Truck Scales Buying Information » scale repair

Downtime can mean lost revenue and lost business opportunities

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:17:56 +0000

The economic advantages of incorporating an iQUBE junction box in a scale system are vast. For many companies, scales are virtual cash registers, documenting weight-based transactions. Downtime can mean lost revenue and lost business opportunities. While up and running, iQUBE continually verifies that the scale is weighing correctly, guaranteeing that the accuracy of an operation is never questioned. Whether iQUBE is added to an existing system to update the technology, or purchased in a new scale bundle with a truck scale and indicator, both will see less downtime and a timely return on investment.

iQUBE acts as a virtual watchman, continually monitoring scale performance. It provides immediate proactive event management to alert operators and technicians of potential inaccuracies or disturbing trends. When an irregularity is detected, the advanced diagnostics will trigger an on-board LED that will change from green to red, indicating which cell is affected. A specific diagnostic message will also display on the 920i when the two are paired together.

With open architecture and advanced connectivity, iQUBE works with existing analog scale systems, new scales, existing indicators and new user interfaces. To make integration easy, iQUBE interfaces using today’s common serial interfaces including RS-232, RS-485, analog, fiber optics and RF wireless. Additionally, on-board Ethernet TCP/IP provides seamless integration from your front office to factory floor. If your business is heavily vested in fieldbus technology, bundle an 820i/920i digital indicator/controller with your iQUBE to easily adapt to DeviceNet™, Profibus® DP, and Allen-Bradley® Remote I/O options.

The foundation of success

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:38:27 +0000

This month we continue to look at the overall service and maintentance of a truck scale. Today we look at the weighbridge and the foundation. Even the toughest scale on earth is put at risk on a poor foundation. Cracked foundations can lead to movement or settling which causes chronic calibration errors. Letting little cracks become big cracks may require removing part or all of the foundation and pouring a new one for the scale to once again weigh accurately. It is important that the end user periodically walk around their scale and do a thorough visual check of the foundation and let your service tech know of any issue that you see possibly developing. Take a look at the weighbridge or deck. Rust or crumbling concrete can weaken the scale’s structure and cause problems. Clean and paint rusted steel decks.

Binding is a common cause of inaccuracies. A rock as small as your big toe can become wedged between the foundation and deck. Installing T-Strip molding between the deck and foundation can help keep debris from getting caught or falling down into the scale. Some above-ground scales have end cleanout plates that can be removed, allowing access to clean out debris that builds up on the foundation’s surface closest to the scale’s end. The above examples are a great reason to contact an experienced truck scale sales and service company like Central Carolina Scale for your truck scale needs.

Heavy Capacity Preventative Maintenance Schedule

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:17:48 +0000

It is probably a good idea to have your heavy capacity truck scales checked at least every six months at a minimum. Also, a convenient time to conduct a preventative maintenance scale inspection is during the regularly scheduled calibration check. It’s a good idea to inspect your truck scale just prior to peak usage times, such as harvest season in agricultural operations. Click here for more detailed scale service info available from Central Carolina Scale.