TruTest Weighing Tips and Maintenance
In this Blog we will talk you through a couple of simple tips and checks for your TruTest weighing equipment, helping you get the most out of your setup. Maintaining your weighing equipment is key to the accuracy of your weights, a small bit of maintenance will not only keep the accuracy but extend the lifetime of your equipment. We have been trade partners with TruTest for over 35 years, TruTest is one of the oldest brands we supply.
Loadbars checks
Visually inspect the cables, from the connector to the entry point on the load bar. check for pinching or damage to the cables. Any light damage can be repaired with electrical tape. For any damage where the wiring is exposed or completely cut, this should be returned immediately for repair to prevent damage to the loadcells.
Check the condition of the connector at the end of the cable, ensure they are clean and dry. Remove any debris with a dry cloth, and dry with compressed air or heat gun (a hairdryer will also work, but make sure you don’t get caught!!)
**NEVER SPRAY WD40 OR OIL-BASED LUBRICANTS IN THE CONNECTORS**
Testing Your Loadbars
Here Damien will talk you through how to check the readout of your load bars and how to see where if any an issue might be.
As per the video. Turn platform upside down and place a weigh on each of the 4 load feet. The indicator output should be the same reading every time. Remove any debris, muck or stones from between the rubber load foot and the bar its self. If required, remove the load foot with an 18mm socket and clean area with a wire brush. Ensure spacer is present when reassembling. Torque to 40NM.
Looki
ng after your Indicators
All Trutest equipment is IP67 rated and built to withstand the toughest of environments but here is a couple of simple steps to follow to keep your devices in tip-top condition. After using your indicator make sure the caps are put back on to stop any moisture from getting in. Use the mounting bracket supplied with the indicator to prevent any mishaps and clean off any mud or muck from your device when you are finished. Charge the indicator only when the battery is running low not after every session, this will help prolong the great battery life in your indicator. Overcharging will short the battery life. Trutest indicators have 20 hours of battery life, meaning most customers will only have to charge it once or twice a year.
Data Capture
In terns of data output or input, it depends on the indicator or the data you are looking for. The capabilities range with the indicators from our basic model the S3, providing the perfect basic data for anyone just weighing cattle or calves. The EZI 7i model offers more data option, the ability to show weight gains from your last session, Bluetooth to link up with our EID readers and manual drafting indicators. Then you have our top model, the XR5000, with 100 fields on information and the ability to create custom data sets the XR5000 collect all the data you what and process in there and then, holding up to a million recodes and also links up with your full EID range and has full automatic drafting capabilities, seamlessly powering Prattley auto drafters decision making along with most drafting systems. When I come the data collection you really should talk to one of our team and they will be able to direct you in the right direction.
Updating your indicators
Check for updates every time you are connected to the data link. This will keep the firmware up to date and will make sure your Trutest equipment will always be at its best. Here is a short video on how to update your indictor. This is with the S3 Indictor but the process is the same across the range.
Here is the link to download: DataLink
Any other TruTest Software
Data Link
It’s not just for updates
Tru-Test Data Link for Android smartphone or IOS ( Apple) is a free app available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store that enables you to download session files from your Tru-Test device, upload them to Datamars Livestock and share via email or other Android apps. Like any app please make sure if you update your indicator you update the app if an update is available.
Here is a short video on the Data Link app
Datamars Livestock
A FREE livestock management Package.
Datamars Livestock, is the new free online software system for Tru-Test weigh scales will allow you to track and monitor your animal’s progress by turning weighing session data into an easy to understand graphical summary. The system is a series of graphs which allow you to easily compare each individual animal’s weight against their target weight to ensure that they are on track. Along with this, you can review your top and bottom performers so you can manage them efficiently.
FREE to download for TruTest Customers
TruTest EID
With the capability to record information against Electronic ID (EID) or Visual tags, you can easily capture and analyse individual animal performance and history. Replacing guesswork with facts, the EziWeigh7i or RX5000 displays live weight gain since the previous session, showing animal performance right there in the yard. Using its built-in Bluetooth® technology, they can connect to Tru-Test’s EID readers automatically transferring scanned ID’s straight into the weigh scale, saving time and improving accuracy. Alternatively, the animal’s VID can be entered using the large and durable keypad.
Here is a short video on connecting your EID reader to your TruTest indicator.
If you need any more information please do not hesitate to contact us, we are here to help you get the most out of your TruTest setup. For any repairs, you can contact us 0217334066 or email info@odonovaneng.ie and we will contact you to arrange the pick-up and repair of your TruTest device. Hope you liked our blog on TruTest Weighing Tips and Maintenance.
