Scales are essential tools in various industries, from manufacturing to retail, ensuring accurate measurements and efficient operations. However, like any piece of equipment, scales can encounter issues that affect their performance. Troubleshooting these problems effectively is crucial to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of your scales.
For technical help or more troubleshooting guidance, reach out to the Microtess team.
Before starting the troubleshooting process, consider any environmental or operational factors that could contribute to scale issues. Aggravating factors can include:
Keeping these factors in mind can provide crucial context for diagnosing issues. The following are some basic steps in troubleshooting a weighing system.
Begin with a visual inspection of the entire scale. Look for obvious signs of damage, wear, or interference that could affect system performance. This includes inspecting load cells, weighing platforms, and indicators for any physical damage or anomalies. Clear any debris from underneath the weighing platform.
Verify that all electronic components of the scale are properly powered and operational. Check for any error messages on indicators or control units, which can provide immediate clues to the nature of the problem.
Ensure that all connections between components, such as load cells to junction boxes and indicators, are secure and free from corrosion or damage. Loose or damaged connections can lead to inaccurate readings or failures.
Perform basic functional tests, such as applying a known weight to the scale and verifying the accuracy of the readout. This can help identify whether the issue lies with the measurement accuracy or another aspect of the system.
Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for troubleshooting tips and recommended practices specific to your equipment. This can provide valuable insights into common issues and their resolutions.
NOTE: Maintaining detailed documentation throughout the troubleshooting process is very helpful. Clear records of tests performed, observations made, and any error messages encountered can greatly assist technical support or service personnel in diagnosing and resolving issues faster and more efficiently.
Problem | Possible Cause | Common Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Battery will not charge | Mains voltage not present or too low. Fault in the charging circuit. Battery Failure. | Ensure the batteries are rechargeable. Some scales may require non-rechargeable batteries. Verify that the power supply voltage is correct. |
| Cannot use Full Capacity | Overload stops are hitting the pan support or the bottom of the load cell. Shipping screw not removed, if applicable. Electronic issues with the analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. Incorrect parameter settings. Damaged load cell or mechanical components. | Look for obstruction under pan, shipping screws, and verify pan installation. Ensure the correct weighing units are being used. |
| Display is blank/ does not turn on. Fuse in plug blown? | Mains power is turned off. Power supply is not plugged in. Power supply is faulty. Internal battery is not charged. Display is turned off. Incorrect power supply being used. | Ensure power is reaching the scale and the switch is turned on. Verify that the voltage supplied to the scale matches the specifications on the power module or scale. |
| Display blank after turn on test or showing error message. Display is locked. | Pan not installed. Unstable weight. Load cell damaged Mechanics damaged. | Check if the pans are installed correctly. Try turning the scale on again. |
| Display is unstable | Drafts or air currents. Obstruction under pan. Sample is moving (animal or liquid weighing). Vibrations through the table. Temperature is changing dramatically. Fsaulty power supply. Battery low on charge. | Verify the scale is in an acceptable location and on a good table. Verify the power supply is correct for the scale. Re-charge / change battery. |
| Not Linear | Overload stops hitting too soon. Load cell or mechanics damaged. A/D damaged. | Look for obstruction under pan, shipping screws, and verify pan installation. If linearity can be set by the user it will be described in the user manual |
| Off Center Loading error | Adjust mechanics. Overload Stops not correct. Load Cell/ mechanism damaged. | Look for obstruction under pan, shipping screws, and verify pan installation. |
| OL appears on display | Weight on scale over permissible limit. Pan support not seated properly. Power supply faulty. Load Cell or mechanics damaged. | Check the pans are installed correctly. Try pressing Zero key. Try turning the scale on again. |
| UL displayed | Weight on scale below permissible limit. Pan has been removed. Pan support not seated properly. Faulty power supply. Load Cell or mechanics damaged. | Check that the pans are installed correctly. Try pressing Zero key to reset. Try turning the scale off and on again. |
| Weight value incorrect | Calibration error. Linearity error. Unit calibrated with inaccurate weight. Balance not level. Obstruction underneath the scale. Wrong unit of weight displayed. | Calibrate again, paying special attention to the mass used, the stability of the scale, and the weighing units required. If linearity can be set by the user, it will be described in the user manual. Check pan is installed correctly and clear any obstructions. Verify installation is acceptable. |
While the common issues and solutions listed in the table above can help you resolve most problems, some issues may still require the assistance of a professional scale service company.
Professional scale technicians possess the expertise, tools, and experience to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently. They offer comprehensive services, including calibration, maintenance, repairs, and parts replacement.
No matter where you are in the world, our platform can connect you with a qualified professional ready to assist with your weighing system needs.
For immediate assistance, you can also reach out to us via kevin@micro-tess.com or call +86 139 1362 7970. We’re here to help!
