1. Introduction
1.1 Overview of the IQ plus 310A
The IQ plus 310A is an installer-friendly digital weight indicator, configurable and calibrated from its front panel. It features two serial ports: a full duplex Electronic Data Processing (EDP) port for remote configuration and operation, and a simplex, output-only Printer port. Both ports support continuous (STREAM/DEMAND) or TICKET modes. The indicator supports up to six 350Ω load cells and includes digital filtering for stable operation in high vibration or electrically noisy environments. It offers selectable Auto Tare or In/Out Tare functions.
Front Panel Description: The front panel includes a display area, annunciators, and five keys: ZERO, GROSS/NET, TARE, UNITS, and PRINT. A rear panel switch toggles between Operate and Setup modes.
1.2 Panel Display Annunciators
- PT: A preset tare weight has been keyed in and entered via the EDP serial port.
- T: A tare weight has been acquired and stored by the system.
- ◆ (Solid Rhombus): Tare acquired via front panel key or digital input.
- ◇ (Blinking Rhombus): Tare acquired or keyed in by EDP serial command.
- ◆ (Scale Symbol): Indicates scale is in standstill, or not in motion.
- NET: Indicates NET weight mode.
- B or G: Indicates Gross (Brutto) weight mode (selectable).
- Minus Sign: For 7-digit numbers, formed by the middle bar of the digit to the left.
- ◀0▶: Indicates GROSS or NET weight is within ±.25dd of 0.
- lb: Pound weight unit.
- kg: Kilogram weight unit.
- Entry Mode: Indicates that the rear panel switch is in the SETUP position.
1.3 Keyboard Functions
The five front panel keys have different functions depending on the mode (Operate or Setup).
Operate Mode Key Functions:
- ZERO: Sets scale to display '0' in Gross mode within zero band.
- GROSS/NET: Toggles between Gross and Net weight display.
- TARE: Performs 'Auto Tare' or 'Tare In/Out' functions.
- UNITS: Toggles between 'lb' and 'kg' units.
- PRINT: Sends 'Print' data to printer when scale is not in motion and 0 < Gross < full scale.
Setup Mode Key Functions:
- ZERO: Move UP in menu.
- GROSS/NET: Move DOWN in menu.
- TARE (ENTER): ENTER Selection.
- UNITS: Move LEFT in menu.
- PRINT: Move RIGHT in menu.
Setup Test Mode Key Functions:
- ZERO: Displays alphanumeric sequence; EDP port transmits 'U'.
- GROSS/NET: Indicates active Digital Input.
- TARE: Displays 'SERI-X' (X = capital letter received by EDP port).
- UNITS: Displays software revision.
- PRINT: Exits TEST menu.
2. Installation
2.1 Overview
This section details installation procedures for the IQplus 310A hardware.
2.2 Checking the Accessory Kit
The accessory kit includes items such as a blank Capacity Strip Label, Weight Unit Label Set, Cable Ties, Drilled Standoffs, AC Cable, and a Berg Style Jumper.
2.3 Removing the Case
The unit's case must be removed for electrical connections and front panel label installation. The case is secured with cap nuts. Care should be taken not to damage gaskets.
2.4 Making Power Connections
The IQplus 310A is AC-powered and powers up when connected. Ensure a continuous ground connection for safety. The unit can be powered by 115 or 230 VAC, determined by jumper positions (JP1, JP2, JP3) on the power supply board. Fuses may need replacement based on voltage.
2.5 Connecting Load Cell Cable
The load cell cable connects to terminal block J3 on the main circuit board. The IQplus 310A is configured for 4-wire load cell connections by default. For 6-wire connections using sense leads, remove jumpers JP1 and JP2. Pin assignments for J3 are provided in the manual.
2.6 Connecting Communication Cable
The serial communications cable connects to terminal block J4 on the main circuit board. Use shielded cable for all signal connections. Pin assignments for J4 (EDP Port RS232, Printer Port RS232, Printer Port 20-mA CL) are provided in the manual.
2.7 Installing Labels
The accessory kit includes a blank capacity strip, alternate weight unit labels, and key labels.
2.7.1 Capacity Strip
The capacity strip, for recording capacity and serial number, is loaded into a channel on the front panel. Instructions for proper feeding and positioning are provided.
2.7.2 Weight Unit Labels
Supplied labels can be applied over existing 'lb' and 'kg' units. Transparent labels are provided for custom units.
2.7.3 Key Labels
Specific key labels are provided for 'TEST' (over UNITS), 'blackout' (over TARE or UNITS if locked out), and transparent for custom functions.
2.8 Replacing the Case
Before replacing the case, ensure all cables are connected, jumpers are correct, and the chassis is clean. The case is slid onto the unit, and cap nuts/standoffs are installed following a specific tightening sequence for a watertight seal (especially for NEMA 4 models).
2.9 Mounting the Indicator
The IQplus 310A can be flush-mounted in a panel or mounted on a bench or wall using accessory kits.
2.9.1 Panel Mounting Procedure
Requires a 7 3/8" W x 4 1/2" H cutout. Steps involve removing the case, feeding cables, reassembling, and securing the indicator with panel mount brackets and screws.
2.9.2 Wall/Bench Mounting Procedure
Involves mounting a bracket, applying neoprene gaskets to a tilt stand, placing the indicator in the stand, and securing it with clamp knobs.
2.10 Power-Up
The IQplus 310A powers up immediately when connected. Normal power-up displays a check of all front panel LED figures for five seconds, then shifts to GROSS weight mode. If the PWR UP parameter is set to DELAY, a 60-second delay with a simulated clock occurs. Error messages (e.g., ERR P1-P46) indicate corrupted process parameter data, requiring correction via the EDP port or a system reset.
2.11 Power-Up Display Error Messages
Error codes (ERR P1 through ERR P46) indicate corrupted parameter values. The remedy is to correct the parameter using the EDP port and send the 'RS' command to reset the system. If the condition persists, a full parameter reset via the Display Test Menu may be necessary.
3. Configuration
3.1 Overview
Parameters are configured in the SETUP menu, accessible via the rear Operate/Setup Switch. Configuration can be done using front panel keys or via EDP port commands. The manual provides a graphic 'roadmap' of the menus.
3.2 Operating Within the System Menus
The system has three menu levels: Menu Heading, Parameter Name, and Parameter Selection. Arrow keys (UP/DOWN, LEFT/RIGHT) are used for navigation and value selection. The TARE (Enter) key stores entries and advances to the next parameter.
3.3 Menu Descriptions
This section details various parameters and their settings. Factory default settings are highlighted in the manual.
3.3.1 Setup Menu (Key Parameters)
- GRADS (GR): Number of full scale graduations (e.g., 10,000).
- DEC PNT (DP): Decimal point location or dummy zeros.
- DSP DIV (DD): Display division size.
- UNITS (UN): Units for displayed and printed weight (LB, KG, TON, T, GRAM, GRAIN, OZ, NONE).
- DFILT1-3 (F1-F3): Digital filter stages, setting averaging of A/D readings. Higher values mean heavier filtering and slower response.
- DF THRH (FL): Filter cutout threshold, in display divisions.
- DF SENS (FS): Filter cutout sensitivity, number of consecutive readings outside threshold before filtering is ignored.
- MOT BAND (MB): Motion detection threshold.
- ZRANGE (ZR): Zero range for scale zeroing (2% or 100%).
- ZEROTRK (ZT): Zero track band for automatic zeroing.
- OVRLOAD (OV): Overload point where display blanks.
- PWR UP (PU): Power up mode (GO or DELAY).
- TARE RS (TR): Tare restriction (Regulated or Industrial).
- TARE FN (TF): Tare function (Auto or In/Out).
- G/B (GB): Annunciator for Gross Weight (Gross or Brutto).
- DECFRMT (DF): Decimal point format (period or comma).
- UPDATE (UR): Display update rate (250ms to 4 sec).
- ZERO KY (LZ), TARE KY (LT), UNIT KY (LU), PRNT KY (LP), KEYBRD (LK): Enable/Disable individual front panel keys or entire keyboard.
3.3.2 Digital Input Menu
Two external switches can be wired to J4 and programmed to duplicate front panel key functions (ZERO, GROSS/NET, TARE, UNITS, PRINT, TEST) or perform Lock Keyboard/Hold/Clear functions.
3.3.3 EDP (Electronic Data Processing Port) Menu
Configures the EDP port's transmission mode (STREAM, DEMAND, TICKET), baud rate (1200-19200), data bits/parity (8 NONE, 7 ODD, 7 EVEN), end of line termination characters (<CR><LF>, <CR>, <LF>), end of line delay, serial string format (CC, WI120, CAR738, AN5316, T8142, T8142CK, REMOTE), alphabetic output case (MIXED, LOWER, UPPER), printer type (GENERIC, TM290, TM290RV), and acknowledgment response (ENABLE, DISABLE, STATUS).
3.3.4 Printer Menu Descriptions
Similar to the EDP menu, this configures the printer port's transmission mode (STREAM, TICKET, DEMAND), baud rate, data bits/parity, termination characters, end of line delay, serial string format, alphabetic output case, and printer type.
3.3.5 PTICKET and ETICKET Format Menu
Allows specification of the format for weight tickets sent to the printer port (PTICKET) or transmitted via the EDP port (ETICKET). Up to four data fields can be configured (Gross, Tare, Net, Blank, Display). Each field's position and line ends (Trailing Line Ends - TLE) and leading spaces (LSP) can be set.
3.4 Functional Test and Configuration Reset
A special TEST menu allows functional testing of the display, keyboard, EDP port, and digital inputs. It also includes a configuration reset function. To enter TEST mode, set the Operate/Setup Switch to SETUP, then simultaneously press TARE and UNITS. To reset parameters to default values (losing all calibration constants), press TARE and UNITS simultaneously again while in TEST mode.
4. Calibration
4.1 Calibrating Zero and Span
Calibration involves setting the Operate/Setup Switch to SETUP, navigating to CALIBRT, and following steps to calibrate ZERO (deadload) and SPAN (test weight). The process involves clearing the platform, pressing TARE, placing test weights, adjusting the displayed value if needed, and pressing TARE again. The indicator displays “* CALIB*” during calibration.
4.2 Fine-Tuning (Tweaking) Span and Re-Zero
After SPAN calibration, TW SPAN is displayed. Fine adjustments to the test weight can be made using the ZERO and GROSS/NET keys. RE-ZERO removes weight offsets (e.g., from chains/hooks) and re-centers the zero band.
4.3 Installing Legal-For-Trade Seal
After calibration, the legal seal is installed by setting the Operate/Setup Switch to OPERATE, applying the switch cover gasket, installing the switch plate, threading wire through standoffs, twisting ends, and installing the seal on the wire loop.
5. Normal Operation
This section describes the functions of the front panel keys in normal operation and the tare modes.
- ZERO: Returns Gross weight display to zero.
- GROSS/NET: Changes between Gross (G) and Net (N) weight display.
- TARE: Acquires tare weight.
- UNITS: Changes between pounds (lb) and kilograms (kg).
- PRINT: Sends weight data to a printer or computer when the scale is in standstill.
5.1 Auto Tare Mode
A tare value remains in memory for subsequent weighings. Steps include zeroing the scale, entering a tare by placing a container and pressing TARE, replacing an existing tare, viewing gross weight, printing tickets, weighing with a stored tare, and removing a stored tare.
5.2 In/Out Tare Mode
Similar to Auto Tare, but pressing TARE again erases the existing tare. A new tare can only be entered when the scale is in G mode.
5.3 Display Error Codes
The manual provides a list of display error codes (e.g., -UNCAL-, CAL ERR, PCS ERR, ACS ERR, ERR PXX, A/D ERR, EE ERR) and their meanings and remedies. These codes indicate issues like uncalibrated systems, overload, negative gross weight, checksum errors, A/D calibration data errors, and EEPROM failures.
6. EDP Remote Commands and Serial Port Operation
The IQ plus 310A can process serial communication commands from a remote keyboard via its EDP port for setup, calibration, and normal weighing operations. Commands are typically two-letter codes followed by a selection code or numerical entry and a carriage return.
6.1 EDP Setup Commands
These commands are used to configure parameters and are valid only in SETUP Mode. Examples include commands for Grads, Ticket Format, and Calibration settings.
6.2 EDP Calibration Commands
Calibration commands are valid only in SETUP Mode. The indicator displays “CALIB” during calibration and returns “OK” upon completion. Commands include CD (Calibration of Deadload), CW (Calibration of Test Weight), and CZ (Re-zero).
6.3 EDP Operating Commands
These 2-letter commands operate the scale and are valid in both OPERATE and SETUP modes (with some exceptions). Examples include AZ (Sets scale to zero), AT (Tare in), FT (Front panel tare operation), CT (Tare out), LB/KG (Selects weight units), GN (Simulates GROSS/NET key press), PR (Sends formatted weight data), RE (Clears EEPROM), RS (Resets system), SX/PX (Starts continuous serial transmission on EDP/Printer port), EX/PQ (Ends continuous serial transmission), XG/XN/XT (Transmits GROSS/NET/TARE), XD (Transmits displayed value), XS (Transmits single serial string), NK (Returns number of “??” responses).
6.4 Serial Port Operation and Data Formats
6.4.1 Serial Port Operation Notes
The IQplus 310A operates serial ports in a preemptive receive mode, terminating ongoing output if a command is received. Input may be ignored during output initialization. Command overruns can occur if acknowledgments are not checked. Mixed baud rates between printer and EDP ports can impact update rates.
6.4.2 Continuous Output Serial Data Formats
The IQplus 310A transmits Gross, Tare, or Net weight values continuously or on demand. The format is determined by the FORMAT parameter in the EDP menu. Common formats include fields for G/N (Gross/Net), Polarity (+/-), Weight (numeric), Space, Unit (lb, kg, gram, ton, grain, ounce), and Termination characters (CR, LF, CR LF).
7. Appendix
7.1 Specifications
The IQ plus 310A features include: Analog (Full Scale Input Signal 5-40mV, Internal Resolution ~1,000,000 counts, Display Resolution 60,000 dd, System Linearity within 0.01% of FS, Excitation Voltage 10±0.5 VDC), Digital (Microcomputer NEC µPD75216A, Program Memory 16K x 8, RAM 512 x 4, EEPROM 128 x 8, Digital Inputs 2 inputs), Serial Communication (EDP Port Full Duplex RS232, Printer Port Simplex RS232/20mA current loop, Baud rates 1200-19200, 8 data bits no parity, 7 data bits even/odd parity), Operator Interface (14mm vacuum fluorescent display, 5-key membrane panel), Power (115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz), Environmental (OIML compliant, Operating Temp -10°C to +40°C), and Mechanical (Painted aluminum bezel, painted steel case, aluminum rear panel, adjustable wall/bench mount standard).
7.2 Digital Filtering
7.2.1 Principles of Operation
The IQ plus 310A uses an averaging digital filter to reduce vibration effects on weight readings. It has three filtering controls: averaging (DFILT), cutout threshold (DF THRH), and cutout sensitivity (DF SENS). Averaging stages can be set to OFF (no averaging) up to 256 (heaviest averaging). The threshold and sensitivity controls allow temporary override of averaging for quick settling.
7.2.2 Setting Filtering Controls
To set filtering controls, determine maximum vibration effects, adjust averaging controls to eliminate vibration, then set the filter cutout level (DF THRH) and cutout sensitivity (DF SENS) to ignore transient peaks.
7.3 A/D Calibration
This procedure is required after replacing the A/D Converter (ADC) or EEPROM to ensure the ADC operates within stability specifications. It requires specialized test equipment (Load Cell Simulator, test cables, RS232 terminal).
7.3.1 Required Equipment for A/D Calibration
A Load Cell Simulator (0-5.0 mV/V), two test cables, and an optional RS232 terminal.
7.3.2 A/D Calibration Procedure
Involves connecting the load cell simulator and communication cables, setting the Operate/Setup Switch to SETUP, and performing A/D Non-Ratiometric Calibration, A/D Ratiometric Calibration, and A/D Gain Calibration using either front panel keys or an RS232 terminal. The process standardizes the ADC full-scale range.
7.4 IQ plus 310A Limited Warranty
Rice Lake Weighing Systems (RLWS) warrants its equipment against defects in materials and workmanship for one year, provided it is properly installed. RLWS will repair or replace defective goods. The warranty excludes non-conformities caused by accident, misuse, neglect, alteration, improper installation, repair, or testing. RLWS is not responsible for travel time or on-location repairs. This warranty excludes all other warranties, expressed or implied, including merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. RLWS's sole liability is limited to repair or replacement of goods.
