Table of Contents
- How do you troubleshoot a weight scale?
- How do you troubleshoot a weight scale?
- Problems with weighing control display unit
- What is the common defect of weighing scale?
- Display Shows Error Codes or Messages
- Inaccurate Readings shown by weighing scale
- Unstable reading
- Weight variation on the platform Corner
- Overload or Weight Capacity Exceeded
- Drifting Readings or Fluctuations
- Non-Linear Readings
- Unexpected Change in the Zero Point
How do you troubleshoot a weight scale?
- Troubleshooting an industrial weighing system involves identifying and resolving issues that may affect its performance.
- This includes problems such as inaccurate readings, non-responsive displays, load cell failures, or electrical interferences.
- Troubleshooting typically involves checking connections, calibrating the system, ensuring proper power supply, inspecting load cells for damage, and addressing environmental factors that may affect accuracy.
- It may also require repairing or replacing faulty components, adjusting settings, or seeking assistance from technical support or qualified technicians.
- Effective troubleshooting ensures the reliable operation of the weighing system, accurate measurements, and optimal performance in industrial applications.
How do you troubleshoot a weight scale?
Problems with weighing control display unit
| Possible cause | Solutions |
|---|---|
| The display looks to be blank and there are no visible words or digits. | The display looks to be blank and there are no visible words or digits.On the keypad of the terminal, press any key. Restart the terminal’s power supply if the display is still not visible. If nothing appears on the display after a power cycle, continue to the Power Test to make sure the source of AC or DC power is working properly.If it is determined that there is external power, make sure all harnesses connecting the power supply to the main board and the display PCB are connected and free of breakage or open wire connections. The main board needs to be replaced with help of instrument manual because there is no electricity going to the processor on it. |
| Missing information on the screen or unreadable data | To determine if there are any isolated problem regions on the display, run the internal display diagnostic test. Identify whether the issue is internal to the terminal or external.In the event that there is an issue, the display board should be replaced. |
| The weight display is blank or unchanging. | View the status of the terminal Check to see if the weighing system’s datasheet and drawing match the excitation voltage measurement. Continue to the following step if there is voltage.Inspect the wiring that connects the terminal to the load cell or scale. Check for broken wires, sharp angles, etc.Verify the wiring connections at the load cell and scale. Check for faulty wiring, open connections, or broken wires.Check the terminal’s wiring connection. Check for faulty wiring, open connections, or broken wires. |
| The display indicates weight, but there is no platform connection at the terminal. | The weight display can show a random figure, positive or negative, out of range, or continuously oscillating when there is no platform or load cell attached to the terminal. Electrical noise at the amplifier input produced these random numbers. These random numbers do not indicate that weighing indicator requires service. |
| No response from the keypad  | Verify there is no discrete input that is active and coded as “Disable Keypad” if none of the keypad’s buttons are responding. Check the manual for configuration information.Use the internal keyboard diagnostic test to identify the failed keys if keypad response is imperfect or only part of the keys are having issues. If the test is unsuccessful, replace the keyboard. |
| No communication from a serial port that has been programmed | A device’s communication cables should be checked. Verify that the transmit and receive lines of the terminal are connected in reverse (device RXD to terminal TXD and terminal TXD to device RXD).To find out whether the issue is internal or external to the terminal, run the internal serial diagnostic test. |
| No network connectivity | Check the network ports on the network and the terminal to see whether there is a physical connection between them.To resolve any current connection errors, power cycle the control unit.To find out whether the issue is internal or external to the terminal, run the internal network diagnostic test. |
| No discrete inputs or outputs are functional. | Check the weighing control unit’s discrete input and output configurations with instrument data sheet and loop diagram |
What is the common defect of weighing scale?
Display Shows Error Codes or Messages
| Possible cause | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Internal malfunction or software error. | For further explanations of problem codes and troubleshooting procedures, consult the user handbook. |
| Connection issues between the scale and the display unit | Check the cables and connections between the scale and the display unit. Make sure they are properly fastened and undamaged. Replace any faulty cables if necessary. |
Inaccurate Readings shown by weighing scale
| Possible cause | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Scale not properly calibrated. | Calibrate the scale according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Adjust the zero point and perform a full calibration if required. |
| Environmental factors affecting measurement accuracy. | Minimize environmental factors such as vibration,excessive moisture, or temperature fluctuations that can affect measurement accuracy. |
| Load cell or sensor issues. | Check the load cell or sensor for any damage or signs of malfunction. Replace or repair the load cell if necessary. Follow the load cell troubleshooting checklist and down load the check list with below link Load cell trouble shooting check list |
| Mechanical damage or misalignment. | Inspect the scale for any mechanical damage or misalignment. Align or repair the scale components as needed. |
| There is contact between the platform and the load cell. | Make that the load cell and the pan are installed correctly and are touching each other. |
| Wrong weighing unit | When performing the calibration, use weight that is accurate. |
| Load cell connections wrong | Check the connecters as well as the load cell. |
| Wrong parameters | Check the settings for the parameters. |
Unstable reading
| Possible cause | Solutions |
|---|---|
| load cell and bracket coming into contact with something | Make sure that the weighing platform’s load cell, bracket, and other structural elements are properly mechanically aligned. |
| goods coming into contact with somewhere. | Make sure the scale is set to the appropriate location. |
| Power supply faulty | Check the power supply and excitation voltage |
| Possibly a problem with the load cell or the connections. | Check the load cell as well as the connecters. |
Weight variation on the platform Corner
| Possible cause | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Overload protection stoppers and transport locks are not removed. | Verify the latches and stoppers underneath the platform. |
| Damage to the load cell or mechanism. | Use precise weight when performing the calibration. Examine the load cell with check list |
Overload or Weight Capacity Exceeded
| Possible cause | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Load on the scale exceeds its maximum capacity. | Ensure that the weight on the scale does not exceed its maximum capacity. Remove any excess weight and retry weighing. |
| Misuse or improper loading technique. | Train operators on proper loading techniques to distribute the weight evenly and avoid overloading the scale |
| Overload on the electrical system or an internal short circuit | Check the load cell using the check list, and replace it if it is defective, with a new one. |
| A wire or component that is broken. | Check the load cell using the check list, and replace it if it is defective, with a new one. |
Drifting Readings or Fluctuations
| Possible cause | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Electrical interference. | Minimize electrical interference by keeping the scale signal cables away from other electronic devices or power sources. |
| Loose electrical connections. | Check all electrical connections and ensure they are securely tightened. Tighten any loose connections. |
| External vibrations or shocks. | Reduce external vibrations by placing the scale on a stable surface or using vibration isolation techniques |
Non-Linear Readings
| Possible cause | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Load cell non-linearity. | If the load cell exhibits non-linear behavior, it may require recalibration or replacement. Follow the load cell check list. |
| Temperature variations affecting load cell performance. | Temperature variations can affect load cell performance. Consider using temperature compensation techniques or installing the load cell in an environment with controlled temperature. |
Unexpected Change in the Zero Point
| Possible cause | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Zero Balance is not uniform | Examine the Zero Balance and Check load cell output signals for consistency with datasheet and check list .Check the excitation voltage as per the data sheetMechanical overloads or shocks irreversibly distort load cells, changing zero balance. |
| Bridge integrity is not good | Check load cell insulation and bridge input/output resistance. These values should be within manufacturer tolerance. |
