Digital Scales

A Leading South African Test and Measurement Instruments Supplier

“For Good Measure”^®

Please contact us by phone, email or visit us at the details given above. We look forward to hearing from you.

Product List

T.M.I.

Test and Measurement Instruments C.C.

CK 1985/007464/23

“Tomorrow’s Instruments Today” — “For Good Measure” ^®

TMI, Established—1982

English, Afrikaans, Portuguese Speaking. Master/Visa Credit Cards

Part No: GM-5000

5000g x 1 g, 176 oz x 0.05oz, 4 Digit LCD , with RS232

Part No: GM-600P

500g x 0.1 g, 17,6 oz x 0.005oz, 4 Digit LCD , Auto self Calibrate, with RS232

Lutron

Part No: GM-300P

300g x 0.01 g, g/oz, 4 Digit LCD , Auto self Calibrate, with RS232 (Hi Resolution)

Lutron

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Notes on Digital Scales, Balances and Corner Weight Scales.

Scales and balances are used to measure static or dynamic loads for a wide range of industrial applications. They are used to weigh small packages, the contents of hoppers, and extremely heavy loads that are hauled by trucks or trains. Performance specifications for scales and balances include measurement type, rated load, and accuracy. There are three basic measurement types: compression, shear, and tension. Compression squeezes contents along the same axis. Shear is compression along the offset axes. Tension weigh modules are used to convert a suspended tank or hopper into a scale. To provide reliable measurements, mounting hardware is used to ensure that only the vertical load is measured. Rated load is the maximum load that scales and balances can handle without sustaining permanent damage. Accuracy is the limit tolerance or average deviation between the actual output and the theoretical output.

Scales and balances provide analog outputs and differ in terms of display type and user interface. Many devices can output a voltage signal or current signal in proportion to the strain on the sensor. Common voltage ranges include 0 – 5 VDC and 1 – 5 VDC. The most common analog current loop is 4 – 20 mA. Devices with a switch or relay that operates at set point are also available. Scales and balances display values with analog meters, digital readouts, or video display terminals. Analog meters include a needle or light emitting diode (LED). Digital readouts are numerical or application-specific. Video display terminals (VDT) include cathode ray tubes (CRT) and flat panel displays (FPD). Some scales and balances include an analog front panel with potentiometers, dials, and switches. Others have a digital front panel. Larger, more complex systems can often be controlled remotely with a computer interface and include application software.

Scales and balances differ in terms of applications and features. Benchtop devices are relatively small and measure a limited range of loads. Conveyor scales weigh items as the pass along an assembly line. Truck, rail, and axle scales are placed under a vehicle’s tire. Floor scales align the measuring platform with the main floor and are suitable for shipping heavy freight and animals. Dynamometers measure the amount of power applied. Counting systems, crane scales, hopper or tank scales, weigh checks, and general-purpose industrial scales are also available. In terms of features, some scales and balances have a built-in audible or visual alarm. Others are waterproof, washdown-capable, or ruggedized for harsh environment.

Corner Weight Scales are typically used in Motor Racing applications, where an individual scale or load cell is placed under each wheel, and the spring’s tension pushing down on each wheel is adjusted to the requirement of the race engineer or driver, depending on track conditions, driver style, and race car attitude. Imagine a 4 legged chair with legs of uneven lengths. The chair would rock giving two legs much more pressure or weight to carry than the two other unloaded legs. The same applies to cars, where two wheels may carry more weight than the other two, making the car less suitable for some race circuits. A fine balance can be established by trial and the ultimate experience of the race car driver. Fine drivers can even compensate for the counter action of the centrifugal forces derived from an accelerating engine of great power coming out of a corner, pushing one side of the car down to the track with greater force, than the other side. Remember that the engine turns in one direction, say clock wise, exerting a force onto the chassis in an anticlockwise direction, thereby loading that relevant side of the car more than the other. Another good reason to weight each wheel is to be able to balance the weights of the various accessories and components, placing them ideally to create the balance necessary, also taking the weight of the driver into account. This applies to all forms of motor sport. Formula 1, NASCAR, Indy Cars, German Touring Cars and all top categories employ these tactics to give them the edge to win races, so why shouldn't you do so. Experiment to win.

Some Corner Weight Scales have connecting cables to the control and monitoring unit, while others do not, and employ the wireless technology such as those supplied by Intercomp. These cordless scales make it easier, faster and less complicated in the pits in the midst of the usual race day confusion, thus giving one some well earned breathing time.

This newer generation of Intercomp digital scales continue the high standards of accuracy (certified to 0.1%), strength (using billet aluminium scale pads), and durability (with 2 year warranty) at much more affordable prices. These systems display up to 6000 pounds (2800kg) in pounds or kilograms on a backlit display, using heavy-duty colour-coded cables.