Rice Lake Combination System - Precision Loads On-Board Weighing Systems - Manual (Page 54)

50 Precision Loads On-Board Weighing Installation & Service Manual
5.4 Cables and Connectors
5.4.1 Cables
Inspect for any loosening of cables that might result in exposure to damage. Repair by adding more cable ties to
tighten up the cable run.
5.4.2 Connections
Rice Lake Weighing Systems uses special connectors which do not corrode and can withstand extremely cold
conditions. However, systems of other manufacturers use aluminum Mil-Spec connectors which can corrode over
time, and these systems sometimes use load sensors or electronics. When aluminum connectors are present,
especially in environments with high humidity or road salts, the connectors should be periodically cleaned and
protected with plumbers tape. If a Mil-Spec connector is severely corroded, contact Rice Lake Weighing Systems
for replacement information.
Figure 5-1. PL9000-15 Load Cell with Connector
5.4.3 Truck/Trailer Connector
This is a common location for scale system problems. The system uses a 2-wire digital link from transmitter to
indicator, but the connections between truck and trailer must be kept free from failures due to dirt or grease,
freezing and thawing and inadequate wire connections. Cheaper connectors will expand and contract during
temperature change, possibly causing a NO CONNECTION error message, especially if ice is present. If you have
a NO CONNECTION CHAN 2 error message, test the truck/trailer connections by bypassing the connector with a
short piece of two-wire cable.
5.5 System Troubleshooting
Identifying the Problem
This is the most important part of handling a scale system problem.
Answer these questions:
Are weight values inaccurate?
• Are the errors large or small as a percentage of load?
• Is the inaccuracy always high or always low, or both high and low?
• Is this only on some loads or all loads?
• On a tractor/trailer, is the problem with CH-1 or CH-2, or both?
Is the scale unstable?
• Is the instability slight? For example, less than 100 lbs? Or is instability over a wide range?
• Is the zero reset unstable only in the Load/Deliver mode?
• Is the scale always unstable, or only sometimes? When?
Are all indicator functions stable?
• Does the scale remain powered all of the time?
• Can you access and use all functions?