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To do this, press the SHIFT key and SIX key in sequence (not together). When this feature is activated, the analog output
will only reflect the total. It won’t reflect on any of the platforms. Press the SHIFT + 6 key sequence again to remove the
analog output for total weight feature.
Setpoint Controller
The setpoint controller gives your scale the capability to output a signal to external equipment when certain conditions are
met. This is particularly useful in filling operations, either to sound alarms or to control filling machinery.
Setpoint definitions can be created, edited and deleted. Each has a text description, controlling parameters and a multi-line
formula associated with it. In operation, if the displayed weight satisfies the formula, you may direct any of the outputs to
switch on or off. You can create as many setpoint definitions as you like within limits of free memory. Each setpoint uses four
memory slots.
Setpoint definitions can be activated or deactivated, and up to four setpoint definitions can be activated at one time. When
multiple setpoints are activated, each setpoint formula is evaluated in the order it was defined. If more than one setpoint
shares the same output, then it is possible for one to overwrite the other.
With a little finesse in creating formulas, simple setpoints, filling control cycles, over and under check weighing, and many
other functions are possible.
IMPORTANT NOTE: During Scale reboot, the scale will momentarily toggle all setpoints to check for malfunction. This might
cause your valve systems to open (or close) during that initial moment. A fix is already being implemented (as of this writing)
for this issue. All Software versions at 6.123b and below will have this feature. A workaround would be to add a manual
switch that would be used to shut off your system if the scale is every rebooted.
Output Specifications and Notes
The setpoint controller has eight separate outputs and is expandable to sixteen. Each output is an open collector that is
capable of sourcing 4.5ma or sink 10ma of current. Care must be taken not to exceed these values. This is sufficient to drive
LEDs or sound buzzers. If higher output currents are needed then external relays need to be installed. We normally provide
117VAC, 10Amp optically isolated relays and mechanical relays should be avoided. We also provide 60VDC DC relays.
Optical relays have some important advantages over mechanical relays, the actuation current for optical relays is usually
less than 10ma but mechanical relay coils require currents often exceeding the limit. Optical relays have no mechanical
switches to wear out and more importantly they isolate the scale from the load, thus protecting it from voltage spikes. If
excessive noise is coupled back to the scale it could lock up or damage its microprocessor or memory.
It should be noted that when you command an “OFF” CONDITION, the output will be grounded. In most open collector
(switched ground) wiring schemes this will actuate the external light or relay. To help eliminate this confusion, each setpoint
formula has a optional invert function to invert the output.
Even though the output is an open collector, it differs from the standard open collector output in that the output will assume a
high condition (3.3VDC) when it is switched on without the need for an external pull up resistor, allowing direct connection
into any TTL level input.
Creating Setpoints and Formulas
To access setpoints, go to the menu SETUPMENU/OPTION SETUPS/SETPOINT CONTROLLER. There you will see a list
of all available setpoints or “None Defined” if none exist. The creation, editing and deletion of setpoints are similar to the
creation of tares and parts counting samples. To add a new setpoint definition, select NEW on the lower menu and press
ENTER. A new setpoint definition will then be added to the list with a description of “SetPt #XXX”. This new setpoint is
deactivated and contains an empty formula list.
To edit this new setpoint, or any other one, use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to line up on the desired setpoint, select
EDIT on the lower menu and then press ENTER. The setpoint definition screen will be shown.
The Setpoint Definition Screen
The setpoint definition screen will show the description and controlling parameters for this setpoint definition.
INV=On/Off:
If it is on then all outputs related to this setpoint will be inverted. This is useful when using the open collector
output for the reasons stated earlier in this section.
CYCLE=On/Off:
The cycle option is used to create an operation cycle as described earlier in this section.
