Crane scales

Description of “Expert” crane scales

“Expert” crane scales are designed for static weighing of loads hanging on hoisting unit hooks both inside and outside. Standard scales delivery set includes required software, which allows to store weighing results in internal database, compose registration documents (bills of lading) and orders, and transfer data to PC.

Thanks to advanced technology and refusal from traditional indicating panel on scales’ case, scales weight and dimensions were considerably reduced. This allows to solve one of daunting problems concerned with crane scales transportation to departments of standardization and metrology center for periodic calibration. “Expert” scales can be transported by common passenger car, not Gazel.

Scales structure:

Principal modules of “Expert” crane scales:

• SmartLoadCell – digital load cell with wireless data transmission feature
• Mobile pocket computer with LCD and “touch screen” function
• Program package (there are 3 levels of program packages depending on customer’s needs).

Principle of scales operation:

In SmartLoadCell analogue signal is digitized, processed by digital filter, and converted to weight units. Weighing data is transmitted and displayed on palmtop through Bluetooth interface. The user controls scales by pressing keys at the display with “touch screen” function. Weighing data (delivery or acceptance) is recorded to palmtop database. Palmtop data can be synchronized with stationary computer database through USB, if palmtop is connected to the stationary computer, or through Wi Fi in real-time mode.

Scales features:

• wide functional capabilities without structure modification or add-ins(due to software upgrade)
• compact dimensions
• high accuracy: according to OIML R-76 C2, 2 weighing ranges, two scales in one, 2000 divisions each
• control unit is based on palmtop with LCD and “touch screen” function
• wireless data transmission (Bluetooth) module
• Low power consumption: 2 AA batteries for 40 operating hours or 320 stand-by hours
• Guaranteed radio communication range: 25 m (max 150m)
• Big set of weighing functions: Netto, Brutto, Tare selection, Zero adjustment, Tare input, Memory function, Overload and Stabilization indication.
• Simplified replacement of batteries (battery compartment of the load cell has unscrew cover which provides free access to batteries without tools and load cell removal).

Standard scales functions:

• tare and zero setting (pressing of corresponding buttons)
• Brutto-Netto modes switching (“B/N” button)
• Recording of display indications (”M+” button)
• Manual tare mass adjustment (using “touch screen” function when load is quiet)
• Built-in control functions
• If load increase nine points to permissible value, a warning appears
• Indication of battery charge and left scales operation time
• Signal quality indication allows to prevent radio communication loss
• Indication of operating temperature mode.

Standard delivery set:

• SmartLoadCell load cell
• Pocket computer (palmtop)
• Software
• U-shaped brackets for scales with 2, 4 and 10-tons load
• Hook for scales with 2 or 4-tons load
• Charger with set of accumulator batteries (4 AA-batteries)

SmartLoadCell® sensor with built-in Bluetooth® module is the principal system element.During weighing, load cell with wireless data transmission function generates calibrated digital signal in weight units, which can be used directly in high-level weight-measuring systems. Load cell digital signal can be transmitted and processed by PC, palmtop, smart phone, PLC or weight indicator. Bluetooth-base systems can be arranged in “Piconet” network, which includes up to 7 SmartLoadCell® sensors. Electronic load cell system includes power regulator, which powers strain bridges. Strain bridge signal comes to AD converter input and is processed by digital filter. Microprocessor operates AD converter, interface and Bluetooth module. SmartLoadCell® includes diagnostic tools that allow to control strain bridge integrity and operation, feed circuits of EEPROM, AD converter and Bluetooth module.

Sensor has the following benefits:

• Built-in AD converting module
• Built-in wireless data transmission (Bluetooth) module
• Built-in antenna
• High accuracy: accuracy class C3
• High resolution: 1000000 internal counts
• Guaranteed radio communication range: 25 m
• Low power consumption: 2 AA batteries for 40 operating hours or 320 stand-by hours
• High-speed data transmission: up to 115200 bit/s
• compact dimensions
• wide operating temperature range (from -30 to +40°C)
• the structure is designed for common hoisting devices
• protection degree IP66.

	Levels and composition of crane scales software Scales model Software level Software composition Functions Expert-B Basic PocketScale Provides wireless Bluetooth connection with selected digital load cell, weight and tare values reading and indication. Expert-S Standard PocketSync, HotSync, PocketRegister Module records weighing results to internal database. It also forms stock-taking documents (invoices), it can work on preliminary applications (orders). 3 document types (shipment, acceptance and stock-taking) are supported as a standard, but user can add his own document types, for example, product movement from one storehouse to another. Expert-E Extended PocketSync, HotSync, PocketRegister, Weighing network server, ON-LINE module, gateway program This software level allows to organize weighing data collection, orders delivery and stock-taking documents composition in real-time via wireless WiFi network. It also allows to easily integrate weight accounting to general information system of the enterprise. Expert-C Corporative PocketSync, HotSync, PocketRegister, Weighing network server, ON-LINE module, gateway program, automated workplaces In addition to extended package, this level is developed on customer’s order, it includes automated workplaces and allows to completely automate material flow stock-taking activity in the enterprise’s workshop.

	Scales technical specifications Title Value The greatest weighing limit (GWL), t 2 4 10 Counting resolution and division value in first/second measurement range, kg 0,5/1 1/2 2/5 Accuracy class According to OIML-R76 C2 multi-interval Weighing rages 2 weighing ranges, 2000 divisions each Accuracy 0,05% of load Maximum allowable overload 500% of load Secure overload 175% of load Tare compensation range 50% of load Tare adjustment range 100% of load Zero adjustment range -1%...+3% of load Load cell structure Stainless steel structures with end holes that fit standard industrial loading loops; built-in antenna Load cell protection degree IP66 Display and keys specification / refreshing time LCD with illumination. “Touch screen” mode simulates keys: Zero, Tare, Memo/2 times/s Communication / radio communication range Radio interface Bluetooth / guaranteed communication range up to 25 m Operating temperature range -30  to +40C (for load cell) Storage temperature -40 to +90C (for load cell) Load cell supply voltage 2,4 +/- 0,6 V Load cell power supply 2 AA NiMH accumulator batteries, 2500 mAh Duration of work without recharging 40 operating hours or 320 stand-by hours