Iconix FX1 - User Manual

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ICONIX NEW ZEALAND LIMITED

www.iconix.co.nz

345 Thames Highway Oamaru New Zealand

Phone: 64-3-437 2548 Fax: 64-3-437 2175

GETTING STARTED

1. Either: Attach the battery cable to the indicator and

clip onto a 12 Volt DC battery (car, tractor

battery etc). ENSURE CORRECT POLARITY

(red clip to positive, black clip to negative).

Or: Plug the Iconix AC Adaptor (optional

accessory) into the indicator for mains

powered operation.

2. Connect the two loadbar cables to the loadbar

sockets on the underside of the indicator.

3. Press the ON/ZERO key. The scale will return to zero

automatically. When complete, the ZERO pointer 

will show that the scale is at zero.

If a large load (such as a partly filled wool bale in a

wool press) remains on the scale from previous use,

the last weight will be displayed. The operator can

continue the weighing session from where last

finished. Alternatively, press ON/ZERO to return the

scale to zero.

4. Check that the ZERO pointer  is displayed.

Load the animal onto the platform.

Press the WEIGH key. The animal is accurately

weighed and the result is locked on the display.

5. Remove the animal from the weighing platform. The

last animal’s weight remains locked on the display.

Check that the ZERO pointer  is displayed between

animal weighings. If the ZERO pointer does not

appear, hold the next animal back, keep hands etc

clear of the crate and press the ON/ZERO key. The

scale will return to zero and the weighing session can

proceed.

6. At the end of the weighing session, switch OFF the

indicator. Remove the battery and loadbar cables.

ENSURE THAT THE CAPS ARE FIRMLY

REPLACED ON THE LOADBAR CONNECTORS

WEIGHING MODES

Free Mode

At switch-on the scale operates in FREE mode,

which is suitable for static load weighing. The

display is continuously updated with the weight

currently on the scale. The scale can be returned to

FREE mode by pressing the ON/ZERO key, noting

that the scale should be empty, since the scale will

be zeroed.

Hold Mode

A press of the WEIGH key switches the scale to

HOLD mode, which is suitable for live animal

weighing. A press of the WEIGH key starts an

averaging process which then displays the accurate

weight of a moving animal. The weight is locked on

the display until the next key press.

SYSTEM CARE

The FX1 weighing system has been designed to

work reliably for long periods of time under adverse

conditions. However like any equipment, common

sense and care will assist in keeping it in good

operating condition.

 Fit caps to cable ends and indicator sockets

when not in use to protect from dirt and

moisture. Hang the cable ends up, out of the

mud and dust.

 Damage may occur if the capacity of the scale

is exceeded.

 Loadbar cables must be kept in good condition.

SITE PREPARATION

The choice of weighing site is important for

accurate weighing results and ease of use.

 A well chosen level site will ensure the best

conditions for accurate weighing.

 The loadbars must be bolted to the platform or

crate and be firmly attached to the ground or

concrete pad.

 Any rocking or twisting of the platform could

result in weighing errors.

 Adequate clearance around the platform is

essential. Any binding or rubbing with posts or

gates will produce weighing errors.

 The race bracket is best mounted on a fence or

post and not the crate.

 Mount the indicator in a well lit position for

best readability.

 A well chosen site will help animals flow

smoothly through the system with the

minimum of fuss.

 Mounting the indicator away from the crate will

help to keep hands free of the crate when the

weigh cycle is started.

FX1 INST 30JUN04

ELECTRONIC

WEIGHING

SYSTEM

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Iconix FX1 and is the answer not in the manual?

The Iconix FX1 is an electronic weighing system designed for accurate and reliable weight measurement, particularly for livestock. It is manufactured by Iconix New Zealand Limited and is built to operate in various conditions.

Function Description

The primary function of the FX1 system is to measure and display weight. It offers two main weighing modes: Free Mode and Hold Mode.

Free Mode: This mode is suitable for static load weighing. Upon switch-on, the scale defaults to Free Mode. In this mode, the display continuously updates with the current weight on the scale. The scale can be returned to Free Mode by pressing the ON/ZERO key, provided the scale is empty, as this action will zero the scale.

Hold Mode: Hold Mode is specifically designed for weighing live animals. Pressing the WEIGH key switches the scale to Hold Mode. When in Hold Mode, pressing the WEIGH key initiates an averaging process. This process calculates and displays the accurate weight of a moving animal. Once the weight is determined, it is locked on the display until the next key press. This feature is crucial for obtaining stable readings from restless animals.

Important Technical Specifications

Supply Voltage: The system operates on 12V DC, with a maximum input of 19V DC.

Low Battery Warning: A LOW BAT pointer will appear on the display when the battery voltage drops to 11.5V, indicating that the battery should be replaced. The indicator will automatically shut down when the voltage reaches approximately 10.5V.

Maximum Load: The FX1 system supports different maximum loads depending on the type of loadbars used:

Standard Loadbars: 2000 kg
Heavy Duty Loadbars: 3000 kg

Operating Temperature: The system is designed to operate within a temperature range of -5°C to +50°C.

Accuracy: The accuracy of the system is ±0.5% of the weight being measured, plus ±1 division. A division can be 0.1, 0.2, or 0.5 kg, depending on the specific weight range.

Minimum Capacity: The minimum capacity for weighing is 20 kg. It's important to note that the 0-20 kg range is not part of the EMC (RF immunity) specification.

Resolution: The resolution varies based on the type of loadbars and the weight range:

Standard Loadbars:
- 0 - 20 kg: 0.1 kg steps
- 20 - 50 kg: 0.2 kg steps
- 50 - 200 kg: 0.5 kg steps
- 200 - 500 kg: 1 kg steps
- 500 - 2000 kg: 2 kg steps
Heavy Duty Loadbars:
- 0 - 100 kg: 0.5 kg steps
- 100 - 200 kg: 1 kg steps
- 200 - 1000 kg: 2 kg steps
- 1000 - 3000 kg: 5 kg steps

Loadbar Dimensions (Standard Loadbar Set 2000kg):

600 mm Loadbar:
- Dimension A (Top): 570 mm
- Dimension B (Bottom): 546 mm
1000 mm Loadbar:
- Dimension A (Top): 970 mm
- Dimension B (Bottom): 946 mm

Heavy Duty Loadbar Set 3000kg:

Length: 1000 mm
Width: 200 mm
Height: 115 mm

Usage Features

Getting Started:

Power Connection: The indicator can be powered in two ways:
- Battery: Attach the battery cable to the indicator and clip it onto a 12 Volt DC battery (e.g., car, tractor battery). Ensure correct polarity (red clip to positive, black clip to negative).
- Mains Power: Plug the Iconix AC Adaptor (optional accessory) into the indicator.
Loadbar Connection: Connect the two loadbar cables to the loadbar sockets located on the underside of the indicator.
Initial Zeroing: Press the ON/ZERO key. The scale will automatically return to zero, indicated by the ZERO pointer. If a previous load is still on the scale, the last weight will be displayed. The operator can either continue from where they left off or press ON/ZERO to re-zero the scale.
Weighing an Animal:
- Ensure the ZERO pointer is displayed.
- Load the animal onto the platform.
- Press the WEIGH key. The animal's weight will be accurately weighed and locked on the display.
After Weighing:
- Remove the animal from the platform. The last animal's weight remains locked on the display.
- Before the next animal, check that the ZERO pointer is displayed. If not, hold the next animal back, keep hands clear of the crate, and press the ON/ZERO key to re-zero the scale.
End of Session: Switch OFF the indicator and remove the battery and loadbar cables.

Site Preparation: Proper site preparation is crucial for accurate weighing results and ease of use:

Level Site: A well-chosen, level site ensures the best conditions for accurate weighing.
Secure Installation: The loadbars must be securely bolted to the platform or crate and firmly attached to the ground or a concrete pad.
Clearance: Adequate clearance around the platform is essential to prevent binding or rubbing with posts or gates, which could lead to weighing errors.
Race Bracket Mounting: The race bracket should ideally be mounted on a fence or post, not the crate, to avoid interference.
Indicator Placement: Mount the indicator in a well-lit position for optimal readability. Positioning the indicator away from the crate helps keep hands free during the weigh cycle.
Animal Flow: A well-chosen site facilitates smooth animal flow through the system, minimizing fuss.

Zero Tracking: The system incorporates a zero-tracking feature. Small residual weights (e.g., dung, dirt buildup) left on the scale between weighings are automatically "zero-tracked" out, returning the scale to zero. When this occurs, the ZERO pointer will indicate that zero has been reached. The zero-tracking amount is set to 0.5% of the weight displayed after the last press of the WEIGH key, with a maximum amount of 2.2kg. At switch-on, the zero-tracking amount is initialized to 0.015% of capacity (0.3kg for 2000kg loadbars).

Maintenance Features

The FX1 weighing system is designed for long-term reliability even in adverse conditions. However, proper care is essential:

Cable and Socket Protection: When not in use, fit caps to cable ends and indicator sockets to protect them from dirt and moisture. Hang cable ends up, away from mud and dust.
Capacity Adherence: Avoid exceeding the scale's maximum capacity, as this can cause damage.
Loadbar Cable Condition: Ensure loadbar cables are kept in good condition, free from damage.
Damage Prevention: Damage may occur if the capacity of the scale is exceeded.
Cable Management: Fit caps to cable ends and indicator sockets when not in use to protect from dirt and moisture. Hang the cable ends up, out of the mud and dust.
Impact Damage: Damage may occur if the capacity of the scale is exceeded.
Loadbar Cable Integrity: Loadbar cables must be kept in good condition.