Technical Manual - Rice Lake Weighing Systems

Wireless Load Cell Interface 

Wireless Transceiver System 

Technical Manual 

Caution 

Wireless receiver case must be 

isolated from the indicator 

enclosure. 

The receiver case cannot come in 

contact with the enclosure of an 

indicator with a split excitation 

power supply. 

If contact occurs, any resulting 

damage to the wireless receiver 

will not be covered under 

warranty. 

To be the best by every measure 

114534

Contents 

About This Manual ................................................................................................................................... 1 

1.0 Overview ...................................................................................................................................... 1 

2.0 Enclosures ................................................................................................................................... 2 

2.1 Anodized Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

3.0 Transceiver Connections ............................................................................................................. 3 


3.2 Stainless Steel Nema 4 Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

4.0 Load Cell Transmitter Installation ............................................................................................... 4 


4.2 Stainless Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

5.0 Indicator Receiver Installation.................................................................................................... 5 


5.2 Stainless Steel Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

6.0 Jumper Settings (Load Cell Transmitter Only) ............................................................................ 6 

7.0 Power Requirement ..................................................................................................................... 7 

7.1 Load Cell Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

7.2 Indicator Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

8.0 Turning System On/Off ................................................................................................................. 8 

8.1 Indicator Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

8.2 Load Cell Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

9.0 Calibration ................................................................................................................................... 9 

10.0 LED Indicator Lights ................................................................................................................... 10 

10.1 Signal Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

11.0 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................... 11 

12.0 Indicator Receiver Block Diagram ............................................................................................ 12 

13.0 Load Cell Transmitter Block Diagram ....................................................................................... 13 

14.0 Product Specifications .............................................................................................................. 14 

15.0 Part List ...................................................................................................................................... 15 

15.1 Anodized Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

15.2 Stainless Steel Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

RLWS Hardware Warranty Statement .................................................................................................... 18 

Technical training seminars are available through Rice Lake Weighing Systems. 

Course descriptions and dates can be viewed at www.ricelake.com/training 

or obtained by calling 715-234-9171 and asking for the training department. 

© 2011 Rice Lake Weighing Systems. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. 

Specifications subject to change without notice. 

Rice Lake Weighing Systems is an ISO 9001 registered company. 

Version 1.0, April 2011 

i

Rice Lake continually offers web-based video training on a growing selection 

of product-related topics at no cost. Visit www.ricelake.com/webinars. 

ii 

Wireless Transceiver System Manual

About This Manual 

This manual is intended for use by service technicians 

responsible for installing and servicing wireless 

transceiver systems. 

This device complies with Part 15 of 

FCC Notice the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to 

the following two conditions: 

• This device may not cause harmful 

interference. 

• This device must accept any interference 

received, including interference that may 

cause undesired operation. 

Note 

Changes or modifications not expressly 

approved by Rice Lake Weighing Systems will 

void the user’s authority to operate the 

equipment. 

Authorized distributors and their employees 

can view or download this manual from the 

Rice Lake Weighing Systems distributor 

site at www.ricelake.com. 

1.0 Overview 

The wireless transceiver system is designed to allow wireless connectivity from a load cell(s) to an indicator. It 

eliminates the requirement for a local indicator or modem transceiver 

This is a bi-directional wireless system that is composed of two transceivers, one that is designated as the 

transmitter and the other designated as the receiver. The transceivers are designed to be used in pairs, and will 

only operate with their respectable partner. 

The load cell transmitter supplies source excitation voltage to the connected load cell(s), which can be connected 

in quantities of 1, 4, 6, or 8. The load cell transmitter then receives the respective mV/V output signal from the 

connected load cell(s) or junction box to be transmitted to the indicator receiver. 

The indicator receiver processes the transmission from the load cell transmitter and recreates mV/V signal. The 

mV/V output signal is then connected to the signal input connections of the indicator and the system functions as 

if there was a wired connection between the load cell and indicator. 

This device is appropriate for static scale applications. This device is generally not recommended for batching or 

process control applications. As with any wireless device, temporary communication interruptions are possible. 

Wireless Transceiver System Technical Manual - Overview 1

2.0 Enclosures 

2.1 Anodized Enclosure 

Figure 2-1. Indicator Receiver (Left) - - Load Cell Transmitter (Right) 

2 Wireless Transceiver System Technical Manual

3.0 Transceiver Connections 


Figure 3-1. Standard Anodized Enclosure 

3.2 Stainless Steel Nema 4 Enclosure 

E+ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Excitation + 

S+ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Signal + 

S- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Signal - 

E- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Excitation 

Gnd - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Ground 

Figure 3-2. Stainless Steel Nema 4 Enclosure 

Wireless Transceiver System Technical Manual - Transceiver Connections 3

4.0 Load Cell Transmitter Installation 


See Figure 3-1 

1. Connect the enclosed 5 pin female plug to the load cell / Scale as follows: 

a. Pin 1 = Excitation + 

b. Pin 2 = Signal + 

c. Pin 3 = Signal - 

d. Pin 4 = Excitation - 

e. Pin 5 = Shield (If so equipped) 

2. Connect 5 pin plug to transmitter. 

3. Connect the enclosed antenna to the transmitter. 

4. Transmitter is equipped with an internal rechargeable battery pack. To charge the battery pack, plug in 

enclosed power adapter. 

4.2 Stainless Enclosure 

See Figure 3-2 for load cell / scale connections. 

Figure 4-1. Load Cell Transmitter Installation 

For remaining connections, follow steps 3 and 4 of instructions above. 

Note 

Load cell transceiver will not power up until the receiver is powered up and communicating. Once power 

is turned off to the indicator transceiver, or communication is lost, the load cell transceiver will enter 

"SLEEP MODE" to save battery life. 


5.0 Indicator Receiver Installation 


See Figure 3-1 

Note 

Depending on the indicator that is used, a cable may need to be made to go from the indicator to the 

transmitter plug. 

1. Connect the enclosed 5 pin female plug to the load cell connection from the indicator as follows: 

a. Pin 1 = Excitation + 

b. Pin 2 = Signal + 

c. Pin 3 = Signal - 

d. Pin 4 = Excitation - 

e. Pin 5 = Shield (If so equipped) 

2. Connect the enclosed antenna to the receiver. 

3. The power to the receiver is supplied by the excitation voltage from the indicator. 

4. Power the indicator up and ensure that the transmitter and receiver are communicating (the signal LED 

will flash rapidly when communicating). 

5. Follow calibration procedures for the indicator used. 

6. To power down wireless units, remove power to the indicator. 

5.2 Stainless Steel Enclosure 

See Figure 3-2 for indicator connections. 

Figure 5-1. Indicator Receiver Installation 

For remaining connections, follow steps 2-6 of the instructions above. 

Note 

If the attached indicator is constantly displaying two alternating weights in approximately 3 second 

intervals, the transceivers have lost connectivity. Refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 11 for solution. 

Wireless Transceiver System Technical Manual - Indicator Receiver Installation 5

6.0 Jumper Settings (Load Cell Transmitter Only) 

Select number of load cells used, up to 8 load cells. 

1. There is a jumper located on the circuit board in the load cell transceiver. The factory default setting is 

set for 4 load cells. 

2. To change the jumper setting, remove the end plate with the 5 pin connector, or for stainless enclosure, 

remove cover plate. The Jumper has 4 positions. The positions are labeled 1,4,6, and 8, which 

corresponds to the number of load cells being used. 

3. Move the jumper to the selected position and replace the end plate, or cover plate. 

Changing jumper settings to anything other than specified number of load cells could cause undesired 

unit operation. After changing Jumper settings recalibration will be required. 

Note 


7.0 Power Requirement 

7.1 Load Cell Transmitter 

• Internal 3.6VDC rechargeable battery 

• 110VAC adapter 

7.2 Indicator Receiver 

• DC operational source voltage supplied from indicator's + and - excitation connections. Voltage not 

to exceed 10VDC. 

Wireless Transceiver System Technical Manual - Power Requirement 7

8.0 Turning System On/Off 

8.1 Indicator Receiver 

The indicator transceiver receives its source voltage from the excitation voltage of the connected indicator. Once 

the indicator is powered up, the transceiver is automatically powered up with it. 

8.2 Load Cell Transmitter 

The load cell transmitter receives its source voltage from either the internal rechargeable battery or the supplied 

110 VAC adapter. If the unit is running on its internal rechargeable battery, it will not power up until it has 

received a signal from the indicator receiver (this is an internal sleep mode that is used to prolong battery life.) If 

at any time during operation the transceivers lose connectivity, the transmitter will return to sleep mode until 

connection is restored. If the load cell transmitter is connected to the supplied 110 VAC adapter, it will remained 

powered up continuously. 

Figure 8-1. Wireless Transceiver System 


9.0 Calibration 

Note 

The transceivers require no calibration, adjustment, or programming for indicator calibration. 

Follow manufacturer provided calibration instructions for the connected indicator. 

Wireless Transceiver System Technical Manual - Calibration 9

10.0 LED Indicator Lights 

Note 

For Anodized Enclosure Only 

10.1 Signal Indicator 

Description 

Action 

Good signal strength 

Poor signal strength, or loss of signal 

LED will flash 10 times per second. 

LED will flash once for every 1.5 sec while searching 

for signal. 

Table 10-1. Green LED 

Note 

Transmitter will enter sleep mode after 5 seconds of signal loss. Transmitter will reactivate once signal 

strength is re-obtained. 

LED Color 

Battery Strength 

Green LED 

Red LED 

Good Battery Strength 

Low Battery Strength 

Table 10-2. Battery Indicator 

LED Color 

Description 

Orange LED 

Recharging Battery - Unit will function properly while 

battery is recharging, or running solely on DC power 

Table 10-3. DC Power Indicator 


11.0 Troubleshooting 

Problem 

Indicator receiver will not power up. 

Load cell transmitter will not power up. 

Inaccurate weight readings on indicator. 

Unstable weight readings or severely erratic readings. 

Loss of connectivity between transceivers. 

Low battery light is illuminated on load cell 

transceiver. 

Solution 

Check indicator connections, Power is supplied from 

excitation voltage. 

Check power connections. Charge battery. 

Check Power connections. Charge battery. Check 

load cell connections. Recalibrate indicator. 

Check load cell/indicator connections. Check for 

connectivity. Check Power connections. Charge 

Battery 

Check connections. Transceivers may also be out of 

range. Check Power connections. Charge battery 

Plug in supplied AC power adapter to recharge 

battery. 

Table 11-1. Troubleshooting 

Note 

To obtain optimal battery life, battery must be charged with supplied charger for a minimum of 8 hours 

when recharging. 

Wireless Transceiver System Technical Manual - Troubleshooting 11

12.0 Indicator Receiver Block Diagram 


13.0 Load Cell Transmitter Block Diagram 

Wireless Transceiver System Technical Manual - Load Cell Transmitter Block Diagram 13

14.0 Product Specifications 

The Wireless Transceiver System Specifications 

Item 

Description 

Source Voltage 

3 - 12VDC 

Internal Battery Voltage 

3.6VDC 

Maximum Current Draw 

3.3V 100mA w/8 Load cells 

Internal Battery Life 

100+hrs w/4 load cells 

(Will accept 1-8 Load cells. Battery life varies with qty of cells applied) 

AC Power Adapter Input 

110VAC 

AC Power Adapter Output 

5VDC 2A 

Load cell Connection 

5 Wire shielded 

Antenna Frequency Band 

902-928 MHz 

Range (Line of Sight) 

100+ m 

Range (Non Line of Sight) 50+m 

Operating Temperature 

-40°C -- +85°C 

Excitation Voltage 

3.3VDC 

Maximum Update Rate 

10 times/second 

Signal Input 

15.0 Part List 


Description Part # 

PC Board 427-101 

Power Switch 427-102 

AC Power Jack 427-501 

Rechargeable Battery Pack 427-502 

DC Wire Harness (for PC board) 427-503 

Power Switch Wire Harness (for PC board) 427-504 

Antenna Cable (for PC board) 427-505 

Antenna 427-509 

Case 427-103 

End Plate (5 Pin Jack Side) 427-104 

End Plate (Antenna, Power side) 427-105 

End Plate Screws 427-106 

5 Pin Jack 427-506 

5 Pin Plug 427-507 

AC Power Adapter 427-510 

Table 15-1. Load Cell Transmitter 



Case 427-203 

End Plate (5 pin jack side) 427-104 

End Plate (antenna side) 427-202 

End Plate Screws 427-106 



5 Pin Jack 427-506 

5 Pin Plug 427-507 

Table 15-2. Indicator Receiver 

Wireless Transceiver System Technical Manual - Part List 15

15.2 Stainless Steel Enclosure 



Power Switch (toggle) 427-302 

Splashproof Boot (for toggle switch) 427-303 

AC Power Jack 427-501 

Load Cell Connection Block 427-511 

Plastic Standoffs 427-304 

Mounting Screws (for standoffs) 427-305 

Cover plate 427-306 

Case 427-307 

Screws (for cover plate) 427-306-1 

Washers (for cover plate) 427-306-2 

Rechargeable Battery Pack 427-502 

Power Switch Wire Harness (for PC board) 427-504 

DC Wire Harness (for PC board) 427-503 

Battery Retention Plate 427-310 

Hex Nuts for Battery Retention Plate 427-310-1 



Strain Relief 427-512 

Table 15-3. Load Cell Transmitter 




Load Cell Connection Block 427-511 

Plastic Standoffs 427-304 

Mounting Screws (for standoffs) 427-305 

Cover Plate 427-402 

Case 427-403 

Screws (for cover plate) 427-306-1 

Washers (for cover plate) 427-306-2 



Table 15-4. Indicator Receiver 

Wireless Transceiver System Technical Manual - Part List 17

RLWS Hardware Warranty Statement 

Rice Lake Weighing Systems (RLWS) warrants that all RLWS brand equipment and systems properly installed 

by a Distributor or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) will operate per written specifications as confirmed 

by the Distributor/OEM and accepted by RLWS. All systems and components are warranted against defects in 

materials and workmanship for one (1) year, unless otherwise stated. 

RLWS warrants that the equipment sold hereunder will conform to the current written specifications authorized 

by RLWS. RLWS warrants the equipment against faulty workmanship and defective materials. If any equipment 

fails to conform to these warranties, RLWS will, at its option, repair or replace such goods returned within the 

warranty period subject to the following conditions: 

Upon discovery by Buyer of such non-conformity, RLWS will be given prompt written notice with a detailed 

explanation of the alleged deficiencies. 

Individual electronic components returned to RLWS for warranty purposes must be packaged to prevent 

electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage in shipment. Packaging requirements are listed in a publication, 

"Protecting Your Components From Static Damage in Shipment," available from RLWS Equipment Return 

Department. 

Examination of such equipment by RLWS confirms that the non-conformity actually exists, and was not caused 

by accident, misuse, neglect, alteration, improper installation, improper repair, or improper testing. RLWS shall 

be the sole judge of all alleged non-conformities. 

Such equipment has not been modified, altered, or changed by any person other than RLWS or its duly 

authorized repair agents. 

RLWS will have a reasonable time to repair or replace the defective equipment. Buyer is responsible for shipping 

charges both ways 

In no event will RLWS be responsible for travel time or on-location repairs, including assembly or disassembly 

of equipment. Nor will RLWS be liable for the cost of any repairs made by others. 

THESE WARRANTIES EXCLUDE ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, 

INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A 

PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NEITHER RLWS NOR DISTRIBUTOR WILL, IN ANY EVENT, BE LIABLE 

FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. 

RLWS AND BUYER AGREE THAT RLWS' SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY HEREUNDER IS 

LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF SUCH GOODS. IN ACCEPTING THIS WARRANTY, THE 

BUYER WAIVES ANY AND ALL OTHER CLAIMS TO WARRANTY. 

SHOULD THE SELLER BE OTHER THAN RLWS, THE BUYER AGREES TO LOOK ONLY TO THE 

SELLER FOR WARRANTY CLAIMS. 

No terms, conditions, understanding, or agreements purporting to modify the terms of this warranty shall have 

any legal effect unless made in writing and signed by a corporate officer of RLWS and the Buyer. 

© 2011 Rice Lake Weighing Systems, Inc. Rice Lake, WI USA. All Rights Reserved. 

RICE LAKE WEIGHING SYSTEMS • 230 WEST COLEMAN STREET • RICE LAKE, WISCONSIN 54868 • USA 


PN 114534 04/11

Technical Manual - Rice Lake Weighing Systems

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