.
13. Set the scale to zero.
This parameter displays the weight value with actual settings (but with one decimal
more than what is set in ‘Resolution’). Use it to set the weight value to ‘zero’ for
the unloaded scale.
Press +to get parameter ‘Set zero’ displayed, and check that the scale is unloaded.
Set zero
XXXX.XXX kg
Press ENTER to set the parameter value to zero.
Set zero
+0000.00 kg
The value is set to zero with leading sign and a cursor blinking.
Press ENTER for 2 seconds.
2 seconds
Set zero
0000.000 kg
The cursor disappears and the zero setting is accepted.
14. Read the zero offset.
By installation later of a replacement instrument, it is useful to know
the total zero offset value for the scale.
Press +to get parameter ‘Zero offset’ displayed.
Zero offset
X.XXX kg
Make a note of the zero offset value in the Quick set-up list, appendix 1.
15. Exit ‘Quick set-up’.
Press ESCAPE to get to ‘Main menu Exit set-up’.
Main menu
Exit set-up