MSI Porta-Weigh Plus MSI4300 Operator's Manual
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MSI4300
PortaWeigh Plus
7 Key Version
Operator’s Manual
PORTA-WEIGH PLUS
CRANE SCALES
7 KEY VERSION
Measurement
Systems
International
User
Guide
Quality
Industrial
Weighing
and Force
Measurement
Equipment
MSI4300/7
Page 2 MSI-4300 Porta-Weigh Plus/7 Key • User Guide
M E A S U R E M E N T S Y S T E M S I N T E R N A T I O N A L
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Description............................................... 3
Unpacking.............................................................. 3
Liquid Crystal Display .......................................... 3
Backlight................................................................ 4
Batteries ................................................................. 4
Standard Features ..................................................5
Infrared Remote Control Features ......................... 6
Quick Keyboard Operation.................................... 7
Shifted & Secondary Functions............................. 7
Operation Guide .................................................... 8
POWER ................................................................. 8
ZERO..................................................................... 9
NET/GROSS ....................................................... 10
TARE ................................................................... 11
TOTAL ................................................................ 12
VIEW ∑ (total) ................................................... 15
TEST.................................................................... 16
SETUP ................................................................. 16
FILTER................................................................ 18
UNITS ................................................................. 18
AUTO OFF.......................................................... 19
Infrared Remote Control...................................... 20
Lighting ...............................................................20
Contrast................................................................ 21
HI SETPT (Setpoint) ........................................... 21
LO SETPT (Setpoint) ......................................... 22
Set Point Entry..................................................... 22
To Disable a Set Point .........................................24
PEAK HOLD....................................................... 25
Tare Memory ....................................................... 26
CLEAR ................................................................ 29
SELECT .............................................................. 30
ENTER ................................................................ 30
System Initialize .................................................. 30
Calibration (front panel) ...................................... 31
EIA-232-D Serial Output Option ........................34
Operation ............................................................. 36
Computer Operation of the
MSI Porta-Weigh Plus ......................................... 37
Porta-Weigh Plus Basic
Programming Example ........................................ 39
Specifications ...................................................... 44
Options ................................................................ 46
The MSI Limited Warranty ................................. 47
Proper Loading Procedures ................................. 48
MSI-4300 Porta-Weigh Plus/7 Key • User Guide
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M E A S U R E M E N T S Y S T E M S I N T E R N A T I O N A L
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Measurement Systems International Porta-Weigh Plus crane scale
represents a new level of technology and performance in the scale
industry. The MSI-4300 Porta-Weigh Plus is a computerized, selfcontained, battery-operated crane scale. The scale is made up of three
separate sections which house the electronics, load cell and battery.
The sections are bolted together and sealed against moisture by the
use of O-rings. The scale housing is made of impact resistant cast
aluminum alloy. All electronics are shock mounted and the recessed
display window is impact resistant ADC Monomer that is much
tougher than polycarbonate.
A 16 bit microcontroller coupled with an alphanumeric display gives
unprecedented versatility and programmability. The advanced power
saving circuitry provides in excess of 2000 hours of operating time
from ordinary D cell alkaline batteries. The large, backlit, alphanumeric display provides precise, unambiguous indication of operating
modes such as net, gross, and total. Digital calibration makes maintaining the scale a snap, and the single printed circuit board, fully
shock-mounted, marine-proof construction makes for a rugged and
reliable scale. To further enhance the versatility of the Porta-Weigh
Plus, a ruggedized, marine-proof, infrared remote control system can
access and control all the operating modes of the scale. The scale is
designed to meet or exceed the requirements of all regulatory agencies.
UNPACKING
When unpacking the scale from the shipping container, ensure that all
parts are accounted for. Check the scale for any visible damage and
immediately report any to your shipper. It is advisable to use the
original shipping container when shipping or transporting the PortaWeigh Plus.
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
The Porta-Weigh Plus is equipped with a large Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) providing both weight indication and setup parameters. The
LCD is optimized for viewing in a cone beneath the scale, as the scale
is primarily used overhead. Direct head height viewing angle is
compromised. The best contrast is achieved when the scale is about a
foot or more above head height.
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BACKLIGHT
A display light for low light operation is standard with the PortaWeigh Plus. This light is activated and deactivated by a photocell
which senses ambient light levels. In the "Automatic" mode, no
controls are required to activate the back light. Under the SETUP
menu (see SETUP in the operation instructions), the backlight can be
fixed on, fixed off, or set in the default AUTOMATIC mode.
If battery life is the primary consideration in using the Porta-Weigh
Plus, the backlight should be forced off (see SETUP). The backlight
alone uses 8 times the energy normally consumed by the scale. If the
backlight is left off the Porta-Weigh Plus will achieve greater than
2000 hours of operation.
6 Digit Weight Indication
8
Character Message Display
Units
lb, kg, t, METRIC t
International Motion Icon
Motion Indicator
Center of Zero Icon
Low Battery Indicator
METRIC
AUTOREMOTE
∑
0
MOTION
+
-
"Infrared Remote On" Indicator
"Auto-Total On" Indicator
Minus Sign
Liquid Crystal Display Detail
BATTERIES
Type:
8 Standard “D” cells (NEDA/ANSI 13A, IEC LR20). Alkaline type is
preferred. Standard Carbon-Zinc can also be used, but this cuts the
available battery life in half.
Installing and Changing:
1) The batteries must have enough charge to ensure accurate
operation. (8 batteries in series must total more than 5.5V).
2) Turn the scale off.
3) Remove the battery tubes by turning the knobs counterclockwise. It is not necessary to remove both tubes at once.
4) Replace the batteries with four fresh "D" cells in each tube;
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polarity is indicated on the tube.
5) Reinstall the battery tube by inserting the tube back into the
scale and turning the knobs clockwise.
6) Option: The batteries can be checked with the test mode.
Power displayed is in relative percent of battery life. If the
number with fresh batteries is extremely low, (<10%) turn
power off, remove the tubes and check that the polarity of all
batteries are correct.
Rechargeable Batteries:
The Porta-Weigh Plus will operate efficiently with standard Ni-Cad
"D" cells. Batteries must be charged in an external battery charger.
Expect scale operation time to be from 1/4 to 1/2 that of alkaline.
STANDARD FEATURES
• Designed to meet or exceed all US and international standards.
• Rugged construction throughout. Single PCB is shock
mounted and can withstand shocks in excess of 50G’s.
Switches are totally sealed and rated for over 10 million
operations.
• Precise high resolution 16 bit A/D conversion coupled with
advanced 16 bit Microcontroller provides world class
features and accuracy.
• Six large, 1.65 inch high digits for clear weight readings from
a distance.
AUTO
∑
MOTION
Typical Weight Display
Overload Display ("ERROR" flashes)
• Easy to read annunciation of measurement modes such as
NET or GROSS are provided on nine .825 inch high alphanumeric characters. These are also used for menu prompts.
• Display illumination uses long life, EL backlighting coupled
with a transflective liquid crystal display. This provides
optimum display contrast under all ambient conditions from
full sunlight to total darkness. Operation is light-sensing
automatic or manually set.
• Exceptional battery life: Typically 2000 hours of continuous
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use provided by 8 alkaline ‘D’ cells. Maximum battery life is
reduced by use of the backlighting; full time low light
operation will provide up to 400 hours of operation. A typical
operating cycle of 8 hours daylight use and 2 hours night use
will provide 10 months of operation on a single battery.
The Porta-Weigh Plus will automatically power down when
not in use (this feature can be disabled). And a low battery
indication appears when approximately 10% of battery life
remains.
• Easy to maintain: Full digital calibration assures reliable,
repeatable measurements.
• Selectable for lbs, kg, tons, and metric tons unless prohibited
by regulations.
• Automatic or manual weight totalization for loading operations.
• Complete marine sealing ensures reliable operations under
harsh weather conditions.
• Anti-EMI shielding standard. Low emissions and susceptibility.
• Easily customized for special applications.
• Up to 10 recallable Tare memories stored manually or
automatically.
• Peak Hold mode for stress analysis.
• 2 set points can be set for any in-range weight for operator
alerts or process control. External setpoint outputs available.
(Contact factory for information).
• Silicon elastomeric rubber switches, which are more rugged
than mechanical switches, provide 10 million operations.
They can withstand excessive impact without affecting
operation. Rubber membrane provides watertight seal.
Additional poly shield on underlay provides second layer of
integrity and prevents humidity contamination.
INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL FEATURES
The infrared remote control option allows all features of the scale to
be operated at distances up to 10 meters from the scale. This rugged
option is shock proof and waterproof. In addition to remote operation
of all the standard modes of the scale the following features are added:
• 9 ID codes. This feature provides the user with the ability to
store up to 9 separate totalizations. Keeping track of individual loads is simpler than ever. Each of the 9 totalizations
can go up to 999999 counts.
• Numeric entry of tare values and set points.
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QUICK KEYBOARD OPERATION
∑
∑
∑
ENTER
TEST
T
0
POWER SHIFT
SETUP PEAK HOLD TARE MEMORY
CLEAR
SELECT
ZERO NET/GROSS TARE TOTAL VIEW
∑
∑
1 7654
32
1. POWER: Turns the scale on and off.
2. ZERO: Zeros the scale. Has full range to 100% of scale
(except for some legal for trade units).
3. NET/GROSS: Toggles the display between GROSS and
NET modes. To enter NET mode, a valid tare value must be
stored.
4. TARE: In GROSS mode, pushing this switch stores the
current weight reading as a tare value and switches the unit to
the NET mode. When in NET mode, pushing this switch
provides a brief display of the Tare value.
5. TOTAL: Pressing this will add the current weight to the
Total Register. The scale must return to zero before this
button can be used again. When in Auto Total mode, this key
is an Auto Total On, Auto Total Off toggle.
6. VIEW∑: Displays the total weight accumulated and the
number of weighments.
7. SHIFT: Used to shift to secondary functions and as an enter
key when inputting variables.
SHIFTED & SECONDARY FUNCTIONS
∑
∑
∑
ENTER
TEST
T
0
POWER SHIFT
SETUP PEAK HOLD TARE MEMORY
CLEAR
SELECT
ZERO NET/GROSS TARE TOTAL VIEW
∑
∑
1 7654
32
1. SHIFT POWER/TEST: Completes an LCD test, an internal
function test, indicates % remaining battery life and displays
the R calibration number.
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2. SHIFT ZERO/SETUP: Enables the setup menus. Controls for
Units, Filtering, Backlight, Set Points, IR Remote, Auto
Power (off), and Total mode are found in the Setup menu.
(Legal-for-trade units may have a subset of these functions).
3. SHIFT NETGROSS/PEAKHOLD: Enables/disables the
Peak-Hold function. The highest reading is captured. Use
Shift-Clear to erase the current peak.
4. SHIFT TARE/TARE MEMORY: Enables the Tare Memory
menus. Use the Select and Enter yes to store and/or apply up
to 9 tare values.
5. SHIFT TOTAL/CLEAR: Used to Erase (Clear) Peak-Hold
values and numeric values. The Clear function is also a
useful shortcut out of various setup menus.
6. SHIFT VIEW∑/SELECT: The select key is used to scroll
through various menu choices in Setup, Tare and Calibration
menus. It is also used to input numbers for Setpoints, Tares
and Calibration.
7. SHIFT: Used in conjunction with the Select key to enter
selected values or parameters. This function of the Shift key
is only active when it is needed.
OPERATION GUIDE
POWER
METRIC
AUTOREMOTE
∑
0
MOTION
+
-
Function:
Turns the Scale On/Off (toggle action).
Use:
1) The batteries must have enough charge to ensure accurate
operation. (8 batteries in series must total more than 5.4V).
2) Ambient temperature must be greater than -30°C and less
than 60°C (-22° to 140°F).
Action:
1) Push POWER button.
MSI-4300 Porta-Weigh Plus/7 Key • User Guide
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2) Display Check: All segments and the Total LED are illuminated for 1 second.
3) Message displays “MSI PAW+”, numerics give the software
version number (1 second).
4) During display test and MSI message, all internal operations
are checked and any nonconformance causes an error
message to be displayed.
Final:
Unit reads the current weight in the last set mode (NET, GROSS,
VIEW TOTAL, PEAK NET, PEAK GROSS).
ZERO
Function:
Sets the zero reading of the scale.
Use:
1) The scale must be stable. The scale will not zero if the
motion detect annunciator is on.
2) The scale must be in the Gross mode. The scale will not zero
in the Net or Total modes.
3) The scale will accept a zero setting over the full Range of the
scale (Legal-for-trade models might have a limited zero
range). Zero settings will subtract from the overall capacity
of the scale. For example, if you zero out 1000 lbs on a 5000
lb scale the overall capacity of the scale will reduce to 4000
lbs plus the allowed overrange amount.
Action:
Push ZERO button.
The weight reading must be stable within ±1 division. If this condition
is met the display reads “ZEROED” and the digits display 0 (or 0.0 or
0.00 depending on resolution). The zero setting is stored by the
backup memory, which will restore it the next time the system is
turned on.
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NET/GROSS
Function:
Switches the display between Net and Gross modes. Net Weight is
defined as Gross Weight minus the Tare Weight.
Use:
1) There must be a Tare weight established to switch from
Gross mode to Net mode (See Tare).
2) NET/GROSS will work even when the scale is in motion.
Action:
Push NET/GROSS.
• No current tare is stored (Tare = Ø).
No Action, display continues to read the Gross weight only.
• A tare value is stored:
Toggles between Net and Gross display modes. Display reads
“GROSS” or “NET”.
Note: The NET/GROSS key also functions while in the PEAK HOLD
mode. There is not a separate maximum value for PEAK NET and
PEAK GROSS. PEAK NET is computed from maximum gross minus
the tare value.
Final:
The display reads “GROSS” and the digits display “0” (or 0.0 or 0.00
depending on resolution).
MSI-4300 Porta-Weigh Plus/7 Key • User Guide
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TARE
Function:
Stores a Tare Weight (Gross Weight mode) or...Displays temporarily
the Tare Weight (Net Weight mode).
Use:
1) Only positive weight readings can be tared.
2) The scale will only tare when it is in the GROSS mode
3) The motion annunciator must be off, the weight reading must
be stable. The weight reading must be stable within ±1
division (Motion annunciator off).
4) Setting or changing the tare has no effect on the zero setting.
5) Taring will reduce the apparent overrange of the scale. For
example, if a 1000lb container was tared and the scale
capacity is 5000lb, the scale will overload at a net weight of
4000lb (5000-1000) plus any additional allowed overload
(usually ~4%) .
6) The tare value is stored in the backup memory, which will
restore it the next time the system is turned on.
Action:
Push TARE
• The scale must be in the GROSS mode: The entire range of
the scale can be Tared. If the motion condition is met the
display temporarily reads “TARE SET” and then converts to
a “NET” display and the weight digits register Ø. All
subsequent readings are deviations from the set Tare value.
Final:
• Tare is set, displaying NET weight.
Any subsequent pushes of the TARE key will display the
Tare value temporarily unless the NET/GROSS key is used
to return to the Gross reading.
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To remove the Tare Value:
Without erasing the value, push NET/GROSS. The Tare will remain
in memory until a new tare value is stored.
Note: A factory option is available that will erase the Tare by pushing
the TARE key when the weight is at zero.
TOTAL
Function:
For accumulation of multiple weighments. The accumulator always
uses the displayed weight, so Gross and Net readings can be added
into the same total. There are two modes of Totalizing which are set in
the Calibration SETUP section. The Manual mode requires that the
TOTAL key is pushed when the weight currently on the scale should
be added to the previously accumulated value. The Auto mode will
automatically add the last, settled, stable, value to the total. Both
modes require that the weight on the scale returns within 1% (relative
to full scale) of Gross Zero or Net Zero before the next weighing can
be added. Applied weight must be 2% of full scale or “Min e”
(whichever is greater) above Gross Zero or Net Zero before it can be
totaled.
Manual Total:
Use:
1) The motion annunciator must be off, the scale must be stable
±1 division. If there is considerable motion on the scale, use
the Medium or High Filter setting (see SETUP).
2) Only positive readings can be accumulated.
3) After a weighment is totaled, the weight on the scale must
return to below 1% of full scale capacity relative to Gross
Zero or Net Zero before another weight can be added to the
total. This assures that a weight on the scale is only added to
the total once.
4) When the total weight exceeds the display capability of
999,999 counts, or the total count exceeds 9999, dashes will
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appear to reflect a display overflow. If you have a printer
option, the larger numbers can be printed through the use of
the PRINT button on the Remote, or with a computer
hookup.
Action:
Push TOTAL
The current weight is added to the total register. The total weight
along with the number of weighments is displayed briefly on the LCD.
(See VIEW TOTAL)
• Weight greater than 2% of full scale or “Min e” whichever is
greater (settable parameter-contact factory) :
Add the current reading (relative to the tared zero or Gross
zero depending on mode) to the contents of the accumulate
register.
• When a valid value is added, the display gives an indication
of the new total and how many weighments have been
totaled. i.e. 1 TOTAL , 2 TOTAL , 3 TOTAL, ...x TOTAL.
The Total accepted LED (center right of display) will also
light for 4 seconds providing additional indication that the
Total command was accepted.
To Clear the total:
Press VIEW∑, SHIFT & CLEAR .
Press VIEW∑ to exit View Total.
Auto Total:
Setup Option:
Allows for auto accumulate. When a weight threshold of 2% of full
scale or “Min e” (whichever is greater) above Net Zero or Gross Zero
is exceeded the accumulate function operates automatically. The
displayed weight is added to the accumulated value in the Total
Register only when the weight returns to zero (0±1% of full scale).
When a weight that meets the minimum accept limit, settles (no
motion), the Total LED indicator will flash three times. If the weight
changes to a new settled value the LED will flash again indicating that
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the previous settled reading has been replaced. The last settled reading
is what will be used for totalizing when the scale returns to zero. The
user must take caution that when removing the load the scale does not
go out of Motion or a possibly erroneous reading could occur. The last
settled weight is actually added to the total when the scale returns to
less than 1% of full scale. The Total LED will flash for a steady 4
seconds indicating the weight has been totaled and the total value will
be shown briefly.
Note: MSI can modify or supply the Porta-Weigh Plus with a “maximum settled weight mode” AutoTotal. Contact factory for details.
Action:
AUTO
∑
Push TOTAL.
1) The message "TOTAL ON" appears briefly, then "AUTO ∑"
annunciator.
2) Pick up the weight to be totalized. The LED will flash three
or more times when the weight is settled.
3) Set down the weight. The screen displays the new total and
will indicate “x TOTAL ” where x is the number of totaled
weighments up to 9999.
• The total key is used as a Total Enable, Total Off, toggle key
which is indicated briefly on the message display (i.e.
“TOTAL ON” or “TOTAL OFF”. Auto Totalizing will only
occur in the TOTAL ON mode.
• The Auto Total On mode is indicated by an “AUTO ∑”
annuciator on the LCD .
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