10. AUTO-DRAFTING
USING THE ICONIX AUTO-DRAFT CONTROLLER
The auto-drafting feature allows the FX41 to be used for automating the drafting of cattle
and sheep when used with suitable crates fitted with the Iconix Auto-Draft Controller. The
FX41 communicates with the Auto-Draft Controller via the 25 pin “OPTIONAL I/O”
connector. To enable this feature:
1. In SET-UP, first select DRAFT / EID ON-LINE.
2. Select AUTO-DRAFT = GENERAL or RACEWELL (see below for a description of the
two operating modes).
3. If GENERAL auto-drafting is selected, settings for WEIGH DELAY and RELEASE
DELAY will follow. These delays only apply when Trigger is set to External.
4. Select TRIGGER = EXTERNAL for automatic starting of the weigh / draft cycle
or TRIGGER = WEIGH KEY for manual starting of the weigh / draft cycle
Drafting Modes
The GENERAL mode assumes that a conventional type of crate is being used, where an
"IN gate" controls the entry of the animal into the crate and an "OUT gate" controls its
release when weighing is complete.
The RACEWELL mode requires that the crate clamps a sheep once it has entered the
crate. The clamping action occurs automatically and controls the release of the sheep
from the crate. IN and OUT gates are not present in this system. Racewell Ltd is a New
Zealand company that offers such a system.
For both types of crate, the drafting gates are installed at the exit point of the crate. The
Iconix Auto-Draft Controller opens the appropriate gate according to the weight range of
the animal or other drafting criteria.
Starting the Weigh / Draft Cycle
Where it is desired to enter tag numbers and/or condition codes or to start the weigh /
draft cycle manually for any other reason, select TRIGGER = WEIGH KEY. Weighing
and drafting are then initiated by a press of the WEIGH key, having first typed the tag
number and/or condition code if required.
To automate weighing and drafting whenever an animal enters the crate, select
TRIGGER = EXTERNAL. In the case of the Racewell crate, a signal is sent from the
crate to the FX41 when the clamping of the sheep occurs. Similarly for a cattle crate
fitted with a microswitch that closes when the "IN gate" has been closed, automatic
starting of the weigh cycle can be achieved. For both types of crate, the external switch
contacts activate the Weigh function, eliminating the need to manually press the WEIGH
key.
Delay Settings in General Mode
In the GENERAL auto-draft mode, instead of the weigh cycle starting as soon as the
External Trigger has occurred, it is delayed by the value set for the WEIGH DELAY.
The automatic opening of the "OUT gate" at the end of the weigh cycle may also be
delayed by the value of RELEASE DELAY. This feature may be used to allow the drafting
gates to fully change to the required direction before releasing the animal from the crate.
FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 19
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