Rice Lake Combination System - Precision Loads On-Board Weighing Systems - Manual (Page 55)

Service and Troubleshooting 51
5.5.1 Error Messages
If the scale is powered and weights are displayed, turn off the scale indicator. After a few seconds, turn it on and
watch the lower liquid crystal display for an error or problem message. The scale will go through a short start-up
cycle, then after a few seconds a message might be displayed, such as LOW POWER or NO CONNECTION
CHANNEL 1 or CHANNEL 2 RED SIDE DEFECTIVE, as examples. See Section 5.10 on page 55 for a complete
list of error messages.
Verify
Before moving to the TEST mode, if the message shows ERR CH-1 or ERR CH-2, go to the back terminal of the
indicator and swap the CH-1 and CH-2 cables. The ERR message should switch to the opposite channel. If it does
not there may be an internal problem with the indicator.
No Power
If the scale does not power ON, check the input power at the rear terminals of the indicator with a volt meter. There
should be 11.5 to 16 Vdc present. If not, you must check the power source, power wiring or power line fusing. If
there is 11.5 to 16 Vdc present, unplug the White and Black wires from the transmitter(s), and press the ON key. If
the indicator does not power on with the transmitter disconnected and a verified 11.5 to16 Vdc, then the indicator
may need repair at the factory. If the indicator does power ON, reconnect the transmitter cable and begin a process
of disconnecting reach cable, then each load cell until indicator powers ON.
5.5.2 Test
If the scale is powered, and there is no error message in the start-up cycle, enter the TEST mode as indicated in
“Test Mode” on page 57.
Note
Model 9700 meters are always dual or four channel units, while model 9710 meters may be single or dual
channel units.
For dual channel units, the LCD shows CH-1: RED and BLACK values and CH-2 RED and BLACK values.
Note
For single lead transmitters the RED and BLACK values are identical. For dual lead transmitters, the lead from
the transmitter with a red band of heat-shrink tubing on it is the RED side; the lead without any heat-shrink is
the BLACK side.
For single channel units, the LCD shows: LC-1, LC-2, LC-3 and LC-4 values for 4-lead transmitters and
additionally LC-5 and LC-6 values for 6-lead transmitters. Each transmitter label shows which cable lead
corresponds to LC-1, LC-2, etc. and the cable lead also has a red band of heat-shrink tubing to designate the lead
number.
On-Board Weighing Systems sensors are very accurately balanced, but the load cells of other manufacturers may
not be. Typical test values for a load cell, load pin or transducer can be from 25,000 to 39,000 (empty vehicle). Test
numbers outside of this range are suspicious. Test numbers sometime change by 1, 2 or a few counts while being
observed. However, the fluctuation of test numbers by more than a few counts is a sign that something might be
wrong with that lead or sensor.
As the vehicle is loaded, test numbers will increase proportionally. While loading, if you notice one of the test
numbers is slowly increasing or decreasing but the load is stable, that load sensor may be failing. Another sign of
impending failure would be if one of the test numbers increases much greater or less than the other test number(s)
on that same channel.
Record these numbers and compare them to original test numbers recorded after first scale calibration. Look for
large differences in previous and current test numbers.
Short Circuit Test
Use an ordinary paper clip to make a "jumper" and insert it into pin sockets B and C (pin sockets A and F for 7-pin
connectors) on the connector of the transmitter lead which has been disconnected from a load sensor. You should
get a 32,000 to 33,000 count test number for that lead.
5.5.3 Isolate
If you suspect a problem with a RED test number on channel 2, go to the channel two transmitter and swap the
leads. If the problem remains on RED after swapping, there may be a problem with the transmitter or transmitter
cable lead. If the suspected problem test number transfers to BLACK, the problem is probably with the load cell,
pin or transducer.