Digi-Star Stockweigh Datamaster Indicator - Manual (Page 29)

Using the Datamaster with a Scanner
The Datamaster can collect and sort data by weight, identification and two types of user codes. It has the ability to store
this information itself, making it ideal for collecting data in the field and then uploading to a computer or printer later. It
features a full alpha/numeric keypad, full statistics, 8000 lines of memory, plus a facility to collect weight gains and read
most types of electronic identification.
In order for the Datamaster to read the electronic ID number you must have a compatible scanner. Generally speaking,
if the scanner is “programmable”, then you can select different options on the scanner to make it compatible with the
scales. The Datamaster is compatible with most of the scanners on the market.
You can use either an “unintelligent” scanner, which will simply send the electronic ID number to the Datamaster via an
RS232 cable. The Datamaster will then save the weight, ID and other information in its memory and upload to your
computer at home later in the day.
Or you can use an “Intelligent” scanner. In this case you can use either the Datamaster OR the scanner as your data
collection device. If you are using the scanner as the data collection device, simply change the Datamaster to
“Automatic” mode and the weight signal will be sent directly to the scanner and the scanner will store the weight
information together with the electronic ID number for uploading.
Note: The standard Datamaster allows 5 characters for ID, therefore the last 5 characters of the electronic ID number
will be shown on the LCD and stored into memory. If you prefer, there is an option to buy a Datamaster with a 12
character ID instead of 5, however; if you have a 12 character ID then the ## and CODING columns are no longer
available to collect information. The 5 character and the 12 character Datamaster are the same price.
Once you have your compatible scanner, you can then set up your system.
Set up the scales to weigh as normal by plugging the cables from the weigh bars into the “beam” ports on the back of
the Datamaster. Now, plug the scanner cable into the “Comp” port on the back of the Datamaster (the cable will be a
serial interface cable available from the Scanner Manufacturer or Digi-Star).
Power up and start weighing. The Datamaster will receive the weight information from the scales and the ID information
from the scanner. It can also accept two further forms of information (##, CODING), which are optional and are entered
manually.
To weigh the first animal, put the animal on the scale and scan the ear tag (or implant or pellet). The scanner will send
the ID number to the Datamaster, which will store this in its “buffer” but won’t immediately show it on the LCD. Now
press the “Weight” key and the weight of the animal will go into the “weight” column on the LCD and the ID number will
go into the “Ident” column on the LCD. Now, if preferable, add information manually into the ## and CODING columns.
Once the line of information is complete, press “Save” and this information will be stored in the Datamaster.
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