FAQ

If you want to recalibrate your scale, you can do this directly through your display.

The video shows you how to get into the CAL menu.

Prepare a reference or test weight (known weight) to place on the platform as soon as you have entered the value of the weight. Only when the weight is steady and centered on the platform, press ENTER to confirm.

Alternatively, this procedure can also be performed via the PC Xtrem software.

Strictly speaking, the video does not show a calibration, but an adjustment. In a calibration, for example, the linearity of the weight display is checked with the help of three reference weights. In an adjustment, we redefine the signals.

1. Zero signal – plate unloaded
2. Signal of the reference weight e.g. 100 kg, if the maximum load of the scale is also 100 kg.

With a higher weight you would damage the load cell, with a lower weight, the adjustment works, but the error in the range of the higher weight could then be higher.

—> 2 point adjustment

Option 1) Via the K3 display

• Required tools: Reference weight
• Please use a reference weight of at least 1/3 of the total capacity of the scale. The reference weight may also be odd (e.g. 173 kg), but must not exceed the maximum capacity.

The weighing instrument must be adjusted to the locally prevailing gravity at the place of installation. This is done by specifying the GEO value. For use in the UK, the GEO value 22 must be selected.

Option 2) In the PC Xtrem software

Circuit diagram and pins

9 pin MULTI-PIN	SIGNAL
1	K1.1
2	K1.2
3	K2.1
4	K2.2
5	K3.1
6	K3.2

1. K1 / SPEED 1 – HIGHT)
2. (K1 / SPEED 1 – HIGHT)
3. (K2 / FINAL CIRCLE – OK)
4. (K2 / FINAL CIRCLE – OK)
5. (K3 / SPEED 2 – LOW)
6. (K3 / SPEED 2 – LOW)
7. FREE
8. FREE
9. FREE

Optional module (on main board):

Output to K3X display:

Activate dosing mode

The dosing mode is activated and configured by clicking on the options menu in section

Pressing the tare button initiates the dosing cycle and the relay contacts K1 and K3. The display will change to blue to indicate that the dosing cycle has been initiated.

When the weight (coarse current) is reached, contact K1 opens and the colour of the display changes to indicate that the fine flow is in operation.

When the set value (fine flow) is reached, contact K3 opens and contact K2 closes to indicate that the dosing cycle is complete. The light of the LCD display changes to green.
K2 remains closed until the weight is removed from the scale. It is not possible to initiate a new dosing cycle if the end of cycle output (K2 relay) remains closed.
To pause a current dosing cycle, press the “Tare” key. This will open relay contacts K1 and K3, stopping the dosing until the tare key is pressed again.
To cancel a running dosing cycle, press and hold the MC key for 2 seconds.

Example:

You have 100 bins and you want to fill them with 100 tonnes of product. These 100 bins are not all the same, there are 3 different bin weights. There are bins that weigh 50 kg, bins that weigh 70 kg and bins that weigh 100 kg.

Now you are faced with the task of storing these values in advance in the scale as e.g. tare value 1 , 2 and 3 and switching between these values during operation.

TARE FUNCTION

A short press on this key activates the tare function:
The scale stores the current weight on the load receptor and subtracts it from the total weight until the tare function is deactivated or cancelled.

The tare function only works when the weight is stable. If the stability indicator is switched off, pressing this key has no effect.


Depending on the operating mode selected in the configuration menu (see option “P-TAr” ), it may be “normally measured tare” or “preset tare”.

Preset tare: The tare is retained after the load receptor is unloaded. The small >T< on the left of the display remains and does not flash. When the scale is emptied, the display shows the tare value with a negative sign. To clear the tare, press the tare button again after removing the load.
Normally measured tare: The tare is automatically disabled when the load receptor is empty, the display >T< flashes.

Press the key “P-TAr” wice to change the operating mode from “preset tare” to “normally measured tare”. The default mode for the tare is “preset tare”.

To cancel the tare when a “preset” tare is active (when the load receptor is empty), press the tare key again. The “Clear” function (hold down the MC key for more than one second) also switches off the tare. The zeroing key also switches the tare off.

MEMORY TARE RECORDING

It is possible to select a tare value previously stored in the unit. The K3X has up to 20 tare records numbered from 1 to 20.
Use the ⟵ and ⟶, keys to access this register and select one of the stored tare values. The display shows the message “t – 01” ; press the ⟶ key to go to the next register “t – 01“, etc.

Press the ⟵ key to return to the previous tare memory.
After selecting the desired value, press the key : ↵
he display shows the selected tare value. Press and hold the ↵ lkey for more than 1 second to accept the tare and the display returns to the weight display mode.

To change the value associated with a stored tare value xy, proceed as follows:

1. Use the and keys to select the tare value you wish to change, ⟵ and ⟶ press the ↵ key
2. The display shows the tare value that is assigned to the selected register is assigned to the selected register.
3. Enter the desired value with the arrow keys ⟵ and ⟶ to move to the next digit and with the ⇅ keys to change the value of the individual digits.
4. Press and hold the ↵ lkey for more than 1 second to confirm the contents of the display and save it in the display memory.
   When a stored tare is used, the display shows PT (“preset tare”).
   
   To clear the tare when the scale is empty, press the tare key again. The “Clear” function (press and hold the MC key) also deactivates the tare. The zeroing key also deactivates the tare.

Video 1 (preset tare)

An indicator, like the K3 or K3X, can only be connected to one scale. It will not show the weights of more scales at the same time. In order to do this, the software PC Xtrem must be downloaded and the Wifi interface or Ethernet-option must be ordered. If the connection to the Xtrem module is established, several instances can be opened in parallel on the PC:

With our Z8i indicator, however, you can connect two or more scales to one industrial scale, or the Z8i enables the management of several scales in a network and offers the option of saving, editing and deleting data locally or remotely on the basis of SQL.

Press the M / PLU button to go to the first menu item A-OFF.

 

Press the up / down arrow several times until you see the RS232 menu item. Press ENTER and configure your interface as described below.

RS232 & USB interface

USB direct

Press the ESC / M button to go to the first menu item A-OFF.

 

Press the up/down arrow several times until you see the RS232 menu item. Press ENTER and configure your interface as described below.

RS232 & USB interface

USB direct

Download ⤓ Gram Ex-Link

K3 & K3i (71423 ABS / 71641 inox) → EX Link or own programming (communication protocol)

Sending & receiving weighing data via COM interfaces is only available if a not verified display is used (→ display 71423 ABS / 71641 inox).

The user manual provides a corresponding chapter (13, or 13.5) for this purpose Configuration of the display:

Communication: A communication protocol is available for the K3 display. It enables a remote control of the device. The table below lists the commands and the responses of the K3 display:

The format for the H1, H2, H3 and F1 commands is as follows:

Where: STX= ASCII 2 ETX= ASCII 3 C= Command (2 characters) L= Text line with 32 ASCII characters

K3X & K3Xi (72098 ABS / 72099 inox) → EX Link or data export (Cont, Stab) to the PC

This option is not available for the K3X displays (→ display 72098 ABS / 72099 inox). However, a programme can be written that retrieves the weight from the display. To do this, the indicator can be configured to send weight data continuously or every time the weight is stable*.

Configuration of the K3 & K3i display:

Download:
⤓ K3X Ticket Header Setup

The K3W display loses the connection when the vehicle moves away from the Xtrem platform (WiFi). The connection is re-established as soon as the vehicle (with the K3W display) approaches again:

A replacement battery (#32276) for the indicator can be ordered and fitted in just a few simple steps:

#32276 

1. Remove the display from the power supply.
2. Open the housing via the 4 screws on the back (K3X/W /on the MKW they are on the front) and carefully pull the connector (red/black) off the board without touching the board.
3. Insert the new battery and connect it again at the same place on the circuit board and screw the box shut again.

Yes, the back of the K3/ K3X display can be rotated. You can see this in both the video and the photo.

The dimensions of the K3 and K3X display are as follows:

Xtrem scales are equipped as standard with an RS232 serial interface, which allows them to be connected directly to a COM port of a PC (or any other compatible device). In addition to the standard RS232 serial interface, the scale can be equipped with a second optional interface. This additional interface does not replace the RS232 serial interface, which can continue to be used simultaneously. The optional interfaces available allows connection to a local area network (LAN) via an UTP cable (optional ethernet interface) or via a Wi-Fi 811.2 connection. This setup offers a highly flexible architecture, being able to combine a point-to-point connection of the scale with different compatible indicator models and, at the same time, supply information to any device connected to the same local area network.

Example:

The Xtrem B scale is equipped with a secondary Ethernet interface. This configuration allows a K3iX indicator to be connected via the scale’s RS232 cable, while simultaneously connecting the scale to a local area network using a UTP cable. Any other device on the same local network can connect to this scale.

In the example, both the personal computer with PC-XTREM and the tablet can be operating with the same scale. Scale Xtrem C only has the standard RS232 serial interface, and connects directly to a PC COM port. Other devices do not have access to this scale.

The Xtrem A scale, on the other hand, features a secondary Wi-Fi interface, enabling its connection to the local area network. This allows both the tablet and the PC to operate with this scale concurrently.

In the given example, the laptop is connected to three different scales. When running the PC-XTREM application, the software scans the system to identify connected scales. It will display the various scales available, allowing the user to select the desired one. The application supports opening multiple instances simultaneously, offering control over each of the available scales.

General factors that influence the Wi-Fi range of Industrial Scales

1. Signal strength of the access point or router: The performance and distance of the access point or router plays a decisive role. High-quality devices with stronger antennas and better transmission power can cover greater distances.
2. Environmental factors: Various environmental factors can weaken the Wi-Fi signal. These include physical obstacles such as walls and furniture, but also electromagnetic interference from other electronic devices or humidity.
3. Signal interference: Other wireless networks in the vicinity can also cause interference and reduce the range of your own network.
4. Location of the scale: The location of the scale can have a significant impact on signal quality. Scales should be placed in open, well-ventilated areas to ensure maximum signal strength.
5. Antenna orientation: The orientation of the antennas on both the access point and the scale itself can affect range and signal quality. Antennas should be aligned vertically and free of obstructions.

Optimising the Wi-Fi range for industrial scales

To achieve the best Wi-Fi range and stability for industrial scales, the following general measures can be taken:

• Strategic placement of the access point: make sure the access point is positioned centrally and elevated to ensure maximum coverage. Avoid placing the access point in closed cabinets or behind large obstacles.
• Minimise obstructions: Reduce physical obstructions between the access point and the scale. Large metal objects, thick walls and other signal blockers should be removed or avoided.
• Use of repeaters or mesh networks: In large or heavily angled rooms, the use of Wi-Fi repeaters or a mesh network can help to improve signal coverage and avoid dead spots.
• Regular maintenance and checks: Regularly check the signal strength and quality of the connection. Update firmware and drivers to ensure that all devices are up to date.

Special considerations for specialised industrial scales

With all Xtrem F and Xtrem X platforms, it is particularly important to keep the floor area free of covers. This is because the Wi-Fi antenna is located under the weighing pan. If the floor is covered by metal furniture or other objects, the Wi-Fi signal can be severely impaired or even completely blocked.

Here are some tips for optimising the Wi-Fi range when using the Xtrem platforms:

• Avoid metal furniture under the scale: metal can strongly shield the Wi-Fi signal. Make sure that there are no metal objects directly under the scale.
• Increase the height of the placement: If possible, place the scale on a non-metallic platform to improve signal transmission. Check out our accessories such as tables here.
• Regularly check the connection: Regularly check the signal strength and stability of the Wi-Fi connection to ensure that no new obstacles are affecting signal transmission.

The A/D converter can transmit up to 3840sps.

A maximum rate of 50 measurements per second can be set in the PC Xtrem software (see figure), either via the RS232 interface or the Ethernet option (but not via the WiFi option).

The Xtrem module can acquire load cell signals at two rates, which are configurable with PC-XTREM:

12sps (samples per second) option. One measurement every 80ms (12 per second). This is the factory setting best suited for a static scale.

 

Option 50sps. One measurement every 20ms (50 per second). The analogue-to-digital converter (A/D converter) that the Xtrem module is equipped with supports much higher sampling rates*****.

(*****6.25, 7.5, 12.5, 15, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100, 120, 200, 240, 400, 480, 800, 960, 1600, 1920, 3200 & 3840sps MCLK=4.9152 MHz)

The command for the Xtrem module to send the weight information continuously (at a specific frequency) is as follows:

The command to end sending in continuous mode is:

The transmission frequency is programmed with the W0013 command (see point “9.4 0013h Output rate in stream mode” in the communication protocol document). Example of programming the transmission of the weight every 2 seconds:

*****The RS485 interface is half-duplex: Only one device can use the interface at the same time. Communication should always take place on request from the “master” device.

If you configure the Xtrem module to send data continuously and several devices are connected to the same RS485 bus, it is very likely that communication errors will occur.

Industrial scales often have to comply with strict verification regulations. These regulations vary according to country and area of application, but all aim to ensure accuracy and reliability. Verification is usually carried out by an official authority or an accredited company. Scales are tested at known weights to check their accuracy and ensure compliance with legal regulations. An important aspect of tamper protection is sealing. After successful calibration, the scales are sealed with the seal seal (see illustration) to prevent unauthorised persons from tampering with the calibration. These seals are an important part of the tamper protection, as they guarantee the integrity of the balances.

Calibration seal Indicator:

Xtrem Module:

Maximum error / deviation and minimum weight

• Minimum weight:
  • Non calibrated scales = equal to resolution
  • Verified scales = 20 x resolution
• Maximum error / deviation = Maximum error: 3 x resolution (in a linear way)

“Rule of thumb”

z. e.g. from 0-500 kg = 0x resolution (0 kg)

from 500 – 1500 kg = 1x resolution (1 kg)

1500 kg – 2500 kg = 2x resolution (2 kg)

2500 – 3000 kg = 3x resolution (3 kg)

⟶ Note: the greater the weighing range, the greater the error

Example 1

Capacity: 600 kg | resolution: 100 g

Maximum error: maximum capacity/ 3*resolution

(3*100g=300g) / 600 kg = 0,05%.

Maximum error for a weight of 50 kg:

50 kg * 0,05% = 0,025kg (=25g)

Example 2

1500 kg *0,04% = 0,6 kg =600 g max. deviation from real weight.

Capacity: 1.5 T | resolution 200 g ⟶ 1500 kg | 0.2 kg

max. error: max. capacity /3* resolution

(3*0.2 kg) = 0.6 kg

0.6 kg /1500 kg = 0.0004 kg

0.0004 kg *100 = 0.04%.

The maximum error at maximum load is 0.04%.

1500 kg *0.04% = 0.6 kg =600 g max. deviation from actual weight.

Example 3

Crane scale

When connecting a multimeter to a non-defective load cell and applying a load, the signal should increase in proportion to the load and return to the initial signal read on the display when the load is removed.

Overloading or shear load can cause a defect inside load cells which can not be detected with the naked eye.

A defective load cell does not transmit a stable electronic signal that can be translated into a weight by the display. A scale with a damaged load cell can therefore not be recalibrated.

Load cell function test:

• Loosen the two screws on the top of the platform.
• Open the box on the left (not the Xtrem module):
• For each load cell you will find one terminal block (4x) and one connection to the Xtrem module.
• Check the contacts
• Check the supply voltage (Vdc) of each load cell by measuring between +EXC and EXC with a multimeter. This should be between 4.7 Vdc and 5.0 Vdc.
• Disconnect the load cells and connect them one after the other. Mark the respective cables to ensure you reconnect them in the original position later. LC1 → C02 LC2 → C03 LC3 → C04 LC4→ C05
• C01 is the output for the connection to the Xtrem module.
• If you have only connected one load cell, your display unit may no longer show the weight correctly and report an error. Use a multimeter to test the response of the load cell, which would be 15 mV at full load (i.e. if the load cell has a capacity of 1000 kg, the signal you measure between the +SIG and -SIG terminals should be about 15 mV).
• This signal should be proportional to the applied force. If you apply 100 kg, the measured signal is ~ 1.5 mV.

QR code generation on a PC – PC Xtrem

• Install the PC Xtrem app (see below).
• Connect to the network “GRAM01” (access point scale).
• Open the PC Xtrem software
• Place a weight to be weighed (for which a QR code is to be created) on the platform.
• The weight is registered
• Click on the gear in the top bar. Under the GRAM logo you will find the menu item QR Code.
• Move the bar Show QR code on stability from No to YES.
• As soon as a weight is registered, the QR code bearing the info of the weight is generated and displayed.

QR code generation in the app – PC Xtrem

Please download and install the PC Xtrem app:

Dokumente:
⤓ App Xtrem IOS
⤓ App Xtrem Android
⤓ PC Xtrem

• Connect to the network “GRAM01” (access point scale).
• Open the PC Xtrem software
• Place a weight to be weighed (for which a QR code is to be created) on the platform.
• The weight is registered and displayed in the form of a table under the weight value.
• Click on the weight value. The QR code containing the information of the weight value is displayed.

The sampling frequency can be set between 12 samples per second and 50 samples per second.

Factory setting ->12 samples/s.

Xtrem scales process every 80ms (12,5 times a second).

50 samples per second equal processing every 20 ms.

Changing the AD/C sampling rate from 12 to 50 samples per second results in a higher noise of the measured value. Depending on the prevailing environmental conditions of the scale and the selected resolution, the digital filter (adjustable in the menu) may have to be increased to obtain a stable measured value.

Connect your scale to your local network (PC)

1. Network AP SSID: Name of the network (SSID) Enter the name of the WiFi network you want to connect to.
2. AP password: Enter the password for the selected network.
3. Network IP address: Enter the IP address of the Xtrem device in the selected network. It must be within the range of this network. This data can be assigned automatically with the DHCP option.
4. Network DHCP: Automatically assigns an IP address to the Xtrem device if the “ON” option is selected. If “OFF” is selected, the IP must be entered manually.

How to make the appropriate settings with just a few clicks is shown in the video from minute 2:36:

Connect your scale to your local network (app, mobile phone)

With the Xtrem Wifi module you can connect the scale to a local network. It can function simultaneously as an Access Point (AP) and as a Station (STA).

Both operating modes are activated on delivery.

When first used, only the AP mode is functional, which has a very limited range and capacity. To connect the device to your own local network, you must set the connection parameters for the desired WiFi network. This configuration cannot be carried out via the K3X terminal. Alternatively, it can be carried out using two applications:

• PC-XTREM application for Windows systems
• Xtrem-applications for Android

Step by step instructions:

1. access the WiFi network settings of your Android device and select the WiFi network of your Xtrem scale. The initial SSID is GRAM_01 and the password is “12345678”.
2. a system message appears within a few seconds after the cccess the WiFi network settingsonnection is established, that the selected network does not allow Internet access. Tap this notification to open the dialogue window.
3. confirm that you want to stay connected to the GRAM_01 network even if you do not have Internet access. On some Android versions, an option may appear to memorise this preference: Enable the option to Save this preference to avoid these steps every time you connect to the scale’s access point.

When you open the app for the first time, a screen without a connection to a scale appears:

Tap on the top left hand corner to establish a connection with an Xtrem scale.

The connection screen opens, on which you can the option of saving the connection settings for various Xtrem scales.

When you are connected to the scale, you can access the scale’s configuration options by clicking on the button in the centre of the left-hand side of the screen.

On this settings screen you will find the options for configuring the connection of the Xtrem scale to a WiFi network:

To edit one of these values, tap on the label with the content of the desired setting.

A dialogue window opens for entering or editing configuration information.

Configuration options for connecting the scale to a WiFi network:

Once the desired configuration options have been changed, they will only take effect the next time the scales are restarted. This means that for them to take effect, it is necessary to switch the scale off and on again.

The QR code only carries the information of the weight.

Example:

The code in the picture can be scanned with a mobile phone.

The mobile phone displays: 18.8

These are three ways to detect if one or more load cells are defective:

1. The display shows -OL-.
2. The weight is not stable, although the environment is calm.
3. the scale cannot be calibrated. Err 0 or Err 2 appears after the last step.

In all scales there is a so-called eccentricity error.

Performing an eccentricity test is an important part of ensuring the accuracy of your weighing scale. It helps to identify any errors that may occur due to an uneven distribution of weight on the scale’s platform. Here’s how you can perform an eccentricity test yourself:

The eccentricity error is checked by placing a mass of 1/3 of the maximum capacity of the scale on each load cell, i.e. on each of the four corners in succession.

The difference between each indication and the nominal value of the test mass must not exceed ±1 step or scale division.

On a Max 600 kg / e= 0.2kg scale, the eccentricity test is performed with 200 kg. The error must not be greater than ±0.2 kg.

This means that such a result, for example, would be acceptable:

For scales with a single load cell, the load should be placed centrally, but eccentricity testing is nevertheless mandatory for scales verified for use in legal metrology.

If the above error is exceeded, this indicates a fault / damage of at least one load cell.