Depending on the type of processing and weighing required, the choice of additional control features at the scale may or may not be an essential consideration. Each specific weighing situation will have its own considerations, and spending a few minutes and considering the advantages of having a controller at the scale is very helpful.
In the vast majority of situations, some type of monitoring and control function at the location of the scale is a must. This not only provides visual data in real time to the scale operator or the area employees, but it also allows for specific adjustments from the scale. Weighing terminal models come in a variety of shapes, sizes and options, allowing for selection to determine which one is best for a specific location and need.
Location at the Scale
Some scale manufacturers and some scale models are designed to have the weighing terminal and controller mounted right on or at the scale. This can be a very simple solution to having the display and control functions where they are needed.
However, it can also be a problem based on where equipment or lines will come into the scale and how the processing line will continue from the scale. Having the controller further away from the scale can be more practical and efficient in these situations, and this will be important to consider.
Size and Display
The larger the control box is, the larger the display and the easier it is to make adjustments to the control features while reducing the risk of hitting the wrong button.
A larger display that features specific colors of display lights can also be an essential consideration based on the location of the scale. Different colors of backlighting and display are ideally suited for brightly lit environments, operation in daylight or working in darker areas.
Control and Safety Features
Depending on the specifics of the scale use, the equipment operators may need to have instant access to making adjustments through the weighing terminal. When this is the case, having an intuitive and easy to use type of push-button control system on the terminal is the most effective.
A very important consideration in many areas is the ability to lock specific functions to prevent accidental changing of parameters or other control features for the scale. This is a safety feature well worth adding to any controller at the scale.
Different controllers may offer output alarms to signal overfills or other potential problems with the line or the supply of material over or to the scale. This is very helpful as a safety feature that can provide redundancy in the warning system or be used as a stand-alone feature.
