The ROTEM RPBS-1 is a portable scale system designed for weighing poultry, specifically broilers and breeders. It is user-friendly and easy to operate, allowing for individual or batch weighing using a special curved metal hook. The device is recommended to be hung in a convenient location and height for efficient bird weighing.
Function Description:
The primary function of the RPBS-1 is to measure and record bird weights. It provides various statistical data to help manage flock weight and monitor growth. This includes:
- Average Weight: Calculates the mean weight of the birds weighed.
- Number of Weights: Tracks the total count of individual or batch weighings.
- Standard Deviation (S.D.): A measure of the dispersion of weights around the average. A smaller standard deviation indicates a more uniform flock.
- Coefficient of Variation (C.V.): Expresses the standard deviation as a percentage of the average weight, describing the variation among recorded body weights.
- Uniformity (Homogeneity or Evenness): Calculates the percentage of birds whose body weight falls within a specified range (e.g., ±10% or ±15%) of the average body weight.
- Bird's Age: Can be tracked in conjunction with weight data.
- Bird Classification by Weight: Automatically classifies bird weights into four user-defined groups, providing an overall flock view.
The RPBS-1 is designed to gather weight data from different farms, houses, flocks, and days, preventing information mixing. Users can program the device according to their farm's structure and make daily necessary changes.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Maximum Load: Available in two versions: 10 kg (22 Lb.) or 30 kg (66 Lb.).
- Enclosure: Stainless steel, ensuring durability and hygiene.
- Power Supply: AC/DC power supply.
- Battery Backup: Equipped with rechargeable NiMH batteries (2.4V 2300 mAH) for continuous operation.
- Memory: Stores up to 10,000 weights.
- Connectivity:
- PC Communication: Connects to a computer via the ROTEM RPBS-1 communication program (sold separately, part number: A-RPBS1-COM), an MS Windows-based environment program. This software allows for history collection, easy management, graphic display, printing, comparison options, additional RPBS-1 features, and data export/processing through MS Excel.
- Printer Connection: Can connect directly to a special serial printer (available from dealers) to print various reports (Day, Flock, House, Farm, All).
- Software Version: 3.4
- Document Version: 2.0
Usage Features:
- Intuitive Interface: Designed for ease of use with a clear LED display and keypad buttons.
- Weighing Unit Selection: Users can switch between kilograms (kg) and pounds (lbs). The default setting is kg.
- Initial Startup Procedure: Includes a tare procedure and memory clearing to ensure accurate initial use. The device prompts for tare after every power-on, 300 weights, or changing flock/house/farm.
- Scale Calibration: A procedure to ensure the scale displays correct weights. It involves a tare procedure, placing a known weight, and setting the weight using directional arrows.
- Farm/House/Flock/Day Management: Allows users to select and change farm, house, flock, and day numbers to organize data.
- History Viewing: Displays historical data such as average weight, number of birds weighed, standard deviation, and C.V. for selected growth days.
- Bird Classification Setup: Enables defining four weight-based classes for automatic bird sorting.
- A/D Count Test: A diagnostic feature to check if the A/D count changes when a weight is placed, indicating proper sensor function.
- Hidden Parameters: Advanced settings for weight calculations and measurements, not routinely adjusted. These include weight unit, scale calibration number, number of individuals per weighing (1-10), scale sensitivity (tolerance percent for weighing stability), and uniformity percentage range. Accessing these parameters requires a specific key combination to prevent accidental alteration.
Maintenance Features:
- Charging: The RPBS-1 operates on NiMH batteries. Initial use and low battery require 14 hours of charging with the supplied charger. A blinking low battery LED indicates 30 minutes of reserve power before shutdown. Replacement battery packages are available (part number SP-RPBS1-BAT).
- Factory Default Settings (Cold Start): A procedure to reset the RPBS-1 to its original factory settings. This involves turning off the device, holding down HISTORY, PRINT, and TARE buttons, and then turning it on until "COLD" is displayed. A scale calibration is recommended after a Cold Start.
- Replacement Parts: A list of available replacement parts is provided, including the RPBS-1 card, battery chargers (115V and 230V), case, car charger cable, communication package, printer cable, 10 kg and 30 kg load cells, and battery case.
The RPBS-1 is designed for reliable operation in confined livestock environments. ROTEM emphasizes that while strict tests and quality control are applied, the product is inherently complex and may not be completely error-free. Users are advised to provide adequate backup and alarm systems for critical systems, as failure could cause severe damage. Neglecting this is considered acceptance of the risk of loss, injury, and financial damage. The product is not intended for functions other than the agriculture industry. The device and its packaging are designed for environmental-friendly recycling.
Need help?
To Next Page
General