WHY GO DIGITAL?
Digital weighing systems have shown to be an improvement over analog systems as technology continues to advance. Digital truck scales provide distinct advantages that increase efficiency, maintenance, and diagnostics. Even if you are still loyal to analog truck scales, it is still beneficial to learn about the new technology that is being presented. The following post will highlight the advantages and breakdown why a digital scale may be a good choice for you.
THE DIGITAL ADVANTAGE
Digital truck scales offer an assortment of advantages over analog scales. From being easily integrated to a remote display, to having easier methods of servicing them. Diagnostic options, ease of use and maintenance simplicity are some of the advantages to owning a digital legal for trade truck scale. They feature internal calibration and diagnostics that originate from within the digital load cell itself. Because of this electronic load cells can be easily replaced to save time and effort. In comparison to the analog scales that have been used, the digital scale has an ease of use factor and an easy to diagnose factor that give digital scales the advantage over analog scales.
Greatly reduces the time needed in diagnosing system failures.
Digital load cells are calibrated to the system before shipment.
Monitor the digital truck scale system in real time via remote monitoring.
Lack of extra wiring and a junction box make maintenance quick and simple.
Scale calibration is simpler due to the digital connection.
MAINTENANCE
Digital truck scales substantially reduce the time needed to diagnose potential failures, which reduces overall downtime due to load cell failure. Some load cells will have a stainless steel casing to help keep it protected from the elements. Since digital load cells are calibrated to the system before shipment, set-up time is minimal. With a completely digital system, there is little chance of loss of signal resolution due to an analog signal. After a truck scale installation is complete, make sure you have a good maintenance schedule. Maintaining a clean truck scale and load cell will increase the lifespan of your scale.
Quick diagnosis from remote diagnostic software reduces guesswork by finding the cause of the issue.
Simple load cell wiring layout for quicker maintenance times.
Digital load cells are “plug and play” and come already calibrated for easy replacement.
Ensure that the scale indicator is wired correctly to the Junction box.
Make sure the scoreboard is properly wired. Improperly wired scoreboards can cause inaccurate readings.
Perform a regularly scheduled washdown to prevent debris getting into the load cell. Steel decks will be a bit easier to clean under compared to concrete.
DIAGNOSTICS
The diagnostic process with truck scales can be a tedious and time consuming affair. An issue can arise that can take some downtime to pinpoint the problem. It can be a broken load cell or faulty cables. The advantage of diagnostics with a digital scale is that each load cell can be monitored individually. This helps to more accurately pinpoint where the issue is coming from in an efficient manner. Due to the efficient nature of digital scales, this cuts back on downtime.
Digital load cells can monitor multiple attributes pertaining to the cell (capacity, weight counts, temperature, etc).
Can monitor load cell calibration through diagnostic software.
Individual load cell monitoring helps pinpoint issues quicker.
PROTECTION FROM DAMAGE
Digital truck scales provide load cells that have potting to prevent ingress from moisture and sediment. They come equipped with internal grounding to prevent damage due to surging or electrical complications. Also, if a load cell cable is damaged, digital load cells won’t need to be replaced—just the load cell cable will be changed out. This is a distinct advantage to a digital truck scale system.
Equipped with internal grounding to prevent damage from power surges.
If the cable is damaged then only the cable needs to be replaced.
Provide in depth information on each load cell for predictive maintenance.
CONCLUSION
Digital truck scales provide more tools from an intracellular design aspect to give scale technicians added freedom from uncertainty and lost resources. A lot of scale manufacturers have good warranties for their load cells. A well made truck scale foundation will add to an overall well built truck scale site. Digital truck scale load cell design provides the end user with more tools to diagnose, replace, and save valuable time when load cell issues arise. Keep in mind that your weighing applications will also help determine the sort of issues you will come across. The common problems of digital load cells are mostly preventable with the tips mentioned above. Most importantly, end users can keep their scale operating for longer, with less interruptions and smaller intervals of downtime. At American Scale it is our mission to bring resources about all things scales. be sure to check out some of our past articles about truck scales including; How much do truck scales cost and others such as the cost of scale accessories and the differences between concrete and steel decks.